Page 26 of Stolen by the Rival Scot (Tartan Trails of Love #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

C aitlin returned to the bedchamber with a tray. Upon it was a plate of cold meats, bread and fruit.

“I told ye I wasnae hungry,” Evelyn protested.

“I ken that,” the maid said, fussing around her. “Ye dinnae need tae eat everything on the plate. Just tak’ what ye can.”

Evelyn managed about half of what Cailtin had brought her. Upon glancing at the plate as she took it away, her maid looked satisfied nonetheless.

“Now, what else can I bring ye?” she asked.

“I would really like a bath. I feel sticky.”

Immediately, Cailtin left again, and in no time at all, the maids arrived with buckets of hot water, filling the copper bath beside the fire. Under Caitlin’s instruction, Evelyn moved slowly, which worked out to be good advice, for when she stood, the room spun a again.

“It’s going tae tak’ ye a day or two tae get back tae yer full strength,” Caitlin advised, helping Evelyn over to the bath. “We just need tae tak’ things slowly fer now.”

The nightgown was discarded, and, placing one foot in at a time, Evelyn had eventually lowered herself into the water.

“Ahh,” she sighed, letting it flow around her body. “That already feels better.”

Caitlin returned from the dresser with soap and a cloth. While Evelyn allowed the bath to relax her, the maid dipped the cloth and soap into the water and began washing her.

“Did Edward question ye, too?” Evelyn asked out of nowhere.

“Nae at all,” Caitlin said, continuing with her duties. “I was spared the inquisition.” There was a smile in her voice, and Evelyn looked at her with a smile of her own.

“Good. I am glad he trusts ye as much as I.”

The lass’s smile faded as she continued. “Besides, from the whispers I hear around the castle, I think Edward and Craig already have suspicions o’ who might be at fault.”

Evelyn’s eyebrows had hitched at that remark.

“Och,” Caitlin frowned, “I shouldnae be talking o’ such things. Ye need tae be concentrating on building yer strength up, nae concerning yersel’ with the things the men can deal with.”

But undeterred by her maid’s avoidance, Evelyn did not take her eyes off her. “Tell me.”

The maid shook her head, clearly annoyed at herself that she had opened her mouth. “I am a fool. I should have remained quiet.”

“Caitlin. Tell me who Edward suspects.”

After another moment’s hesitation, Caitlin blurted, “Thomas and Gilroy have been missing since the wedding feast. From what I hear, they left the castle just ‘afore we all discovered there was poison in the food, and nay one has seen them since. They havenae returned. I cannae blame the laird fer thinking that they are involved. Their actions are certainly suspicious under the circumstances.”

Evelyn took a moment for that information to sink in. She had had no clue who Caitlin was going to name, but Thomas and Gilroy certainly would not have been at the top of the list, had she had one.

Her brow furrowed as she gazed into the fire, absently allowing Caitlin to clean her skin. She could not disagree with Edward’s deduction. Thomas and Gilroy going missing when they did was indeed suspicious. And yet, Evelyn could not seem to make sense of it.

If it had been them who poisoned her, what where their reasons? What could they possibly gain from her demise?

Edward and I are already married. They cannae undae that.

“Ye are meant tae be relaxing, me lady,” Cailtin said, her voice cutting into her thoughts. “I kent I should have kept me big mouth shut.”

“I’m glad ye told me. Besides, I would have found out sooner or later.”

“Perhaps ye would,” Caitlin replied. “But later would have been better. And if the laird discovers that I’m filling yer head with such worries, perhaps I’ll find meself mucking out the pigs.”

Evelyn burst into giggles then. “Och, nonsense,” she laughed. “Besides, I would never allow it.”

Caitlin had finished bathing Evelyn now, and looking at her mistress, she said, “I’m just glad ye’re are back with us.”

The playfulness had left her face, replaced with a somber expression of affection.

“Thank ye, Caitlin. As am I.”

A little time later, while Evelyn relaxed, and Caitlin gathered clothes together, the bedchamber door opened.

“Och, me laird,” Caitlin cried.

Smiling down at the Caitlin, he said, “I think I can tak’ care o’ Evelyn now, Caitlin.”

Cailtin turned to Evelyn, her face exploding with redness, and unable to keep a grin from here lips. Turning back to Edward, she quickly nodded.

“Aye, me laird,” she said.

A second later, she hurried around him and left the room as quickly as she could.

Edward closed the door after her and turned to see Evelyn watching him.

“We’ll have tae stop meeting like this,” he said, moving slowly across the room.

