Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Page 8

  Just as he was moving away, he heard Ella whispered, “You were mistaken, Edric.”

  Confusion lined his brows until she explained.

  “I am nae a wee lass.”

  Warmth spread through Edric as he smiled with genuine amusement. With a gentle hand, he pushed the hair from her face, and said, “Wee ye may be, lass, but mighty of heart and spirit as well.”

  Gavin smiled down at his friend, and was happy to see that he had made peace with Ella. Edric was an honorable man, who would not rest until he rectified a misdeed of his creation.

  Edric locked eyes with his laird, and in a concerned tone said, “The lass is chilled. It’ll be best if ye shared yer warmth with her while she sleeps.”

  At that moment, Gavin could have kissed Edric for making such a wonderful suggestion. Of course, he had already planned to share his warmth with her this night, but it sounded better coming from another. “Aye, now get some rest.”

  As Edric went to his pallet, Gavin noticed that Paen was absent.

  Osgood covered himself with a plaid, turned to Gavin, and said, “He took first watch. I told him to wake me in a few hours so I could take the next.”

  Gavin had always been impressed with the uncanny way Osgood could read his thoughts and expressions. Probably because Osgood had known him his entire life, he surmised. Yet, neither his brothers nor Edric, who he had known just as long, seemed to posses this innate ability.

  Tavish refilled the deerskin jug with water and placed it by Ella before finding his own pallet.

  Leaving only his breeches on, Gavin lifted the plaids and eased in beside Ella. He gathered her in his arms, positioning her to lie on her side in the crook of his shoulder, with her head and hand resting on his chest. As he covered her small delicate hand with his large masculine one, he inhaled her lavender scent, and then sighed with contentment.

  Her shivering lessened dramatically and he could not help smiling at how perfectly her body fit to his. She felt so feminine, so right in his arms, but he knew keeping her was not an option.

  His smile faded as his body began to harden. It would be a long night of fighting his desire for the little hellion.

  12

  Sunbeams pierced through the early morning mist and a cool breeze blanketed the air when Ella woke the next day. Feeling sore, but not feverish, she sat up to survey her surroundings.

  Someone had recently stoked the fire, and with the exception of Gavin, the men were still asleep on their pallets. Glancing around, she saw no sign of him, so took the opportunity to dress.

  Wrapped in the Macleod plaid, she picked up her saddlebag and boots, then hurried down the path that lead to the burn.

  Why had her captors been so kind to her last eve, she asked herself. It made no sense. They only cared about getting Gabriel back, a fact she could not fault. She envied Gabriel and the love his family had for him.

  Ella slowed her pace, still a bit hesitant to return to the site where hours ago two boars’ attacked her. She then recalled how Gavin had rescued her from a watery grave, and how safe she felt in his arms. Reaching the burn, Gavin’s soft burr interrupted her thoughts.

  “Are my men awake, yet?”

  He was leaning on a tree with his arms across his chest and his gaze on the water. He hadn’t even bothered to look at her when he spoke.

  “How did you know it was me?”

  “Experience,” he stated as he turned to face her.

  Wrapped in his plaid, half dragging on the earth-laden floor in her wake, she looked far too enticing, Gavin thought. Her hair spilled in long golden waves near to her waist. Almond-shaped, moss colored eyes sparkled with life and her flawless skin bloomed with healthy color.

  His appreciative smile disappeared when he noticed her dainty bare feet peeking out from the plaid and a slight shiver run down her body. “Come. I will help ye with yer boots afore tending to yer back.”

  He led her by the hand to sit on a fallen tree and next to the an assortment of items that had been previously laid out for him to see to this task.

  After he laced up her leather boots and move stand behind her, she was eager to voice her gratitude.

  “I wanted to thank you and your men for. . .,” her words faded when Gavin lifted the plaid from her shoulders and she felt cool air on her bare skin.

  Covering herself as best she could with her arms, she spun around to face him, and asked, “What are -”

  “Tending to yer back, hold still,” he stated as he turned her back around.

