Borderland Bride (20 page)

Opening them, she slammed her foot backward. She missed Everard’s crotch, her soft shoe hitting his inner thigh instead, but it startled him enough so that the blade came away from her throat. She dropped to the floor like a stone, her arm twisting as it slid from Everard’s grip. She saw the sword skim past her nose in a daze and fell with a squelch into the sodden ground.

Jake lunged over her and she watched his blade plunge forward into Everard’s chest, showering her in a mist of blood. She scrabbled away as Jake withdrew the sword, sending forth a fountain of gore.

Coming to her feet, Isabel felt her stomach turn as Jake kicked Everard to the floor. Everard clutched at his chest, gurgling her name. Clamping a hand over her mouth, she retched as he spasmed in the last throes of death. His eyes seemed to lock onto hers and she found herself unable to turn away.

~* * *~

Jake only put away his sword when Everard finally stilled, his eyes remaining open and accusing. One look at Isabel and he could see her distress. She was a white as snow, her eyes locked onto Everard’s body as she cradled her arm against her chest. He hurried over to her side and enfolded her into his grasp. Isabel winced as his hands brushed against her back but she sagged against him.

Her skin felt like ice beneath his fingers and Jake desperately needed to warm her but he didn’t think he could let her go. He pressed her face to his chest, stopping her from staring at the body.

“He had to die, Isabel.”

“Aye,” she whispered.

“He would never have given up. He had to die.”

Jake clenched his jaw. Aye, Everard, as deranged as he was, would never have given up on Isabel. Unlike him. He should have fought for her, he should have…he should have done something other than run away.

“Forgive me. I should never have…”

Isabel tilted her head to look up at him, her eyes full of concern for him.
For him!
After all she had endured, she was worried for him.

“You could not have prevented this, Jake. Everard was more determined than I ever realised.”

He smoothed his hands over her face, smearing her pale skin with dirt. Cursing, he moved to remove his hands but she brought one hand over his, pinning it to her cheek.

His gut churned with endless emotions and he exhaled a shuddery breath. Thank God she was safe. He only wished he had reached her before Everard had ever laid a hand on her. He couldn’t avoid the slight growl that rose in his throat as he remembered the sight of Everard looming over her bare back with his belt.

Isabel pinned him with her blue eyes and he relaxed. She loved him? God’s blood, what was he to do now? He could not give her up a second time.

She offered him a gentle smile and tilted her face towards him. Lowering his head, he saw Isabel’s breath catch as he pressed his forehead to hers. He ached to kiss her, but he couldn’t. Not yet.

The rumble of horse hooves straightened his spine and he manoeuvred Isabel behind him as he withdrew his sword. He released a breath as he recognised the Thornewall men.

“My lord,” called one of the men, relief evident on his face as he noted Isabel’s presence.

Jake quickly yanked his mantle from his shoulders and wrapped it over Isabel’s bare back, drawing her into the crook of his arm.

“All is well.” He motioned to Everard’s body. “Bury him and take his mount on to Thornewall. I will return the lady to my brother.”

The soldier nodded and dismounted as the others followed suit.

“Come, Isabel. You have need of rest and your wounds need tending to.”

She nodded, darting a glance at Everard. “Will you truly draw the king’s wrath?”

He shook his head with a laugh. “Nay, those were the words of a desperate man. Death is no less than he could have expected for his crimes. Besides, these are the borderlands, lass. We make our own laws here.”

“Aye, that you do.”

Jake helped Isabel onto his destrier and quickly mounted behind her. Careful not to touch her back, he held her close, luxuriating in her proximity.
No more lies
. His stomach settled as fresh determination filled him. He would not part from her again.

~* * *~

Dominic was still conducting a search of the town when they arrived back at The Rose and Crown. Jake dispatched a young lad to find him as he helped Isabel to one of the guest chambers.

“Jake, you need not handle me as if I may fall apart at any moment,” Isabel scolded him as he led her up the stairs.

“As you bid, my lady.” He swept her into his hold and she squealed as he took the stairs two at a time.