The tub sat close to the fire, and thus, approaching her, he lowered himself

“Maybe ye’d like tae join me.” She hitched her eyebrows playfully.

By his expression, her offer took him by surprise. Maybe because, when he had left her earlier, she was just about coming around from two days of delirious unconsciousness. Clearly he was a little taken aback at the fact that Evelyn appeared to be recovering far quicker than he imagined she might.

Ignoring her provocativeness, he said, “How are ye feeling?”

“Better. Thank ye. I just wanted tae wash the sweat off me skin. And I had a bit tae eat.”

Leaning forward in the chair, he pressed his hand to her forehead, and then against her cheeks. His hands were cool against her warm skin, and a welcome relief. But as much as he appeared to be concerned for her wellbeing, his eyes seemed to have a mind of their own, and thus, he could not seem to stop them from wandering downwards, catching the soft swell of her breasts as they floated just beneath the water. Tiny droplets of water glistened against the skin of her shoulders and arms, the flickering flames reflecting off the moisture.

“Ye dae seem a little cooler,” he murmured.

Her eyes met his, that playfulness returning as a smile danced on her lips.

“I dinnae think ye are right,” she breathed. “In fact, I think I’m still quite hot.”

Slowly, she pushed herself to her knees, revealing her beautiful nakedness. Water fell from her, trickling in rivulets down her skin at great speed. Her nipples tightened and her skin pebbled. As warm as the fire was, the air in the room was not as hot as the water.

And then, with his eyes widening again, she snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. She wanted him. She wanted him more now than she had ever wanted him before. He let her pull him in close, and then she pressed her soft lips on his. It was a tender kiss, a kiss to show her gratitude and love.

Wrapping his arms around her, he slipped his tongue between her lips. The fire beside them was nothing compared to the sparks that exploded between them, and there and then, she knew he wanted her. He needed her.

Slowly, he released his grip on her and pulled away. He looked deeply into her eyes, seeing the same desire he felt reflected back at him.

“Maybe ye’re right,” he growled. “Maybe I need tae tak’ ye tae the bed and check ye over properly.”

Evelyn beamed with delight at his words. She then stood from her bath and waited for his next move.

Not caring that his clothes were getting wet, Edward wrapped one arm about her shoulders, and tucked the other behind her knees. He then lifted her fully out of the tub and carried her across the room. Evelyn, with one arm draped over his shoulder, gazed up at him, not taking her eyes off him.

Once he gently lay her onto the bed, he stilled for a moment. She felt herself redden as his eyes grazed over her; from the light smile on her face, down over her throat, across her damp breasts, over her flat stomach, and beyond. She could see his eyes darkening with desire, which only made her want him more.

“Ye truly are breathtaking, Evelyn,” he growled, his voice already thick with the want of her.

Without taking his eyes off her, he moved around the bed. Slowly, he undressed, taking one piece of clothing off at a time. Before now, Evelyn might have turned away, embarrassed and too self-conscious to look at him so openly. Not this time. This time, she wanted to soak in every inch of him, as he had done her.

Once his plaid was tossed aside, Edward pulled his tunic over his head. Her eyes grazed over his broad shoulders and the nakedness of his chest and stomach. It was the first time she had actually seen the muscles she had felt beneath his clothing, and her eyes widened at the dips and crevices.

His chest was solid, bulging with the strength she knew he possessed. As her eyes fell to his stomach, she noticed smaller protrusions, pockets of solid muscle staring back at her, enclosed in his slender waist.

Finally, he untied the cord that held his underclothes. Tugging them free, they fell down his legs. When he revealed the large, protruding mass of his manhood, Evelyn found herself sharply taking in a breath.

Edward stood there for a few seconds longer, allowing her to admire his form, before eventually, climbing into the bed beside her. Almost in a trance, she reached out her hand to him. Her fingers trailed across his chest, feeling the strength she had enjoyed only with her eyes. There were small white lines, some thicker and longer than others. Telltale signs of the battles he had fought over the years.

Tenderly, her fingers traced over those lines. He had survived all of those injuries. Something that she was more grateful for than she realized.

Leaning her head toward him, she planted tiny kisses on his chest, her soft lips against the taut skin, feeling the mass beneath. Light moans trickled down to her ears, Edward clearly enjoying her tender caresses.

Feeling a little bolder, she ran her hand slowly down the flatness of his stomach as she continued. Lower and lower she went, her eyes taking in the hugeness of his manhood. When she reached it, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft, and hardly thinking about what she was doing, she began moving them up and down.

“Oh, me god,” he growled, the sound vibrating through his chest as she continued with her light kisses.

