Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) (22 page)

Isabel watched Douglas sleep. His
chest rose with each breath, and his beautiful face looked serene. A feeling of
love came over her, so deeply, that she smiled to herself. Sounds of laughter
came through the window, but he hadn’t opened his eyes, yet she knew he was
awake. Her hand caressed his chest, trailing downward to his stomach, which
flinched at her light touch. His breath hitched slightly, when her hand
surrounded him. He kept his eyes closed, even when his corded arm reached for
her. Isabel wasn’t sure how she ended up on her back with him kissing her and
moving gently within her.

Douglas pulled his head back to
look at her. “Now.”

“Now what?”

“You asked when we could do it again.
Now, we can do it now.”

“Douglas, people are about. Are you
mad? We should rise before someone knocks.”

“No one would dare enter here. I
want to make you wither in my arms again.” Douglas thrust himself against her. “Are
you?”

Isabel moaned at his intentional
thrust. “Am I what?”

“Withering?”

She giggled.

Douglas touched his head to hers. “I’ll
make you do more than that, cat-eyes.”

He made slow sensual love to her,
moving delicately, gliding himself against the heat and dampness of her skin. The
change of position heightened her release and his. She enjoyed the morning, not
getting out of bed until nearly noon.

Douglas finished belting his tartan
when she came behind him, kneeling on the bed.

“Douglas, thank you.” He kissed her
softly. She realized at that moment that she loved him, really loved him, loved
him more than any man. She thought she’d loved him, when they were at the
waterfall, but she didn’t know him as well as she did now. Aye, she loved him
with her whole heart. She was about to tell him when a knock came at the door.

He moved off the bed, wrapped his
plaid around his waist, and pulled the door open wide. She shrieked, but he
shifted his position to block her.

“Douglas, I must talk to you. It’s
of import. Good morn, Isabel.”

She peeked around Douglas’ shoulder,
hearing Brendan’s voice. “Good morn, Brendan.”

“Did he treat you well last night?”

“Aye, but I was disappointed.” She
pouted.

Both turned to her, and said in
unison, “What?” Both wore a frown, too. She laughed.

“Because, Douglas fell asleep last
night.”

Brendan grimaced. “You didn’t
pleasure your wife on her wedding night? Isabel, do you want me to blacken his
eye?”

“I did pleasure her, Brendan, and
I’d like to see ye try to blacken my eye,” Douglas shouted.

“I meant he fell asleep before he
could … ah, pleasure me again. Now will you get out so I can dress? Douglas,
close the door.”

She heard their laughter as the
door closed. Considering her wedding night, and by the sight of blood on the
bedding, she had surely been a virgin. She washed, dressed, and stripped the
bedding, rolling it in a bundle.

Nigel hadn’t been able to attend to
his foul deed that night. Her brows furrowed. If that were the case, he would
not give up his pursuit. He’d been crazed that night and relentless. She also
knew she hadn’t seen the last of him.

Isabel left the chamber and found
Candace in the hall. She ate her morning fare and spent the afternoon with
Candace. When they entered the hall later that day for supper, Isabel tried not
to smile at Lady Kerr’s daily lecture. Pressing her lips together, she nodded.

“You lassies are not to leave the
keep.”

“Mother, we said we were sorry. Can’t
you forgive us?” Candace couldn’t console her mother now, not since they had again
caused Lady Kerr’s distress at the horse coral earlier that day.

“You’re to be married soon, Candace.
Do you deem your husband wants a bedridden wife? You, Isabel … my son would be
full of ire were you harmed.”

She lowered her gaze, feeling
guilty. “We didn’t mean to let them loose.”

“I don’t know what you thought
getting near that corral again.”

“They charged and we were unable to
stop them. We promise not to go near them again.” Isabel’s promise was
acknowledged by Lady Kerr with a humph.

“You are blessed they didn’t
trample you. Think of the danger. Don’t let me see you outside this keep for
the remainder of the day, either of ye.”

Isabel linked her arm with
Candace’s, and they ran from the hall. When they reached the stairs to the
upper chambers, they laughed loudly. She entered Douglas’ chamber, and found a
box lying on the bed. She didn’t know what it was, so she left it untouched,
and went to ready for the evening meal. A deep basin of steaming water sat
beside the hearth, and she undressed. She entered the water, leaned against the
rim of the tub, and closed her eyes.