Isabel’s face heated when Jake walked into the chambers as a maid was making the bed. Jake carefully lowered her to the floor and the maid dipped to him as she excused herself.

“Will you fetch some cloths and some liquor, lass? And see that a bath is sent up.”

“Aye, milord.”

Both Jake and Isabel watched as the maid left, waiting until she had closed the door before turning to one another.

“Lie down, Isabel, you’ve suffered much today.”

“Nay, I am fine.”

He took a step towards her. “Isabel, I—”

A knock sounded at the door.

“What?” Jake snapped.

Dominic popped his head around the door, looking sheepish. Spying Isabel, he strode into the room. “Izzy, thank the Lord you are safe. We’ve had half of Thornewall searching for you.”

He took her hand, eyeing the filthy state of her fingers with a grin before bringing them up to his lips. Jake’s blood heated as he viewed their exchange.

“I thank you for your efforts, Dominic. I knew you would not give up on me easily.”

“Forgive me for not protecting you better, Izzy. ‘Twas a grave error on my part.”

“Dominic, this was no one’s fault but Everard’s.”

“Aye, well, you are too generous, Izzy. Are you well?” He dropped his gaze to her stomach briefly.

“Aye, quite well.”

Dominic nodded with satisfaction and finally released her hand, meeting Jake’s hard stare. “Brother, I would speak with you for a moment.”

Jake hesitated, flicking a look at Isabel. The maid stepped gingerly into the room, carrying the linens and liquor, and he realised he could not remain in the room with his brother’s betrothed as she was tended to.

“Aye, as you will. I have a need to speak with you as well.”

Isabel watched them both uncertainly, her gaze flitting between the two of them.

“All will be well, Izzy,” Dominic assured her and Jake scowled.
He
wished to be the one to reassure her.

With a careful nod, Jake procured a delicate smile from her and followed his brother out. As he closed the door behind him, Dominic pressed a missive into his hand.

“What is this?”

“Read it.”

“Brother, I must speak with you.”

“Read this first. Then you may say whatever it is you need to say.”

Jake sighed, rubbing his hand across his jaw. He pulled open the missive. The seal was open but he did not recognise it. He darted his eyes over it before pausing and scanning it again. He stared at the parchment and blinked, reading it one more time, fearing he had misread it.

Jake waved the letter at Dominic. “What is the meaning of this?”

Dominic’s mouth twisted. “Is that all the thanks I get?”

He swallowed, his mouth dry. “‘Tis real? Nay,‘tis a forgery. Brother, do you mock me?”

“You know me better than that, Jake. ‘Tis no forgery. Much has come to light in your absence.”

“Aye…” He clenched at the missive, aware his hand was shaking.

“Come, join me in an ale. There is more to tell.”

“More?” Jake asked in a strangled voice.

Dominic laughed. “Aye. But first, an ale. You have need of it from the looks of your ashen face.”

~* * *~

With her wounds dressed and the grime washed from her body, Isabel felt a renewed sense of hope. Dominic appeared pleased to see her returned and she realised whatever he intended for her, he would take care of her. And Jake…?

She couldn’t fathom him. Normally a glance into his eyes and she would instinctively know what he was thinking, but there had been a wild sort of hope in his expression. Had she given him false hope with her confession of love? Her heart ached, but she was glad to have revealed the truth. There was but one more thing she needed to confess.

How would he react? Isabel knew not, but she would not hide the babe from him. If Dominic sent her away, then she would at least have her babe know his father. And Jake would surely want to know his child. He was not the sort of man to abandon a child even if brought up as the son or daughter of his brother.

Forcing down the queasiness that assailed her at the thought, she took a restoring breath. Whatever happened, she would at least have her child.

A rattle at the door made her jump and she came quickly to her feet, smoothing her skirt anxiously. “Enter.”

Jake’s large from filled the room and she clutched at her chest, unexpectedly short on breath.

“Sit, lass,” he ordered. “Before you fall down.”

Isabel studied him as she mechanically obeyed, her mouth coming open at the sight of him. Would he ever cease to seem beautiful to her? Energy seemed flow underneath his skin and she could see the tension in his body, his muscles bunched as if he were readying himself to fight.

