Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (8 page)

One whispered to another. “I have never seen Colin so tempted.”

“Things are going to change, ‘tis ‘bout time, Douglas.”

“Aye,” Douglas replied.

“’Twill be an intriguing journey home.”

“I cannot wait to see what Colin does.”

“He’ll have her under his plaid before we get to Steven’s.” Robin chuckled softly.

“Ye have that aright. He held her possessively,” Douglas said.

“I say we do a wee bit of pushing. What say ye?”

“Aye, it would be sporting of us to assist him.”

Colin couldn’t hear their conversation, but he knew they were talking about him what with the looks they gave. His cousin nodded and the men laughed. Brendan shook his head as if he was disgusted with the banter.

“We will begin the sport tomorrow.” Douglas grinned.

Colin didn’t pay them anymore attention. Throughout the night, he kept vigil on the camp and continued to watch the lass. His sword lay beside him at the ready should they be attacked during the night. Morning came, and with it his surliness. He wasn’t grumpy because he was tired; it was more from keeping his restraint.

He stood by the horses, making sure each was sound enough for the travel they would do that day. His men dared to jest with him about his grumpiness.

“Get your arses moving. We set out soon.” Colin noticed Julianna had awakened. He knew she had to be stiff from lying on the cold ground. Sunshine sparkled on her hair, making it golden. Before he could speak to her, she hurried off through the trees.

Her companion followed, and Colin wasn’t sure he liked the fact that the man would be alone with her, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. He directed the men to gather their plaids and to eat before they continued the journey.

He reached inside his bag for something to eat, when he felt someone tap his shoulder. Turning, he saw Julianna standing behind him.

“I am ready, Laird MacKinnon.”

“For what?”

She smiled prettily. “I thought ye were awaiting me.”

“Nay, we’re eating.” He offered her hard whey bread.

Taking it, she smiled at the men who stood nearby. Colin was about to say something, when she left his side and approached his cousin, Douglas.

She curtseyed. “We haven’t met, I’m Julianna Bentley.”

Douglas looked at her as though she were daft. He turned and walked away. Colin was about to call him, when Julianna returned to his side.

“Are your men always so impolite?” He nodded. “This is going to be an arduous journey.” She stepped around him and smiled. “I’ll have to win them over with kindness then.”

Colin took her hand firmly and led her away. “Ye will not speak to them.”

He frowned, and made certain his voice was indignant. The woman reached out and dared to smooth his brow. He knew then she was going to be difficult.

“Must ye be so disproving? I suppose I should ask why?”

“Why what?” He clenched his teeth, resisting the temptation to touch her.

“Why I cannot speak to them?”

“’Tis forbidden. Do not question me.”

“Forbidden?” she asked incredulously. “Why?”

She dared to put the question to him, even after being told so sternly not to. Mayhap she had more courage than he’d thought. His jaw twitched, making him realize how annoyed he was.

“Leave them be, they have their duty to see to. We have a hard ride ahead.” He walked toward the stream, thinking to take a minute before they set out.

“Laird MacKinnon?”

He turned. “What now?”

“Why are
you
talking to me?”

“I am explaining, not talking. I don’t usually explain myself to anyone. Get ready to go,” he ordered, feeling his body’s craving taunting him to do something about it.

“Why not?” She boldly tested him further.

Through clenched teeth, he said, “Why not what, lass?”

“Why do ye not explain yourself to anyone?”

“Because I’m laird.” His eyes narrowed, and he dared her with a glare to say another word.

“I don’t understand.” Her eyes sparkled and she was trying not to laugh. “Ye are a bit arrogant, are you not?”

“Mayhap.” He sauntered away, hearing her laughter. She had a delightful laugh. Glaring at his men, he dared them to grin. As surly as he was, a few punches just might make him feel better. He didn’t know why she found their conversation humorous. If he wasn’t patient, he suspected she’d cause him all sorts of problems.

None of his men spoke to her during the long ride that day. Her companion didn’t seem to want to ride with her either. Colin took pity on her and rode nearby. When they made camp on the second night, she was left alone, lying on her blanket. Colin directed the men to be on alert and he insisted no fire be lit. They entered hostile territory and he didn’t want to alert anyone of their presence.

On the third day of the journey, Julianna seemed to concentrate on the scenery. He didn’t see what was so captivating. Rolling hills formed green and tan squares. Makeshift walls of stone, erected many years before by the Romans who had invaded their land went on a great distance. Fir trees lined the paths they traveled and pines nestled closely together, obstructing the view of the land beyond.

The sound of a bird whistled overhead, a merle or perhaps a wren. During the ride, a doe and a fawn stood in a shallow glen. Their reflection waved upon the water’s surface. The doe’s eyes held his for a brief moment.

“This land enchants me. Have your men never seen such beauty? They seem unaffected by it.” She had spoken low, he almost hadn’t heard her.