She awoke when Douglas’ lips
crushed hers. At first, she startled, but when she realized it was him, she
relaxed, and wrapped her hands around his neck. His hands roamed beneath the
water and he continued his love play until she came undone. He lifted her
dripping body, and carried her to the bed. No sooner had he laid her down, he
nudged her legs apart, and his mouth kissed her wet curls. Isabel shrieked and
tried to close her legs, but he wouldn’t let her. As his tongue lapped her, she
relaxed, enjoying the sensation.

Douglas knew where to lick, suck,
and rub. When her legs shook with the force of her climax, he entered her
swiftly. His rhythmic movements sent her spiraling to the height of pleasure. She
yelled so loudly that he reeled. After giving his own shout of pleasure, he
collapsed next to her. She lay amazed by what they shared, her heart beating
frantically. When she opened her eyes, she noticed his scowl. By the look on
his face, it didn’t seem that he enjoyed it. He appeared angry.

“Douglas, was I … was it all
right?”

He rolled to his side, and pulled
her face to him. “Hell, aye, it was more than all right. If this continues,
I’ll be a dead man by next week.”

She smiled at his compliment. Hearing
his approval made her feel better, because she wanted to please him. “We must
ready for the evening meal. Hand me my gown.”

“How do you do it? You recover
within seconds, while I’m like a crag covered with moss.”

She laughed at his jest and
motioned for her gown.

“Did you like your gift?”

“What gift?”

“The one in the box.” Douglas
pointed at it.

“Oh, I didn’t know it was for me. Truly,
it’s for me?”

“Aye, it’s my wedding present to
you.”

“Wedding present? But I didn’t give
you anything.”

“You’ve given me everything. Open it.”

She pulled the box to her. It was
flat, about four inches high and four feet long. Perhaps he’d given her another
gown. She lifted the top of the box, and removed the cloth that covered the
item inside. Her eyes watered when she viewed it. The most beautiful bow she’d
ever seen lay inside. It was made of birch wood with a delicate flower pattern
burned into the length on both sides. Her voice caught in her throat when she
tried to thank him.

Douglas stopped her with the tip of
his finger. “I know you prefer daggers, but I thought you’d enjoy a challenge. There
are thirty arrows for you to practice with. We’ve a quintain if you wish to use
it, or I can construct an easier target.” He waited for her to say something,
but she hugged him, and wept onto his freshly donned tunic.

“Don’t weep, cat-eyes.”

“I never received a gift so fine.” Her
left over tear escaped. “I love you, Douglas.” She felt him stiffen. “Not
because you gave me a gift, but because no one has ever cared for me as you
do.”

He wrapped his arms around her and
kissed her. “I’m hungry, let’s eat.”

While he waited for her to dress,
she watched him. He didn’t seem affected by her words and he didn’t admit any
feelings for her. Given the gift he gave her, he had to care a little. When she
was ready, he took her hand and led her to the hall.

Douglas left Isabel at the steps
and went to talk to Brendan, Gil, and Cedric. His face mimicked his dislike of his
cousin’s news. It seemed the man that tried to hurt Isabel was named Phillip,
and he’d gone missing. Gil had seen him sneak out of the barracks late the
night before, and he had followed. He returned this afternoon and relayed his
tale to Brendan. They went searching for him, and had only just returned.

“What do you make of it?” Brendan
asked.

“I’m surprised, Phillip is a good
warrior, but he’s also known as a complainer. He’s not acting alone. Obviously,
he’s now with my foe. Why would he want to hurt Isabel? Do you deem he’s in
alliance with another clan?”

Brendan hunched his shoulders.

“At least we know who our spy is,”
Gil retorted.

“Cedric, order the gates kept
closed. I want to know the minute he returns.”

Brendan set his cup down. “I have
to check on Julianna before I continue my search for Bonnie. I probably won’t
return for a while.”

Douglas knew he wanted to get back
to the search. “You’ll find her. Do you need any of my men?”

“Nay, you need them for your
family’s protection. Gil is staying here, you need him. He’ll catch up with me
later. I’m glad you married her.” Brendan punched his arm.

“I am, too. I’ll see you soon. Let
me know when you find Bonnie.”

“If—if I can find her,” Brendan
said with woe.

“You will find her, I feel it.”

Brendan hurried out the door.

Douglas realized supper was being
held up, and he quickly took his place at the table. He took hold of Isabel’s
hand and tightened his hold when he sat next to her. He was surprised to see
Rachel sitting on the other side of the table. She smiled at him.

“Thank you for allowing me to
return, Laird Kerr. I wanted to be here to assist Milady with my dear friend
Candace’s wedding.”