Sensing his pleasure, Evelyn continued moving up and down. As she did so, she felt Edwards hands. One roamed across her back, stroking her lightly, the other twisted into her hair as he gently tugged, pulling at her scalp.

She had wanted him from the moment he had stepped into the room, but now, with the knowledge of the pleasure she was giving him, she felt her own desire building. Her nipples ached as they lightly rubbed against his body, heat fired deep within her, and already, she could feel slickness between her thighs.

“Ye have tae stop, Evelyn,” he growled through panting breaths.

She smiled to herself, ignored him, and continued on. He had introduced her to places unknown. Now it was her turn to return the favor. Gripping him a little tighter, she moved her hands with more determination, up and down, up and down, just a little faster.

Above her, Edward panted even harder, his grip on her hair grew tighter as he pulled her back. It didn’t hurt. In fact, Evelyn was a little surprised that it only aroused her more. On and on, she continued, feeling his manhood growing harder and harder beneath her grip.

Suddenly, she found herself flung on her back.

“Stop!” he demanded.

Evelyn was a little taken aback. Her wide eyes stared up at him in shock, and for a second, she thought she had done something wrong.

“What’s the matter? Was I nae doing it right?”

Edward’s face broke into a surprised smile. “Nae doing it right?” he gawked. “Are ye kidding? Woman, ye had me close tae exploding.”

She frowned then. “But, I dinnae understand.”

“O’ course, ye dinnae me love. But a man must always make certain his lover is satiated first. Besides,” he growled, “I want tae be inside ye.”

Evelyn had no chance to say anything more because Edward dropped his head and plunged his lips around her nipple.

“Ah,” she cried, her breasts pushing into him as though they had a mind of their own.

His hand slipped between her thighs, pulling them wide open. His fingers reached the warm aching center of her, and Edward growled again, the sound coming from the depths of his soul.

“Och, god, Evelyn. Ye are so wet. Ye are so ready fer me. I cannae wait tae slip inside ye. But nae yet. Nae yet.”

She then cried out again when she felt his lubricated fingers caress that special place, that tiny nub. Clearly, he was growing as eager as she, for he did not start off slow this time. As though he knew how desperate she was for him, he worked his fingers swiftly, just the right momentum, just the right pressure. This man had it down to a fine art.

Up and up she went, already nearing her peak, for she was that aroused.

“Och, aye, Evelyn. Come fer me, me love.”

Her body tensed, she held her breath and gripped the bedding beneath her with one hand, while grabbing Edward’s shoulder with the other. Her body felt the familiar lightness and heaviness both at the same time. Her stomach clenched, every muscle tightened, and when she felt herself right at the edge, holding her breath, waiting for that final second of utter ecstasy, she hung there, for just a few seconds longer.

And then, she toppled, and yet, floated.

“Oh, me god,” she squealed.

Her body spasmed, she panted for air, her skin felt cold and hot, as a sensation even more powerful than before rushed through every fiber of her being. But Edward was as eager as she, and without a moment’s hesitation, he positioned himself on top of her and slipped inside.

Again, it was like nothing she had ever felt, for she had barely finished exploding. And yet, as he drove himself into her, his desperation evident in his eager thrusts, she could feel herself climbing higher and higher again. Hardly knowing if her body could tolerate such a feeling a second time, she was swept along, helpless to stop it.

Wrapping her arms around Edward, they clashed together, their souls molding into one, their hearts beating together as they panted and groaned and rose to heights unknown. Those same sensations returned in seconds, and sensing Edward’s desperation, she knew he could not last for much longer either.

And then, they both yelled out in unison, their bodies clenching, and spasming. Edward stilled as he emptied himself inside her, his head thrown back, the veins protruding from his throat. Evelyn jerked wildly as her orgasm took her over, squeezing him tightly.

Exhausted and sweaty, Edward fell onto the bed beside her. His eyes glowed with satisfaction, but they expressed something far deeper than that. In that moment, as he slipped his arm under her shoulder and pulled her into him, all she could see was love.

He loves me. He loves me as deeply as I love him.

Then, Edward fell fast asleep. After gently slipping out from his grip and sitting up beside him in the bed, Evelyn gazed down at him with a tender smile.

“Sleep now, me love. Ye, above all others, deserve it the most.”

As quietly as she could, Evelyn dressed in the clothes Caitlin had readied for her earlier. She considered lying beside Edward, but she had been sleeping for two whole days. What she needed now, more than anything, was to get out of that room and get some fresh air.

She had descended the stairs and was heading in the direction of the gardens at the rear, when someone called out her name.

“Evelyn?”

