Plead Forgiveness (Loyalty Series) Page 9

  Ella knew the teasing and mockery that went along with being the youngest sibling, as well as the love behind each comment. It was obvious these men cared a great deal for Tavish. Witnessing this made her ache for her own brothers.

  Keir, Guy and Hamon had treated her like their favorite little brother, and she cherished each moment shared with them. They took immense joy teaching her how to swim, ride, and use a bow. It was only when she was scared or hurt did they treat her like a precious little sister, always allowing her to crawl into their laps. Sometimes they just let her cry herself to sleep. Other times they listen to her nonstop chatter before tickling her until she giggled with delight. They made her feel special and loved. She was now only a painful, distant memory to them. Hated and forgotten.

  14

  When the blue sky turned pink and the sun faded into the horizon, Gavin decided to set up camp amidst lush evergreens, a short distance from a small loch.

  “’Tis time to tend to yer back,” Gavin stated as he pulled Ella from her mount. “Come, while my men will be busy with the horses and evening meal.”

  She followed without reply or complaint.

  When they reached a private area, he lifted her to sit on a large boulder, and then knelt behind her with the supplies needed. With his help, she tugged off her tunic and short chemise, then unraveled the bandage.

  After covering her breasts with her tunic, she heard his low chuckle.

  “You find humor in this deed?”

  Smothering his mirth, he applied the salve and clean linen, then replied, “Just that ye are quick to cover your feminine charms, even though I have seen ye as naked as the day ye were born.”

  Hearing her sharp intake of breath, he waited for the sassy retort that was sure to come. He was not disappointed.

  “You overgrown wretch. If you had not saved my life and been so kind, I would box your ears.” For propriety sake, she tried to stay angry, but the idea of boxing his ears made her giggle.

  The sound of her laughter was as welcoming as her radiant smile. Most ladies would be furious about such lewd conversations, but he suspected she was not like the ladies he’d met at court, the ones who either feared him or coveted being the wife of a wealthy laird. And among them, despite their ignorant and superficial tendencies, he would choose his bride. However, he would not allow that imminent event to dampen the pleasure he was experiencing now with Ella.

  With mock anger, he asked, “Did ye just threaten me, wench?”

  “Aye, I did . . . Did you just call me wench?” To emphasis her words, Ella put her hands on her hips and lifted her eyebrows. It was the traditional feminine stance of defiance that was innate in all women.

  Gavin was captivated. Blooming like an exotic flower, she showed her true colors slowly and continuously with each passing day. It was her lack of fear that was most endearing.

  “Aye, lass, I did,” he retorted, unable to get enough of her wit and warm smiles. “I also seem to remember ye calling me Lord Ignorant, a pig-headed ox, and just now an overgrown wretch.”

  Blushing scarlet, she quickly threw on her chemise and tunic. A moment later, she realized that the sleeves of her tunic were inside out. As she feverishly tried to fix the garment, she said, “Oh, I’m . . . ah . . . I’m . . .”

  Gavin chuckled at the sight of her tangled in the headless tunic, struggling to get her arms through the sleeves. Taking pity on her, he helped her adjust her clothing, and then said, “I may be overgrown, mayhap even a pig-headed ox, but at least I ken how to dress myself, English.”

  He tweaked her nose , then said, “I thought yer insults quite humorous. Most women, and even men would nae dare to insult me, fearing my wrath as they do.”

  When she heard the hint of pain in his voice, she was thoughtful for a moment, and then acknowledged, “Your reputation is quite fierce, and you are . . .ah . . . quite a large man, but you do not strike me as one given to unjust acts of cruelty or violence. Are these daft people you speak of making their assumptions purely on reputation alone?”

  She would never know how deeply her words affected him, but they did.

  “Most do, especially women.”

  “Cowards.”

  He cupped her cheek, and said, “Aye, compared to ye they are.”

