Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Read online

  “I promised not to be a burden. ‘Tis nae my usual habit to be so remiss. In truth, I cannot recall a time I slept so deeply or well as strange as it sounds.”

  She shook her head as if confused by her own confession, then turned suddenly to face him. “Mayhap it was the whiskey. I’m unaccustomed to such strong spirits.”

  Vastly amused by her assumption, however, Gavin knew it was far from the truth. He decided not to reveal that the whiskey had naught to do with her deep and blissful slumber, but rather that she felt safe in his arms. And he found the idea of keeping her there much to his liking.

  17

  Gently rolling hills soon gave way to heather-covered glens and windswept moors as the riding party of Highland warriors and their English captive continued their journey north. Yet, it was not the majestic landscape that caught Laird Macleod’s attention or even the dark clouds that gathered above, but rather Lady Ella, and how at ease and liberated she had become over the past few hours.

  She genuinely enjoyed their sarcastic humor and debating with them over horseflesh, and in turn, they appreciated her confident manner and display of intelligence. It was clear to all that she knew much about horses, and had strong opinions on how to train and bred them.

  Osgood and Edric enjoyed seeing the fire in her eyes when she spoke so passionately about her methods. And the results of her efforts intrigued them.

  With a mischievous grin plastered on his face, Osgood taunted, “Now lass, we live in the Highlands which demands that our horses be bred to withstand the climate, but also have the strength and endurance to tackle the terrain. I’m thinking yer pretty English horses would nae last one winter.”

  Deciding to contribute to the teasing so he could see that quick temper of hers, Edric said, “Aye, our Highland horses and training methods are far more superior than those ye have developed, but mayhap we will allow ye to ride one of our horses so ye will ken I speak the truth. What think ye of that?”

  She did not look at him, Edric noted, and was curious to hear how she would retaliate to his absurd accusations.

  In Gaelic, she said, “I think ye are daft, Edric, with naught but rocks between yer ears. What think ye of that?”

  Since the Macleod’s assumed she did not know their language, Ella thought it the perfect time to throw Edric’s words back at him. But when silence followed her statement, she feared she may have overstepped her bounds. It was short lived , however, when booming laughter filled the summer air.

  Turning to Gavin, Edric asked, “Did ye ken she spoke Gaelic?”

  “Aye, but I take it ye nae did.”

  When Edric looked around at the others, Gavin winked at Ella to let her know he’d been as ignorant as his friend had, but was pleased with her jest.

  Ella beamed at the silent praise, while the men mocked Edric ruthlessly.

  “Are ye sure ye are English, lass,” Edric chuckled. “Ye must be at least half Scot, because I’ve ne’er met an English lady with such spirit and wit.”

  “And beauty,” Tavish added with a fierce blush that made everyone turn to look at him.

  “Aye, and beauty,” Gavin confirmed, startling Ella as the others grinned.

  “Ah . . . when . . . when will we reach your home, Laird Macleod?” She tried to sound sincere as she changed the subject, but when she her their boisterous laughter, she knew she failed.

  “Day after tomorrow,” Gavin replied with a soft chuckle. “Are ye eager to see our home?”

  “I am most eager to see Gabriel and my uncle, and pray they met with nae mishap on their journey. Do you think that they would have continued onto Mackenzie land?”

  “Nae. If my nephew is indeed in Scotland with this so-called honorable knight, then Gabriel would have led him to the Macleod stronghold. We are kin and our land is closer. Despite his size, Gabriel is young. If yer story is true, the journey would have been verra difficult for him. He will have need of rest before continuing on to his home.”

  “You still do not believe that Gabriel is on his way home, do you?”

  “I would like to believe ye, but I dinna hold much faith,” he admitted honestly.

  “Because I’m a woman or English?”

  “Both.”

  Ignoring her dejected look, Gavin continued, “Why would an English Lady concern herself with a Scot? Furthermore, I dinna think ye capable of getting out of the castle with the lad in yer condition.”

  Angrily, Ella looked away, refusing to continue the conversation.