“What a shame you didn’t return
sooner, Rachel. You missed a fine feast celebrating Douglas’ wedding to
Isabel,” his mother said sweetly.

Rachel’s smile faltered. “You must
be delighted, Lady Kerr, to have gained Isabel for your daughter-in-law.”

“Aye, indeed I am. I’m delighted,
more than you know.”

“Douglas, I was telling Mother that
Wills hasn’t returned yet, and I worry for him. He left after the wedding, and
he told me that he would return this morn, but hasn’t.” Candace looked at him
expectantly.

He glanced at Cedric who joined
them only a moment before. “I’m sure he’ll return soon. He probably was delayed
by his father.”

“I know I shouldn’t be concerned,
but I’ve a terrible feeling.”

“Give him a few days, and if he
doesn’t return, Douglas will send a messenger. Won’t you?” Isabel asked.

“Aye, cease worrying, Candace.” He
cut a piece of meat from the venison on his tray, thinking it strange that
Wills had come and gone so many times in the last few weeks. He wondered why,
because it wasn’t like him to come only for a day or two then depart. Had he
gone home? If so, he had to ride at least one day and then one back. He said
he’d gone to see his father, but returned only one day later. It should have
taken him much longer if indeed he’d travel home. Douglas became perplexed. Mayhap
he should go to the MacIvers and ask him about it. He wanted to find out about
his enemies, but he didn’t want to leave Isabel. He decided to wait a while
before going on that trek.

After supper, he and Isabel
retired. The weather had cooled, and they hurried under the covers. During the
night, he cuddled beside her, thankful for her warmth. In the morning, he rose
early and went to find out if Cedric had found Phillip. He hadn’t, so Douglas
went to the training field and directed some of his men. He sent the sentry on
duty to man the walls. Later, he approached the keep and decided to check on
Isabel. He noticed her standing in the courtyard and watched her while she
practiced.

The afternoon sun, high in the sky
didn’t warm the air, and Isabel looked to be wearing many layers to ward off
the cold. She used his gift today, and he wanted to see if she could actually
do it. He knew she’d never used a bow before. The cold kept most inside, which
was fortunate for them, since she’d likely miss the shots. She stood before the
quintain, about a twenty-foot distance, holding the bow in what she thought was
the proper position. Situating the arrow, she pulled back, her fingers tightly
grasping the end, and she released it. The arrow landed on the ground two feet
from her. He thought to tell her it was more difficult than it looked, but he
didn’t want to embarrass her. After several attempts, she finally hit something.
It, however, wasn’t the target. A cart attached to a palfrey jarred when the
animal took off. She covered her mouth in disbelief.

Cedric ran after the palfrey,
pulling the animal to a stop when he’d caught up with it. He plucked the arrow
from the wood and walked to her. “I believe this is yours.” He handed her the
arrow. “Do you need help, Milady?”

Douglas was about to intercede, but
waited to see if she would accept his help.

“I’m in dire need of it. I can’t
seem to get the bow to go where I want.”

“Let’s see how you’re setting up.” Cedric
handed her an arrow.

She placed the arrow and released
it. It went about four feet before falling to the ground. Cedric handed her
another arrow, and stood behind her. He leaned close, took her hand in his, and
smiled. They released the arrow in unison, and it landed on its mark. She
cheered, and turned to hug Cedric. He backed up a step when Douglas cleared his
throat. They turned to see him bearing down on them.

“Laird, I uh … was helping Milady
with her bow.”

Douglas’ cold eyes glared. “Cedric.”

“Aye, Laird.”

“Don’t ever touch my wife again.”

Cedric nodded and strode away.

“Douglas, why did you … he was only
trying to help.” She frowned, and turned to pick up the bow that she’d dropped.

He frowned after Cedric then turned
back to her. “How goes the archery?”

“I’m terrible at it. Cedric was a
great help. You must thank him for me. It’s more difficult than throwing
daggers or using the short sword.”

“You use a short sword.” He hadn’t
meant to sound surprised, but he was.

“It’s effective, and not as heavy
as a long sword. Why, I couldn’t even lift Nate’s. Perhaps you could show me
how to …”

“Aye, cat-eyes, I’ll show you many
things. Are ye cold? Come inside and get warmed.”

He pulled her to him. “I’m not
cold, in fact, I’m rather hot at the moment.”

“Aye, mayhap warm enough to remove
some of those layers?”

She smacked his hand when crept to
her breast, and she laughed when his grin implied what he wanted to do.