  She remained speechless while he removed the linen from her body. Once she was bare from waist up, she quickly pulled the plaid to her chest, covering her exposed breasts. All she could do while patiently waiting for him to finish the mortifying task was grit her teeth and close her eyes.

  Gavin saw her blush, even from where he stood behind her, but he was not inclined to hasten the chore. As he cleaned and applied salve to her tender back, he seethed inwardly viewing the ten long lash marks marring her skin from hip to shoulder.

  All too soon, fury turned to desire as he began to wrap her delicate body in clean linen. When his knuckles brushed the underside of her small, soft breasts, he remembered what they had felt like crushed to his chest last eve. He would have groaned with desire, if she hadn’t stirred at that moment.

  “Um, I can see to wrapping the front.”

  With her unwanted but insistent help, Gavin finished bandaging her upper body. He had to remind himself for the hundredth time that she was the means to get Gabriel back, nothing more.

  Allowing himself to care for this English hellion was not an option, no matter the brutality she had suffered in the past or would in the future. He lusted for her, aye, but once home his leman would satisfy that need.

  For two years Alice, the fiery redhead, warmed his bed. She understood that as laird, he would marry for a favorable alliance and sizeable dowry. Since Alice had neither, she merely took care of his carnal needs. And when he returned home . . .

  He was startled from his thoughts when Ella turned and asked, “Are we finished?”

  Staring at her innocent face intently, he focused on that lush mouth of hers. He cupped her sun-kissed cheeks, and then proclaimed, “Nae.”

  Thoughts of Alice were lost as his mouth slowly covered Ella’s, and he savored the feel of her soft, full lips. He heard her quick intake of breath as his tongue tasted her sweet nectar, but was not inclined to refrain from this pleasure. It was tantamount to the giddiness derived from strong libation when he felt her succumb to the kiss, mimicking his movements. His desire, stoked like a fire, burned fiercely, leaving him unable to halt his actions. He swept her weightlessly into his arms, and like a starving beast, he ravished her mouth. The sound of her pain-filled whimper jolted him back to reality, realizing that his aggressive passion had hurt her.

  “I’m sorry, lass,” he said in a breathless voice, then cupped her face once again. “I dinna mean to be so rough, to hurt ye.”

  Hearing the emotion in his tone, her gaze locked with his, and she gave him a reassuring smile. It was odd that she was not scared of this man, but actually trusted him. The heady sensation of his kiss still lingered on her lips and warmth spread through her body. It was her first kiss, and if not for the pain in her back, she would have liked to continue.

  “Nae, I’m fine.”

  Relief enveloped him, and he was thankful that he saw no fear in her eyes.

  “I just don’t have much . . . have any experience with . . . uh . . .”

  “Kissing,” Gavin said, smiling down at her blush-covered face.

  “Aye.” She paused, and then added, “I did not expect . . . your . . .”

  He was vastly amused with her sincere declaration, and immensely pleased she had known no other man’s kiss but his own.

  “What did ye nae expect?”

  “To feel . . . um . . . to feel your tongue with mine.”

  Her honesty intrigued him.

  “Yer betrothed neve
r kissed ye?” He immediately regretted his words when he saw her reaction.

  The thought of kissing Roger Moreland was like being doused with a bucket of ice water. She stepped away from him, and then began to dress as she explained, “Nae, never. I kept my distance the few times he came to Greystone.”

  The sadness in her voice made Gavin feel like the lowest wretch, but it was a fleeting emotion, and was soon replaced by purposeful indifference. He would not allow himself to care for this girl or her fate. To do so would ruin all he had worked for the past nine years. It would be selfish and unforgivable, and his clan deserved better than that.

  “Return to camp when you are finished,” he snapped. “I wish to be off English soil and in Scotland by noon.” Turning on his heels, he took his leave without glancing back or seeing the pain his words caused her.

  Confused to why he suddenly became terse, Ella finished dressing, and then rushed through her morning ablutions. She assumed his curt behavior was due to her broken promise that she would not cause problems. He and his men had to save her from being attacked by vicious boars and drowning in the raging burn. And then after, they had diligently tended her back to prevent infection. Nae, she could not blame him for his clipped manner.