Spinning to look, Evelyn smiled at the delighted, yet slightly concerned faces of Morgana and Freya.

“Are ye supposed tae be up and out o’ bed yet?” Freya asked, her brow lifting.

“I dinnae ken,” Evelyn replied. “What I dae ken is that I cannae stay another minute in that bedchamber. I need tae feel air on me face.”

“Ye were heading tae the garden,” Morgana deduced. A statement, not a question.

“Aye. ‘Tis a fine day, and I plan tae enjoy what is left o’ it.” She smiled. “Nearly dying has that effect on ye.”

The woman laughed a little, and then Freya said, “Perhaps we could join ye.”

“O’ course. I would love the company,” Evelyn said, turning back the way she was heading.

The three continued out into the rear gardens, where Evelyn took in her first breath of fresh air for two days. The birds sang in the trees around them, and though it was still cool, the day was pleasant, as she had deduced when Caitlin had opened her drapes several hours earlier.

“I cannae believe how well ye look,” Morgana said, gazing at Evelyn. “Yer cheeks are glowing. That must have been some tonic Fergus gave ye, fer it has fairly done its work.”

“Aye,” Evelyn replied, trying to hide the blush from rising on her face.

The last hour she and Edward had spent together was likely the culprit of her glowing skin, but Evelyn was going to keep that information firmly to herself.

“So, ye are fully recovered?” Freya asked as they walked the gravel path that separated the lawns.

“I think it will take another day yet,” Evelyn replied. “I still feel a little dizzy if I stand too quickly, but I think that also has something tae dae with the fact that I havenae eaten nor drank much.”

“I agree,” Freya said with a knowing nod. “And while I ken ye want tae enjoy the fresh air, Evelyn, ye must nae rush back intae things.”

“What about the others?” Evelyn asked.

Freya looked at her. “Ye mean, the others who were ill?”

“Aye.” Evelyn nodded. “There was a young lad in the great hall at our wedding feast. And, from what I hear, a few more too.”

“The lad is grand. He came out o’ it last night. Mesel’ and Fergus have been keeping a close eye on the others. Some were like yersel’, Evelyn. In fact, there’s still two others who have nae yet wakened.”

“Och, nay,” Evelyn sighed.

“Dinnae worry,” Freya continued. “They’re on the mend. Fergus is very knowledgeable. In fact, I would say I’ve learned quite a bit from him over the last few days.”

“Aye. He’s a good man.”

The women enjoyed a leisurely stroll for a half hour. But the sun was lowering in the sky, and Freya was determined that Evelyn should not stay out any longer.

“I am actually feeling a little tired,” Evelyn agreed. “I think I will return tae me bedchamber. Perhaps I will see ye both a little later.”

After bidding each other farewell, Evelyn made her way back upstairs. She was glad she had managed to enjoy the fresh air she had so desperately sought, but it also appeared that Freya was right. She ought not to rush into things, for her body was now feeling the effects.

After taking her time climbing the wide staircase, Evelyn made her way along the corridor. As she turned the corner, she met Caitlin coming toward her. Her maid smiled with relief at the sight of her.

“I was looking fer ye, me lady. Are ye all right?” Caitlin looked a little concerned then. “Ye look a little white. Perhaps ye should lie down.”

“That’s exactly what I am going tae dae, Caitlin. I have enjoyed a pleasant walk in the gardens, but now, I am feeling the effects.”

“Please, me lady,” Caitlin held out a hand. “Let me help ye.”

But Evelyn shook her head. “I’m fine. Truly. Besides, I think Edward might still be sleeping. I’m sure I’ll manage. Go now.” Evelyn waved her away. I want ye tae enjoy an early evening tae yersel’. Ye deserve it after everything ye have done fer me.”

“Are ye sure?” Caitlin pressed, clearly not eager to leave her side.

Evelyn smiled and nodded. “I am. Now, away with ye,” she said playfully.

Caitlin nodded, smiled and then went on her way.

When Evelyn arrived at the bedchamber, Edward was still fast asleep, as she suspected he might be.

Me poor darling. Ye truly must have been exhausted.

After taking a little longer to undress, for Caitlin’s help always made it easier, Evelyn slipped into her nightshift. After that, she went around the room blowing out all the candles but one. She carried that one over to her bedside table and placed it down before climbing into bed beside her husband.

“I love ye,” she whispered, and once the blankets were pulled up and over her shoulder, she blew out the flame.

When Evelyn woke again, it was with a gasp. Edward too sat bolt upright, for there was someone thundering on their bedroom door with great gusto, calling out for Laird Campbell.