“It’s the middle of the day. Surely
you can wait until this eve? I don’t want to keep you from your important
duties.”

“One of my duties is to see that
you are well satisfied, and I haven’t done since the wee hours of this morn.”

“You’ll have to wait, Douglas.”

Cedric shouted for him. Douglas
touched her cheek. “Until later, cat-eyes.” He walked to the steps where his
commander-in-arms waited. As he walked along, he watched his wife.

She giggled and bent to pick up an
arrow from the ground.

Rachel walked toward her. “Lady
Isabel.”

Isabel pulled back an arrow and
released it. Douglas heard the swish, while watching it hit close to the center
of the quintain.

She jumped with glee. “I did it! It’s
not so difficult.”

Rachel looked baffled by her
excitement. “Do you enjoy using manly tools?”

Isabel frowned, and glanced at him.
Douglas reached the steps and held his hand out at Cedric, trying to listen to
their conversation.

“It’s effective in releasing
tension. You should try it.”

Rachel stepped around his wife. “You
would let me?”

“Why not? Here, be sure to pull
back as far as you can. It will make the arrow go farther.”

Rachel held the bow. “It’s a finely
crafted instrument. Wherever did you get it?”

“From Douglas. It was a wedding
gift.”

She pulled the arrow back, and it
landed on the lower part of the quintain. “This is fun.”

“Aye, it is.” Isabel laughed.

“Thank you for letting me try it. Mayhap
we can be friends. I never had a friendship with someone like you.” Rachel
lowered her eyes.

Douglas almost shouted at Isabel
for giving the woman an arrow, but then he didn’t know why he felt so
apprehensive about Rachel. Mayhap she did want to be friends with Isabel.

“I’d be glad to befriend you. I
must ask, why were you so rude to me when I first arrived? Did you wish
Douglas’ attention?”

“Aye, but I realized that he didn’t
want me, as he wanted you.”

“Are you angry that we married?” Isabel
kept her focus on the next shot.

“Not anymore. I do hope you can
forgive me. I was jealous, and admit my lack of manners. I would understand if
you couldn’t forgive me.”

“Of course, I forgive you. We
ladies should support each other.” Isabel started to pack up her bow and
arrows. The cold must have finally seeped through her layers, and she wanted to
return to the warmth of the hearth. Rachel helped her retrieve her arrows and
walked beside her. It was a start.

Douglas turned back to his
commander and focused on what Cedric told him. He related that Phillip
returned, but hadn’t said where he’d been. Now that he was back, he could have
him watched. Phillip would lead him to his enemy, perhaps to Bonnie, and then
he could retaliate for the loss of Ellic’s property. Then he’d kill him for
trying to hurt his wife.

“You know what to do.”

“I assigned someone to the task,
Laird. He’ll let me know where he goes.”

“I want to handle this delicately, be
discrete. I don’t want my family to know, especially Isabel. She won’t like
being followed, but it can’t be helped.”

Cedric nodded. “Speaking of Milady,
I didn’t mean to be brazen with her. I was only trying to show her how to use
the bow. I would never be so forward with Milady.”

“I was an arse. I know that you
didn’t intend to be forward.” Douglas went to see if she was still at her
practice, since she hadn’t come inside yet.

He couldn’t stay away from her, and
worried whenever she was out of sight. He was about to exit the keep when she
came strolling in. Rachel followed her, but she stepped around them, and went
to the fire. Isabel placed her box beside the entrance, and removed her cloak. He
forced her back against the wall.

“Douglas, what are you doing?”

He didn’t answer, but instead
nuzzled her neck and put his hands on her waist. She giggled at the touch of
his mouth on her neck.

“I see you won’t be appeased until
I give in. Come.” She pulled his hand, and led him to the steps. As they walked
along, she eyed his grin. “I should be angry with ye.”

“Why, what’d I do?”

“You shouldn’t have yelled at
Cedric.”

“I don’t like anyone touching you. I’m
a possessive man, cat-eyes. You are mine and no other will ever hurt ye again.”
He watched her cross the chamber, where she stood glaring at him with her hands
on her hips. He sat on the bed.

“Douglas, he wasn’t trying to hurt
me.”

“I know he wasn’t. Come here so I
can make it up to you.”

She approached and put her hands on
his shoulders. He encircled her with his arms, pressing his face against her
stomach. He stood, turned her abruptly, and placed her on the bed. He inched
closer, all the while seductively contemplating his next move. She forgot her
anger when he placed kisses along her bared thigh.