  She returned to camp moments later, and saw that the warriors were dressed and finishing their morning meal. Standing immobile in the presence of the men who saved her life last eve, she became instantly nervous.

  “Good morrow, lass,” Nicholas said, noticing her discomfort. “How are ye fairing?”

  Hearing the friendly greeting and seeing no animosity on any of the Macleod’s faces, she signed in relief.

  “I am fairing very well. I want to. . . ah . . .” She paused for a moment, biting her bottom lip, and then made her declaration.

  “I want to thank all of you for saving my life. I promise not to burden you further on our journey.” With that said, she practically ran from camp to where the horses were tethered.

  The sea of dumbfounded faces made Gavin chuckle. He knew exactly what his men were thinking.

  Edric broke the silence, stating with disbelief, “We have treated her so poorly, yet she still is able to thank us. Thank us for what . . . for keeping her alive so we can use her to get Gabriel back, only to then send her back to a life of hell and complete misery.”

  Paen stepped forward to acknowledge Edric’s comment. “Aye, and ‘tis exactly what we will do. Her fate is unfortunate, but it dinna concern us. We must use her, for she is the only means we have to see Gabriel returned.”

  Even though his brother was right, Gavin would have loved to slam his fist into Paen’s face. Reluctantly, he said, “Aye, he speaks the truth of the matter. Her future is nae in our hands. The Abbott will deliver a message to Greystone informing him that his ward has been kidnapped and will remain safe until an agreement can be arranged.”

  “Agreement,” Edric said with confusion. “I dinna understand. Why would ye nae just demand the release of Gabriel for Lady Ella?”

  Tavis explained, “Because if Lady Ella’s story is true, and Gabriel is being returned without Greystone’s knowledge, then Gavin has the power. He worded his message carefully, never providing too much information.”

  Gavin nodded at his younger brother with pride. Tavish was growing into a fine man, who was as perceptive as he was intelligent.

  Encouraged by his eldest brother’s approving nod, Tavish asked, “Gavin, what will ye do with her if Gabriel is home when we return to Doran Castle?”

  Keep her in my bed for a fortnight, and then send her back to England. “She is betrothed to a English baron, and since our king seeks peace with England, I will be commanded to return her to Greystone.” And unfortunately, with her maidenhead still intact, he thought dismally before adding, “I have worked too hard to rectify the damage caused by my father to lose all now by harboring the future wife of an English baron.”

  Although his men understood, no one liked the idea of her returning to marry a man who would abuse and mayhap kill her. With disgruntled looks, they collected their belongings and headed towards the horses.

  With the bag of carrots from her saddlebag, Ella treated all the horses as she patiently waited for the Macleods.

  “And how is my handsome friend doing today,” she crooned to Apollo. “At least I always have you, my best friend. You know how much I love you, aye?”

  When a twig snapped, she turned to see all six Macleod warriors staring at her. And they were highly amused. Twisting back around, she bowed her head, mortified at being caught speaking to her horse in such a loving manner.

  Coming to her sense, Ella lifted her head a heartbeat later. There was no shame in loving her horse, she told herself. What did she care if they thought her daft. She had very little in this world beyond her precious Apollo. And she would continue to treasure him, regardless of anyone’s opinion.

  With that last thought, she put one foot in the stirrup and was about to mount when two hands caught her at the waist.

  When the Macleod’s heard her speak so affectionately to her horse, it had been near to impossible for them not to smile. But, Gavin’s smile faded when in her typical mulish way, she tried to mount without assistance.

  Could she nae have waited and asked for help afore she mounted her huge beast? Did she nae realize her delicate state? God’s blood, she could have died last eve and here she was, scant hours later, attempting to act as if she is hale and hearty.

  With his hands on her tiny waist, Gavin slowly turned her to face him and his displeasure. Her leaf colored eyes had flecks of gold in them, he was surprised to notice.

  Dismissing that irritating thought, he admonished, “Ye will wait for either me or one of my men to help ye mount.”