“Aye, beauty is all around us.”

“It captivates me.”

He smiled. “It captivates me as well.” Of course he wasn’t referring to the beauty of the land. The beauty that captivated him was a bit closer.

“I fear my backside is about to ignite. Will we stop soon?”

With her admission, Colin flinched, but he hunched his shoulder. They couldn’t stop yet, at least for another hour or so. He hadn’t thought about her concerns the entire day. They rode as though daemons followed, and he hadn’t asked once if she needed a rest. She probably wouldn’t say a word, even if it killed her. She wasn’t a complainer, he’d give her that.

His men ignored her and even her almighty companion kept his distance. The men jested with each other and laughed at their quips, but Colin overlooked them and was more concerned with their safety.

“Why are your men happy?”

Stunned that she’d finally turned to look at him after riding another hour, he moved his horse next to hers. He’d stared at her back for the last hour, memorizing the curve of her shoulders and the length of her legs—all imprinted in his mind.

“My men are happy because we have reached our bonny Highlands.”

“I am pleased to be away from England, too.”

Astonished by her comment, he didn’t know what to make of it. Wasn’t England the place where she was born? Why didn’t she like her beloved homeland?

“I’m glad ye are happy to be leaving England, but why?”

“England never appealed to me. I don’t belong there.”

Colin cast an astonished glance. He had another reason to admire her. “Nay, ye don’t belong there.”

The evening meal was served as soon as the men placed their plaids. They sat in groups and their laird must have left the camp because she didn’t see him. Not knowing what to do, Julianna turned away. She sat on a log and opened her satchel, retrieving an apple. After taking a bite, she glanced up and found them staring like a pack of wolves. Their eyes seemed to glow in the dusk of the oncoming night. Disconcerted, she felt like an outcast because they treated her like she wasn’t there. She offered the men fruit, but none would take it. In Gaelic, she repeated her offer, but they didn’t seem to understand. Their mouths agape, yet none answered.

“So much for dealing with wolves.”

“My lady, may I sit with ye?”

“Of course you may, Bleeth. Have some fruit. I miss talking to you. Why won’t ye ride with me?”

He shrugged as was his habit. “They won’t let me near ye.”

She laughed. “Truly? That’s absurd, Bleeth. Why in heaven’s name would they care if ye rode with me?”

Taking a bite of his apple, he swallowed before answering. “Their leader set them to the task.” He took another bite.

“What task?”

“To keep me away from ye.”

“That’s ridiculous, Bleeth. You shall ride with me on the morrow. You’ll see, ‘tis your imagination.”

When Julianna looked up, she noticed the men had moved closer. She wondered why they smiled so sweetly.

One of the men sat beside Bleeth. “The wolf is our clan’s symbol.”

“Then I suppose ye are happy to be associated with the animal.” She laughed at her folly of calling them wolves. More men joined their group and before she knew it, they sat around her.

“She speaks our language,” Brendan said.

“Aye, Colin’s a lucky man,” Douglas put in.

“I say we don’t tell him. Let him find out on his own.”

“It will be a nice surprise,” Douglas replied.

A man took pity on her. “Don’t listen, milady. They are teasing ye. I am the laird’s brother, Robin. I would be happy to sit with you and Bleeth. I danced with ye at Steven KirkConnell’s wedding. Do ye recall?”

Julianna studied him. “You don’t look akin to Laird MacKinnon. You are his brother?” He nodded. She didn’t believe him, because their hair color was the only resemblance. His eyes colored in the likeness of hers, not the shade of green, as was Colin’s. Though he stood as tall as his brother, Colin’s body was wider.

“I don’t recall dancing with ye. It was a long time ago, but it is nice to meet you, my lord.”

“Please, call me Robin. I am simply a man, not a lord.”

“I would like to wash. Is there a place to do so close by?”

“There’s a wee stream beyond that fat tree. Be careful, the current is swift.” He pointed to a tree behind them. “No one will bother ye.”

“I shall go and wash then.” She walked toward the tree.

Bleeth rose to watch over her, but Robin stopped him. “She will be safe enough, no need to stand guard.”

Bleeth returned to his position on the ground. Julianna was happy to get away from the men. She spotted the stream and couldn’t resist the temptation of washing. Taking the fabric of her skirt in hand, she first listened to make sure she was alone then wadded to deeper water. The coolness of the water enlivened her spirits and she began humming. Escaping for a bit, she wondered what Laird MacKinnon was doing, likely off scaring the poor woodland creatures.

Colin walked through the woods without making a sound. He heard her giggle as he approached. He wanted to assure her safety after making rounds of the camp, since he had sensed someone following them earlier that day. Though he couldn’t locate whoever trailed, he’d have to backtrack later to find out who they were.