  Her tone was serious when she asked, “Why have you and your men been so nice to me? Is it because you pity me? Because if it is, you can keep your pity. I- ”

  Not allowing her to finish, his tone was equally serious when he stated, “Nae, we dinna pity ye. ‘Tis just that we have seen and felt our share of cruelty.”

  He moved to lean against a boulder a short distance away, and then continued, “My father, the former laird, was famous for his brutality. My entire family, including my mother and sister, endured his quick temper for many years. When Edric was just a lad, he witnessed the brutal death of his parents and two brothers. During a raid, English soldiers beat and raped Osgood’s wife. It left her barren. Paen and Nicholas . . .” He stopped when he saw tears welling in her eyes.

  “Nae tears, little one. I say this so ye understand why our attitude towards ye has changed.”

  His gaze drifted over the loch, where the sun was fading into the horizon and the sky was vibrant with orange, pink and red hues. His voice held no emotion when he spoke again.

  “Since my father’s death nine years ago, I have been laird of Clan Macleod. I took it upon myself to right the wrongs my father committed against other clans. I have learned from a great man, one who was more of a father to me than my own, how to protect and lead my people with their interest at heart. Cruelty begets cruelty, and my people deserve better.

  Glancing back at her, he added, “We dinna make war on women and children, which both English and Scots have done in the past. Ye may be English, but ye are also a lass who has been sorely mistreated. While ye are with us, ye will be cared for and protected from those seeking to harm ye.”

  Unable to halt the emotional surge his words caused, Ella walked over and wrapped her arms around the waist of one of the most feared warriors in all of Scotland. And never had she felt safer.

  Her honesty and affectionate nature could thaw a man frozen in ice, Gavin thought as he carefully engulfed her in his arms. He stroked her back in a soothing manner, and was unable to resist brushing his jaw against the golden tresses atop her head. Despite how well she molded to the contours of his hard body, he was distraught over the fierce protectiveness that hit him like a lance to the chest.

  ‘Tis ludicrous to feel so possessive over a woman I will not claim. Aye, I covet her body beneath mine, but that’s all. Her beauty and spirit may inflame me, but her future is in England. She dinna belong in Scotland, she dinna belong with the Macleods, and she sure as hell dinna belong with me.

  15

  By the time Ella and Gavin returned, the receding light cast shadows around the men sitting within the small clearing of the forest where they chose to make camp. Flames from the fire glowed brightly, and the smell of roasting meat filled the air.

  Osgood assisted Lady Ella to sit on a plaid laid near the fire, while Nicholas bade her to drink another foul concoction.

  In mock bitterness, she said to Nicholas, “And here I thought you may have forgotten.”

  “Never,” he replied with a grin.

  As Tavish handed out chunks of roasted rabbit, she noticed that Osgood had a small jug in his hand and assumed it was ale.

  Noticing her curiosity, Osgood offered her the jug, and said, “It will take the foul taste of that elixir from yer mouth.”

  Never one to be disrespectful, Ella took the small jug and lifted it to her lips, unaware of the mischievous looks on the faces surrounding her.

  She inhaled the pungent aroma of whiskey just before the fiery liquid burned down her throat and scorched her belly. Opening watering eyes, she saw what they were waiting for, but she was determined not to cough. It was a futile effort she realized a moment later.

  Wanting to see the v
ixen’s reaction, Gavin allowed Osgood to pass her the jug of potent Highland whiskey. He knew it would not hurt her, but rather help her sleep deeply and keep her warm in the chilly night air.

  Ella’s coughing fit and stream of angry insults had the men roaring with laughter.

  “Och, it seems our wee angel has some verra sharp claws,” Osgood chuckled as he handed her the water skin.

  After gulping down the water, she spat, “That was nae funny.” She tried to sound angry, but the effect was lost when she was unable to conceal that radiant smile of hers.

  “'Tis good to see ye ken how to take a jest,” Osgood admitted with a grin.

  What a rarity she is, Gavin thought, as he watched Ella banter with his black guard. The spirited young woman clearly captivated his men, a fact he found irritating beyond measure.