  Scowling, she retorted, “I am perfectly capable of mounting-”

  “Nae, ye stubborn wench,” he rebuked. “Ye will do as I say and ask for assistance.” Not waiting for her response, he gently put her on Apollo’s back, and then walked to his own horse.

  And he was not deaf to her muttering protest, and was certain she called him a pig-headed ox. Unlike most women, Ella obviously had no fear of him, which is why he was now grinning from ear to ear.

  13

  The uneventful morning passed quickly as they traveled out of England and into Scotland. The weather was seasonably warm for early June, without a cloud tarnishing the blue sky.

  With the exception of Paen, who stayed to himself, the Macleod warriors showered Ella with overwhelming attentiveness. The change in attitude was as unfamiliar, but welcomed.

  Since daybreak, both Osgood and Tavish saw that she had plenty of food and water as well as a moment of privacy when needed. Nicholas felt her forehead frequently and made her drink foul tasting concoctions with the herbs from her saddlebag.

  “I call it Nicholas’s Magic Brew.”

  “Well, it still tastes horrible.”

  “I guess ‘tis true that healers make the worst patients,” Nicholas acknowledged.

  “How did you know I was a healer?”

  “Abbot Davis told us, but I would have known last eve. Only a healer would have accepted my judgment to cauterize yer back.”

  “How did you become a healer?”

  “Nae a healer, lass, just a man who kens a wee bit about the healing arts.”

  For the next hour, the pair spoke about injuries and illnesses, and then Osgood and Tavish joined them.

  The redheaded giant proceeded to entertain them with glorious tales of battle and war. Each story depicted Osgood as the hero with skills that would rival Zeus, the Greek King of the Gods. Ella laughed so hard that tears sprung in her eyes. At the end of each exaggerated yarn, Tavish would then relay the true story.

  But it was Osgood’s final story that had all the men roaring with laughter. It was not about himself, nor was it about a battle ending in victory.

  “Let me tell ye the first time Tavish saw a naked woman.”

  Tavish groaned as Osgood continue
d.

  “He must have been seven or eight summers when he came to Gavin and me, after spying on Edric and a lovely lass from the village. He asked us all sorts of questions, like-”

  “I dinna think Lady Ella would care to hear the vulgar questions of an ignorant child,” Tavish vehemently interjected.

  “Nae, I do. I am most interested in hearing this story,” Ella eagerly confessed.

  The men listening laughed at her response, while Tavish commented sarcastically.

  “Of course ye do.”

  Grinning like a fool, the giant continued, “Where was I . . . Oh, that’s right, his questions. Well, after he explained what he saw, he asked us what these felt like.” Osgood cupped the air in front of his chest, imitating the gesture Tavish had used to refer to a woman’s breasts.

  Ella’s blush was as deep as the one Tavish sported, but unlike him, she was smiling with amusement.

  “He asked us why a man would want to . . . um . . . fondle and . . . ah . . . kiss them. Does it hurt the woman when a man does these sorts of things? Why are women fashioned so differently than men?”

  “Must ye continue,” Tavish whined.

  “Aye, now hush; I’m getting to the best part.”

  “Oh, joy,” the youngest warrior mocked. “Can hardly wait.”

  With a wicked smile, the giant continued, “After Gavin and I told him why men and women were fashioned differently, Tavish then . . .”

  Osgood broke off with uncontrolled mirth, and then said, “He then lifted his plaid and asked us will his manhood look like Edric’s someday, and if so how will he get his kilt over it. Said he will look quite foolish with his plaid poking out like a tent, and that it would be verra uncomfortable to ride or . . .”

  Laughter filled the air for long moments before Gavin held up his hand, and said, “Osgood, I think Lady Ella has heard enough about Tavis for one day.”

  “Thank ye, Gavin,” Tavish said with a sigh of relief.

  Slapping his youngest brother on the back, Gavin jested, “We can continue again on the morrow.”

  Bellows of laughter filled the air once more as Tavish spat, “I hate being the youngest.”