Julianna hummed. He watched like before, only last time, she had slipped naked into a pond. To his disappointment, she wouldn’t slip into the shallow stream. The water was too low to take a swim, and the stream, although wide, wouldn’t likely reach his knees. Colin watched her, clad only in her shift. She must not have sensed his presence, because she removed a cloth from a bag and placed it in the cold water. Staring at the cloth gliding along her skin, he wished his hands could replace it. He knew if he watched much longer, he’d go to her. Not wanting to startle her, he returned to camp, and joined the men by the fire.

“Colin, the lass fairs well?” asked Robin.

“Aye, she’s washing. She’ll return shortly.”

Robin whistled. “Och, I’m liking her a whole lot. She’s the lass I told ye about, remember at Steven’s wedding? A man was bothering her and I rescued her.”

“That lass was Julianna? I’m sure Tess will be overjoyed with her presence. In fact, she would likely carve your balls—”

“Cosh, Colin,” Robin cursed, “you’re awful testy. But you’re right, Tess would be angry. When we get home, I hope to marry her. She’s put me through hell and it’s time she obeys me.”

Colin looked amazed by Robin’s speech. Was his brother finally ready to settle down? He had thought Robin felt the same about marriage.

“I’m happy for ye, Robin, but you’d be better off keeping her. I might be keeping a woman when we reach home,” Colin said lightly.

Robin turned to hide his expression. “Did I hear you aright? Brendan, did ye hear that?”

Brendan joined them, sitting on the ground next to Robin. He grunted his reply. Brendan, the quiet one, the loner, often kept to himself and held his own counsel. Robin avoided his glare because Brendan’s steel-gray eyes and black hair made him appear onerous. Hell, even he avoided Brendan’s hard looks.

“We need to liven this family. Who’s the lucky lass? I haven’t seen ye with anyone lately. Any of those lassies at home are more than willing to make ye happy.” Robin grinned slyly, knowing full well who Colin alluded to.

“The lady I am wanting is beyond those trees. I met her at Steven’s wedding, too. Now that I have found her, I’ll not lose her again.”

Robin laughed. “Ye met before? No wonder no other woman tempts ye. She will make a fine wife, but she’ll be giving you a hard time. Do ye think ‘twill be easy?”

Brendan joined the conversation. “The two of you have gone mad. For God’s sake, they’re just women. Marry them? Keep them? Ye sound like a bunch of lassies, sitting here in the dark gossiping about this bullshit.”

“Brendan, it’s no wonder ye don’t talk about lassies—they never let you get close enough ‘cause you scare ‘em too much. Why don’t ye lighten up? Start thinking about your other sword for a change and give your damned arm a rest,” Colin said, laughing.

Brendan took offense, shoving his chest aggressively. Colin enjoyed teasing Brendan, though not many would. Brendan’s glare did frighten the lasses and sent many men to their cups. He hadn’t much luck with lassies that was true, and the only women he’d ever been with weren’t worth mentioning.

Colin shoved him back. Brendan growled and went off to sit with Bleeth.

“Robin, I didn’t say I’m marrying her. Besides, I am never getting married, but I am keeping Jules.”

Robin frowned. “What do ye mean, you’re not getting married? ‘Tis your duty to take a wife and bear heirs for the clan.” He leaned close, the last shouted.

Before Colin could answer, Robin punched his arm. Colin shoved his shoulder, and he fell backward. Robin was spoiling for a fight, and Colin reveled at releasing his frustration, but there was a lady present and he wouldn’t lower himself.

“To hell with your priss-arse views, Robin.” Colin walked away before he pummeled him.

Julianna returned from the stream and she was about to lie on the cover he’d spread on the ground. He touched her arm. Inching away, she seemed coy now and he found it sweet.

“I want ye to use this plaid. It will keep you warm for the rest of our journey.” Colin held out the dark-blue plaid woven with red and green stripes which formed square designs. He noticed the men watching, they knew the implication of his action. His brother, Robin, bellowed and caused her to glance his way.

“I thought the men seem much more relaxed tonight. What’s wrong with Robin?”

Colin glared at his brother. “Aye, they are relaxed. Nothing is wrong with him; he’s just an opinioned arse.”

“Your plaid is beautiful, Laird MacKinnon.”

“Keep it and wear it for your safety. It will protect ye should we come upon another clan.” He noticed her blush, but she did take it. Contently, she snuggled with the plaid wrapped around her shoulders, and he never thought anyone looked so beautiful wearing his plaid before.

“How do ye know the KirkConnell’s?”

Julianna’s eyes moved to Douglas. Colin wasn’t sure why his cousin spoke, but Douglas dared more than most men. She glanced at him before answering. He almost grinned, because it was as if she sought his approval. Nodding, he waited to see what would happen.

“I only know Sara. We met when we were young.”