  Gavin could almost see her erect a wall around herself, a barrier from him, and he wanted nothing more but to tear it down until naught lay between him and the irresistible creature that was his captive.

  18

  For the remainder of the dismal day, Ella engaged in pleasant conversation with Nicholas, Osgood, Edric or Tavish, while she blatantly rebuffed their laird. By the time they set up camp for the night, Gavin was surprised that he actually missed speaking with her, hearing her opinions, and the way she looked at him when he shared his own.

  She possessed the unique ability to make others feel completely at ease while they conversed with her, and her response reflected genuine interest. Most women Gavin was acquainted with spoke only of paltry matters or plied him with hollow compliments, but Ella was sincere when she engaged in conversation. She asked intelligent questions and gave her honest opinion. Moreover, she didn’t discuss issues concerning women. In fact, she spoke on more important topics, such as peoples' health and well-being. This Gavin admired greatly, which only made it more difficult to send her back to England.

  Pushing aside that thought, as well as the annoyance of her silent treatment, he assisted her from her mount.

  “’Tis time to tend to yer back.” Although she said nothing, he was pleased that she did not resist.

  With bandages and salve in hand, Gavin led her to a small clearing away from his men. He smiled when he saw the small loch under the sunset, imagining swimming naked with her just before making love to her.

  He sat on a large rock and moved her to stand in front of him so he was eye level to her upper back.

  “Is this really still necessary? Surely by back is healed enough to not need tending so often.”

  Ignoring her surly tone, he replied softly, “Nicholas said it was to be done for a sennight so ye will have to endure my touch for four days longer.”

  Hearing his words, Ella lowered her head in shame as he finished removing the soiled linen.

  “Laird Macleod,” she began, “I should not have said that or used such a callous tone. You have been honest, generous, and more than kind. I was disrespectful and . . .” She shook her head, then continued, “I just thought . . . thought mayhap you had come to trust me. I’m a foolish woman to think in just a few days . . .” Pausing to take a deep breath, she then added, “I swear not to behave like some waspish shrew for the remainder of our journey.”

  He welcomed her apology along with the sight of her bare shoulders, arms and midriff. She used her tunic to cover her breasts, but her breeches hung an inch or so below her navel, exposing a very lean stomach. And he found it impossible to take his eyes off her lithe figure that was sheer perfection.

  With a mind of their own, Gavin’s hands took hold of that trim waist and pulled her to stand between his legs. He tilted his forehead forward to rest upon her stomach, then confessed more to himself, “What I would give to keep ye with me.” He then added, “My words earlier today were not meant to hurt you. ’Tis hard for me to trust others, whether it be man or woman, English or Scot. I-” His words stopped abruptly when he felt her hands stroke the side of his face.

  Lifting his head, he looked at her innocent face, the wisps of her blond hair blowing in the wind and eyes sparkling like the brightest star. No woman had ever looked at him this way, he thought, as if seeing into his soul with such a pure heart and true intentions.

  Gavin’s gaze drifted from her eyes to her soft, full lips. Desire flared once more to taste the
forbidden fruit.

  His massive body seemed to engulf her, making her feel small and fragile, but at the same time safe and warm. The moment he captured her lips a jolt of lightning coursed through her body. All thoughts faded away like a thick fog or ocean mist. The kiss was surprisingly gentle, but very seductive.

  Intoxicated by the taste of her luscious mouth and the feel of her soft skin, a ravenous yearning consumed Gavin. And it only intensified when the plaid that covered her breasts fell to the ground and her hands came to his chest. He opened his eyes, saw that her passion equaled his own, and then moved her to sit on his lap with her legs between his.

  In his arms, Ella learned the meaning of fierce desire. She felt one of his arms wrap possessively around her waist, keeping her immobile as she returned his kiss with reckless abandon. When his warm, calloused hand gently cupped her breast, she felt as though a thousand butterflies danced in her stomach. Her back arched towards him, wanting to feel more, to continue in this wanton act.

  Her passionate response to his touch enthralled Gavin. He felt her innocence and inexperience, but welcomed both with open arms. Knowing that no man had touched her, inflamed the possessive side of himself he normally kept hidden.