  He did not understand why the sight of his men enjoying her company, conversation, and laughter bothered him. There was nothing unseemly or improper in the way they interacted with the alluring captive. Nevertheless, with the exception of Paen who stayed to himself, it was as if his hardened men had taken this broken angel under their protection. But why?”

  It came as no surprise to Gavin that Osgood had immediately softened to the lass, despite his intimidating exterior, gigantic size, and fierce reputation. His fiery red hair was as colorful as his jovial personality, but incomparable to his integrity. However, it was the man’s tender heart that stunned most people, especially where woman were concerned. And all within the Macleod Clan believed that the two females who ruled his world, his wife and daughter strengthened this innate quality of Osgood’s.

  Gavin also understood why his youngest brother was so quick to befriend her and offer her assistance throughout the day. Despite his meager years of ten and seven, Tavish had always been adamant about defending the weaker sex. A noble trait for any man to possess, Gavin reflected, especially after witnessing the years of abuse their mother and sister suffered at the hands of the former laird, their sire.

  Edric, however, had let his hatred for the English prevail over his integrity when he’d first met Lady Ella. Yet, once he learned how grievously she suffered by the hands of her guardian, he had become eager to atone for his earlier behavior.

  Then there was Nicholas. Always levelheaded and astute, he often noticed what most were blind to, a trait that was a blessing and curse to Gavin. Although he was English by birth and a baron’s only son too boot, had been with the Macleod Clan for nine years. Highly intelligent and not ruled by seething hatred, the blond warrior was forever impartial and chose to judge people for himself.

  And therein was the source of Gavin’s sudden irritation. He did not want his men besotted with the wench, constantly reminding him of her fate. It would only result in making it more difficult to send her back to England, even if Gabriel miraculously returned.

  Long into the night, after everyone found sleep, Gavin remained thoughtful while seeing to the first watch. His cantankerous mood at present was not due to his men, he finally concluded, for they had no ulterior motives beyond simple kindness to a female in need. He grudgingly realized it was not his men’s infatuation with Lady Ella, but rather his own that he feared.

  As exhausted as Ella was, sleep did not come easy and was due to the unwise thoughts she always avoided. Imaging a life with her mother still alive only brought pain. Her clan, her family would never accept her back into their hearts. Other thoughts danced in her head, and were just as impossible as the dream of her father's forgiveness. And they all centered around Gavin.

  It became increasingly more difficult to deny how she felt about the formidable laird with his striking blue eyes, sculpted physique, and tender actions. Although his manner could be brusque, his words terse, she knew they concealed his true emotion and the heart of a man so easy to love.

  Ella shook her head to clear the absurd dream. I have chosen my path and it does not include anyone in Scotland. When I return to marry Montgomery, Aunt Eleanor will be safe. I deserve my odious fate. I cannot balk at the consequences of my unforgivable sin. Hardening my heart against Gavin and the other warriors will be essential in the days to come, especially since the more time I spend in their company, the more my heart aches to remain with them in Scotland. Alas, it may already be too late.

  The fire was all but glowing embers when Osgood woke to take the remainder of the night watch. After the giant stumbled away, Gavin walked over to Ella and immediately noticed that she trembled under his plaid. He felt her head for fever, and then sighed in relief that she was cool to the touch and merely cold from the night air.

  Lifting the plaid, Gavin saw that she slept on her side with all limbs tucked in close. He was mindful of her injury as he slipped in behind her so his chest was to her back. Yet, when she wiggled her bottom against his groin, sending blood to that very region, he almost regretted the hasty decision to sleep with her in his arms. His distress was fleeting, however, and came the moment he felt her arms and hands covered his. The intimacy of the simple act was foreign to him, yet he welcomed it nevertheless.

  Nuzzling his face into her hair, he inhaled her savory scent, and then gently tightened his arms around the ethereal beauty. He fell asleep moments later with one lingering thought in mind. What would I give for the chance to claim ye as mine, little one.