“How did ye meet?” Robin joined the conversation.

“We shared a dormitory at the convent. She’s been a good friend since, and we used to have such fun together. The nuns often scolded us for our antics.”

“What kind of antics, milady?” Douglas asked.

“I had an idea and talked Sara into it, but it’s too ghastly to tell.”

“Ye have our curiosity stoked.” Robin laughed.

“You men would think it silly.”

“We won’t, we promise,” Douglas said charmingly.

“I convinced Sara to help me hide the nuns’ clothes,” she admitted. The men hooted laughter. She smiled and continued the story, “Later that day, the nuns asked if we did something with their clothing. Of course we lied because we didn’t want to get into trouble. We stuffed the clothing in the fire well, below the abbey’s hall. That night, while reading, Sara and I could hardly contain our laughter. Smoke from the hearth filled the chamber. It was dangerous; we hadn’t known. The funny thing was, later that week the sisters sagged around the middle. We did laugh at that. Mother Superior knew we had done it, but she couldn’t prove it. We had many fun times together.”

Colin shared a look with Bleeth. “You’re aright, Jules, it was silly. Time to sleep.”

The men chuckled at the story.

“Colin, ye found yourself a spirited lass,” Robin whispered.

He smiled inwardly at her story because she’d been carefree then. Her reserved nature hid her true essence. He’d noticed she rarely let her guard down and when she did, it was fleeting. It would do well if she could always be so lighthearted. He wanted to pull her into his arms and tell her so. Instead, he watched her unmoving form. With her hair let down, fanned out around her, she appeared to be an angel, aye a sweet angel.

Colin had a devil of a time controlling himself. His restraint was slipping by the day, making him cross. When she finally fell asleep, he rejoined the men and said to those still awake, “She’s mine and I’m keeping her. She wears my plaid and—”

“Colin—” Robin interrupted.

“I’ll hear no argument, Robin.” Colin ended his vow by moving off toward her. They had to respect his wishes; after all, he was laird.

Bleeth sat next to him. “I heard what ye said, Laird MacKinnon.”

“Aye, and?”

“You dishonor my lady, speaking so.”

Colin didn’t appreciate his tone. Who was this man to speak so insolently? “What I do doesn’t concern you, Bleeth. Who are ye to her?”

“Lady Joanna took me in, and I have known Julianna since the day she was born. Nevertheless, the lady is under my protection. I cannot let ye dishonor her. I insist you desist saying such things in front of your men.”

“Ye insist? I mean to honor her, Bleeth.”

“How, by keeping her as ye said? You don’t intend to wed her; therefore, you’ll cause her disgrace. If ye do so, you will regret it.”

Colin laughed at the paltry threat. “How do ye plan to retaliate, Bleeth? I’m interested to know.”

“Let us say, I have more power than ye.”

Colin’s laughter pitched. “Power? All I see is a man without strength. You couldn’t lift that stone.” He motioned to a small boulder nearby.

“If I lift it, then will ye desist and leave my lady alone?” Bleeth challenged.

“Agreed.” Colin never considered Bleeth could lift the boulder. Standing beside him, Colin waited for him to lift it.

Bleeth waved his hands over the rock and chanted strange words—the language of the isle. Colin wasn’t sure what he was trying to do, but if he thought magic would aid him, he was sadly mistaken. There wasn’t such a thing as magic. Bleeth bent and placed his hands on the boulder. Colin resigned himself to not laugh; after all, the lad was quite earnest. With a grunt, Bleeth took hold of the boulder and tried to lift it. The rock didn’t budge an inch.

Finally, the attempt became so laughable, Colin roared. He couldn’t hold back and shoved Bleeth out of his way, and took hold of the boulder. After lifting it a few inches off the ground, he dropped it and turned to Bleeth.

“The power is mine and I won’t desist. The lady will make up her own mind.” With that, Colin moved off, letting him stew in defeat.

The night grew chilly, and Colin noticed Julianna’s shivering. He didn’t get much sleep, not with her lying so close. Thinking to help keep her warm, he lay next to her and was surprised when she snuggled against him. He placed a plaid over them to ward off the night chill.

In her sleep, she knows she belongs to me.
His body responded fiercely to her submission. She murmured in her sleep. The plaid shifted, exposing her long legs, the smooth, curved length beckoned his touch, but instead of caressing it as he wanted to, he used his leg to shift the plaid so she wouldn’t be cold.

Startled by his movement against her bared leg, she awoke with her face an inch from his. She focused on his eyes, but didn’t speak. He breathed in her feminine scent.

All he could do to control himself was to remain still. If he moved, he knew restraint would crumble. Unintentionally, she brushed against him. Holding her close, he refused to relent. Her soft body lay compliantly against his. Restraint be damned. Lowering his mouth, he kissed her boldly, as he had so long ago.