  The soft moan he heard escape her swollen lips was as dangerous as taunting a wild animal secured by mere ropes alone. Yet, it was the feel of her small, but perfectly rounded bottom rubbing against the stone-hard region of his body that unleashed the predatory instinct to claim her here and now. His control seemed to be nonexistent when he trailed kisses down her neck and his hands took on an exploration all their own.

  “Ye are so beautiful. Yer skin . . .” He made better use of his mouth by suckling one breast, while his hand paid homage to its twin.

  Ella felt his hot breath and wet tongue toy with her nipple as she pulled him closer and dug her fingers into his scalp. She found herself encouraging his passion and demanding his touch, and he reacted with gusto.

  Gavin fondled her taunt bottom, something he had dreamed of doing ever since he spied her in breeches. He squeezed one cheek, and then slid his hand along the underside of her thigh, not surprised that both were firm from years of riding. He was inflamed with savage need, while erotic thoughts danced in his head, images of what he would like to do to her at this moment.

  It was past time to end this delicious torture, Ella thought, especially when she felt his hands massage her buttock. She desperately wanted to cling to him, to give in to the passion he ignited, but to do so would be disastrous. Baron Montgomery wanted only a virgin, and if she was not chaste, her aunt would pay the price.

  In a husky whisper, she pleaded, “Gavin . . . please, we must stop. I must remain a-”

  “A virgin,” he snapped. “Ye will gift that bastard with your maidenhead, even after he flayed the skin from your back?”

  Gavin was furious with himself for losing control with an innocent, and it only intensified knowing that Ella would acquiesce to her guardian’s demands, thus submit to Montgomery

  Ella quickly moved away and retrieved the plaid from the ground to cover her upper body, and was surprised that he assisted her. He wrapped the discarded plaid around her, then held her shoulders in a gentle but firm grip.

  Gazing up at his ice blue eyes, she said with conviction, “I will do whatever it takes to keep my aunt safe. She and Uncle James are all I have left, the only people who love me, my only family.”

  “Ye give yerself as martyr?”

  “Aye.”

  Her vow of loyalty and love gave Gavin a glimpse into her character. She was so utterly selfless in her actions and fiercely protective of those she loved. Everything about her was completely endearing and admirable, yet thoroughly aggravating as well. She was more than willing to sacrifice herself for the only two people she felt loved her. Damn her! She should be protected!

  Gavin was now hell bent on confronting Sir James. He had much to say to the man for his unforgiveable actions. He allowed Greystone to treat her worst than a servant, then publicly whipped. Imagining her secured to a post, wrist bound, clothing sliced open to bare her delicate skin only made his fury worse.

  Trying to control his ire, Gavin stared down at her angelic face. He touched her irresistible lips with the pad of his thumb, then stated, “Yer love for yer family equals my own.”

  Ella knew Gavin was fighting an internal battle of some kind, for he tilted his head back and stared at the darkening sky as if he were in great pain or needed guidance.

  “I will apply the salve and bandages now, and then ye will go back to camp.”

  Ella sat quietly while he applied the salve and bandages with haste. His brusque manner and impatience to complete the task caused a stabbing pain in her chest.

  Gavin turned her back around, and then placed one hand on her hip, the other behind her head. She thought he would kiss her again, but instead he laid his forehead to hers.

  “I want ye, Ella,” he voice was husky. “My body craves ye, like it craves air to breath. I have always been able to control my lust, my desire, but with ye, . . . ‘tis near impossible. Go, now.” He lightly kissed her lips, and then walked away shedding his garments with lightning speed as he prepared to dive into the icy loch.

  Ella was motionless as her virgin eyes drank in the sight of him. Her breath hitched at seeing the muscular perfection of the man striding towards the moonlit loch. His bronze body bespoke of years of training for battle and engaging in war. Magnificently proportioned he was, with long sinewy legs, lean buttocks, narrow waist and powerful shoulders. She smiled when she saw that the sun had tanned even his well-shaped buttocks.