“Is it true?” he asked abruptly, his hand opening and closing around a missive in his hand.

“Is what true?”

He stared at from under his brow, his eyes searching her face. She considered him for a moment and realised his emotions were no longer unclear to her. He knew everything.

Isabel nodded carefully. “Aye, ‘tis true.”

His large form sagged marginally and he cursed beneath his breath. “I should never have left you, Isabel. Forgive me. I thought ‘twas best for you, I thought you deserved better. Had I known…”

“What? That I was carrying your babe?”

“Nay! Aye…I mean, of course I would never have left had I known that. But I meant if I had known you loved me…”

She ignored the tears that threatened to overcome her and pushed up her chin. “I do love you, Jake, but nothing has changed, only that I will not endanger this babe. I know not what your brother intends for me but I will go along with whatever he asks. I will not risk this child by angering my father.”

He considered her for a moment. “I would not ask you to do so, but I will ask that you put an end to my misery and marry me.”

Her heart fluttered and her eyes misted. “Oh, Jake… if I only could.”

Jake handed her the missive he was clutching. “You can. “

Isabel’s eyes lighted on the wax as she took it from him. “My father’s seal. What does it say?”

“Dominic has drawn up a contract with your father.” He seated himself on the bed next to her, gently folding her hand in his. “For our betrothal.”

Her mouth fell open. “In truth?”

“He must have offered him a good deal of coin in return. But, Isabel, you have been thrown on the whim of men for too long, I would beg you marry me, but only do so if it is what you truly wish. I will support you whatever you choose.”

Curling her fingers tightly around his, Isabel’s lips twitched. “Do you not already know what I wish?”

Jake studied her and Isabel could see the elation slowly lighting in his eyes. He brought his other hand around hers and grasped it tightly, pulling her into his embrace and threading his fingers through her curls. He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips before drawing back and casting his eyes over her face.

“Aye. Aye, I know what you wish, lass.”

Isabel grinned as her heart swelled in delight and he brought his lips down on hers once more, drowning her with the heat of his mouth.
I wish for you, Jake.

~* * *~

Greycroft keep loomed over the horizon, just visible amongst the rocks that protruded from the surrounding hills. Jake muscles eased at the sight. He darted a look over to Isabel, and his muscles bunched again as he waited for her reaction.

Her generous mouth parted as she took in her surroundings with wide eyes, and she glanced over at him as the mount eased them carefully over the expansive countryside. Isabel beamed at him, her eyes crinkling, no doubt noticing his apprehension.

Jake nodded towards the small swell of her stomach and she nodded back, taking a hand away from the reins to briefly stroke over it.

All is well
, she mouthed, unable to be heard over the steady hammer of the accompanying guards.

Her words had little effect and he drew in steady breaths as he struggled to relax. Damn woman refused to go in a carriage as he’d insisted. It made her sick, she said. He would not be satisfied until he had her safely home. In
his
home.

They continued up the shallow slope that led towards the square keep. The gatehouse greeted them, propped up on either side by two round towers. Jake led the way, Isabel safely tucked between his mount and the following guards.

Curious peasants greeted their party as they studied the lady their master had brought with him. Isabel returned their looks with a generous smile and Jake could see them soften towards her immediately. Ack, how was she was able to work her way into their hearts already?

He dismounted and handed the reins of his destrier to a stable hand before turning to Isabel. His squire made to offer her his hand until he spotted Jake’s glare and he quickly stepped back.

Stepping forward, he eased her down, allowing her to slide down his chest.

“Jake,” she hissed, as her cheeks reddening. “Robert was only trying to help and now everyone is staring.”

“Aye, let them. I have naught to be ashamed of.”

“You are their master, Jake. ‘Tis not seemly,” she protested, belying her words as she caressed his arms with her hands.

Reluctantly releasing her from his hold, he took her hand and laid it over the top of his. Turning towards the stone tower, he guided her towards the steps.

“Well, what think you of Greycroft?” he asked, wincing as he heard the anxiety in his voice.

Warmth spread through him as his wife turned to him, her blue eyes sparkling as she leaned over to place a kiss to his cheek.