  16

  Ella woke the next morning to the sounds of people moving about on the earthen floor a few paces away from where she slept. After rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she noticed the fog amidst the gnarled trees and that it stretched up to a murky sky. And then she startled.

  Bolting off the bedroll, she chastised herself for not waking before dawn, which was her habit since childhood. Although the deep sleep had done wonders for her injury, she realized a moment later that she had delayed the journey once again. The Macleods were eager to return to Scotland, and she could not afford to anger them or they may reconsider sending her back to England..

  With the exception of Tavish, the men were milling around the campfire. Her abrupt movements instantly halted their actions.

  Gavin frowned when he saw her horrified expression. Does she know she slept in my arms throughout the night? Is that why there is fear in her eyes?

  “ I will hasten to ready myself and be able to ride in a moment.”

  She dashed off, leaving the men speechless and bewildered.

  Edric broke the silence. “Why is she so skittish this morn? Does she think we will beat her for nae rising with the sun?”

  “Aye, my friend,” Gavin began, “I believe she has been trained to work from sun up to sun down, with nary a complaint.”

  Although vastly relieved that his presumption had been wrong, Gavin was not pleased to realize where her fear had derived from. With Ella occupied and out of earshot, he decided to reveal what he’d learned about their captive.

  “When I spoke with the Abbott at Westshire Abbey, he explained that she is treated like a servant, like a slave. Ye may have noticed that her hands are rough, covered with calluses as well as scars. Nae the hands of a gently bred lady.”

  Osgood asked, “Dinna the Abbott confirm that she is in fact a lady as well as a relation of Lady Eleanor and ward to Baron Greystone?

  “Aye,” Gavin replied.

  “So why is she treated so poorly?”

  “I dinna ken, but it changes nothing,” Gavin replied as he grabbed the salve and bandages, then followed Ella.

  Moments later, he came upon Ella as she knelt by the water, washing her face with unusual vigor. She was obviously trying to rush through her morning routine. He cleared his voice to gain her attention.

  With water still cascading down her cheeks, Ella stood and turned to face the formidable man whose devastating looks sent her heart racing. Hooded blue eyes, fierce and impenetrable, locked with hers; instantly making her mouth go dry and hindering any form of speech.

  Irresistible, Gavin thought, as his gaze took in every detail from the doe- shaped, green eyes, wi
nd tousled blond hair, and that full sensual mouth. Rosy hue dusted her cheeks, complementing unblemished skin that glistened like light on the surface of a loch.

  He then recalled Abbot Davis’s words, ‘Lady Ella has a heart of gold and has given so much to so many, yet receives little and asks for less. From dawn to dusk, rain or shine, she works and has thus since arriving at Greystone. With each year, her treatment worsens. As of now, she is little more than a slave.’

  Confused that his wide-eyed expression rapidly transformed into one of displeasure, Ella said, “You’re angry with me.”

  “Nae. Come, let us change yer bandages.” His cool tone conflicted with his true emotion.

  Ella made quick work of removing her tunic and chemise, and then presented him with her back. Chills rippled down her spine when he unwound the bandages and she felt the warmth of his breath on her neck and shoulders. Despite the brisk morning air, her body heated as he applied the salve in slow circular motions.

  It was immodest to be naked from the waist up with a man who was not her husband, Ella thought, but there was no alternative. Oddly, she felt neither shame nor shyness as his gaze and touch raked over her skin. He took longer than usual to apply the salve, she noticed, yet by no means was complaining.

  He hesitated for a moment, and then slowly began wrapping the linen around her upper body. When his calloused fingers brushed the underside of her breasts, sending a tingling sensation throughout her body, she could not help but think on how provocative and intimate it felt .

  With the task finished, Gavin moved his hands over her shoulders in a sensual caress, relishing in the feel of her petal soft skin. In a husky voice, he asked, “Why did ye believe we would be angry with ye this morning?”

  When Ella tried to move away, Gavin pulled her into his embrace, her back to his chest. Heat radiated from his body, drawing her closer, making it hard to string words together.