  He suddenly dove into the water, stealing away her pleasurable view. When he resurfaced, he caught sight of her still watching him.

  Mortified at being caught staring at him with a ridiculous smile on her face, she turned quickly to hide her embarrassment. She hurriedly threw on her tunic and scurried away, praying her flaming face would lessen by the time she got to camp.

  In her haste to leave, however, she missed the devilish grin that appeared on Gavin’s face when he watched her retreat.

  Still fully aroused by their kiss and the feel of her slender body in his arms, Gavin cursed. Damnation! He didn’t need this complication, nor did he have need of a woman. He had Alice to see to his carnal needs, and in two nights, she would grace his bed. Ella would be out of his life soon enough. And after bedding his voluptuous leman, she would be out of his thoughts as well.

  Unfortunately, Gavin was not sure that even bedding a hundred women would diminish his hunger for his captive, or the intense need to possess and protect her.

  As he finished bathing and dressing, Nicholas joined him.

  “Ye have been gone a long time, my friend. We thought ye may have drowned.”

  Ignoring Nicholas’s comment, he asked, “Have the men eaten?”

  “Nae yet.”

  Gavin grunted, and was about to walk away when Nicholas asked, “What has caused yer foul temper this eve? Are ye worried about what we will find when we return home?”

  “Nae. The sooner we are home, the sooner we can be rid of the chit.”

  “Och, what has the lass done now?”

  “She is an unwanted problem, and the less time she spends on Macleod land the better. Our people detest the English, and she would be no exception.”

  “We have been friends for many years, Gavin, and I ken ye hunger for the bonny lass.”

  “Fair she may be, but I will nae keep her. Ye ken I canna without English reprisal, and I will nae throw away the many years spent to rebuild our clan for some English wench. I dinna plan to sacrifice the safety of the Macleods or the Mackenzies even if Gabriel has been returned.”

  “So ye think Gabriel will be at Doran Castle when we arrive?”

  “Ye ken as well as I do. We have followed the same tracks since leaving the abbey.”

  “Aye, I have noticed and-”

  Gavin held up his hand to silence Nicholas. “I
am wary of this conversation. We can talk more on the morrow.” He didn’t wait for a reply as he headed back to camp.

  The only way to keep Ella and avoid English reprisal was through marriage, and that was inconceivable. Gavin had a very clear image of his future wife, a buxom woman with full hips, large enough to give him many sons. She would come with a generous dowry and favorable alliance with a powerful clan. She would possess the domestic skills to run the keep of Doran Castle, alleviating much of the workload put upon his mother at present. There was no woman as determined or as efficient as his dame, yet nevertheless, his wife-to-be would do her duty. Although he had no intention of giving up his leman after marriage, he would be discrete out of respect for his wife, more so than his father had been.

  When he was younger, it had been his hope to take a wife he could love, one he would desire above all other women and respect enough not to stray from his marriage vows. But, infidelity was common among the noble class, and Gavin knew why after being acquainted with the women at court and witnessing their audacious behavior. Not one in the lot of them would keep me loyal . . . or could compare to Ella. OCH! Why am I thinking on that hellion when I canna have her. King Alexander has given me a year to choose a woman from his court to take for wife, and that woman willnae be Ella.

  19

  Before entering the forest clearing where camp was set, Ella heard Tavish’s voice speaking loudly to the others. At first, she couldn’t understand his words, but as she moved closer, their discussion became clear.

  “I found this in Ella’s saddlebag,” Tavish announced while holding up a shabby dress. “I thought at first it was just a rag, but when I looked closer I realized it was a dress. Obvious, Baron Greystone cares little for his servant’s attire, which I dare say is comparable to that of a dirty beggar. God’s teeth, just look at how torn and-”

  Hearing his ridicule, rage and humiliation destroyed Ella’s common sense.

  Tavish’s declaration halted when Ella, who looked ready to spit fire at him, yanked the dress from his hands. He had seen her fury the night they kidnapped her, but over the last few days, he had come to admire her greatly. She was one of those rare females who cared more about others than she did herself. She may be English, but he liked the spirited lass, and was shocked to see her so incensed.