Dangerous (11 page)

To mask her sudden discomfort, she began digging dead wood from the roots of an ailing rose bush. She carefully avoided looking toward the shadows beside the wellhead where Eric had secreted himself so she might have some time alone yet remain under his watchful eye.

“What did you wish to say?” she asked.

“I understand this past year has been a difficult one for you, but I hope you know I still hold you in great regard.” He took the trowel from her and lightly held her hand in his. “Though I wasn’t your first choice as a husband, it would please me greatly to be your second.”

“’Tis an honor to know you feel that way.”

“The honor is mine.” He lifted her hand to his lips, then rubbed his thumb along her third finger. “If I were to offer you a gold ring lined with rubies, would you accept it?”

“I—”

“Elisabeth Colton. A beautiful name for a beautiful lady.”

In his lilting accent, it sounded lovely as a song, and she couldn’t help but smile. “I seem to remember you saying that once before.”

“It’s still true.”

“That’s very sweet, but I can give you no children. Surely you know that.”

“That doesn’t matter to me.”

His quick answer made her suspicious. Though not as worldly as some, she was familiar with the conniving ways of certain noble families. “I will not accept a child another woman bears for you.”

“I’d never ask that of you. I ask only that you be my wife, make me the happiest man in Scotland.”

Caught off guard by his bold request, she didn’t move as he leaned in and gently kissed her lips. His eyes gleamed gold in the sunlight, his smile even more dazzling than she remembered. She’d been honest with him, yet he remained steadfast. He’d been a friend to them all since childhood, had become a kind, intelligent man who wished to marry her.

Father would certainly approve of such a choice. Not only was he fond of Grant, their union would strengthen the ties between the powerful Redmond and Colton clans, helping to ensure an impenetrable border between Scotland and England.

“You seem hesitant, Elisabeth.”

“I—” Gathering her wits, she searched frantically for a reply. “My mourning ended only recently, and I wasn’t expecting a proposal so soon. I need time to consider it.”

His hands tightened around hers, then relaxed as he smiled. “Please accept my apologies for startling you. I hadn’t planned to ask you this way, but seeing you here in the garden inspired me.”

After kissing each of her hands, he rose and strolled away. Bewildered by what had just happened, she watched him walk under the arbor and through the rear doors into the hall.

Though she’d not heard anyone approach, she wasn’t surprised when a tall shadow fell over her. “Would you care for a walk, milady?”

The formality of Eric’s speech did little to disguise the trouble brewing in his eyes. When he held out his hand, she took it, too shaken to do anything but follow him.

In a secluded copse of birch, he turned to her and claimed her other hand. Even in the dappled sunlight, she could see the determined set of his jaw. “Do you wish to marry Grant Colton?”

“No.”

“You’re certain?”

“Most certain.” Unable to endure his scrutiny any longer, she looked into the distance. “But I can think of no reason I could give, so I may not have a choice.”

“I’ll give you one.”

Curious, she returned to the warm caress of his gaze. “How?”

“Marry me.”

Her jaw fell open, and she stared up at him, incredulous. “What did you say?”

Pulling away from her, he began an agitated pacing. “You must think me a lunatic, but when I heard him propose to you,” his voice trailed off, and he shook his head as if trying to dispel the memory. The eyes that met hers blazed with desperation. “I love you, Lise, and I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”

“You love me?” He nodded, and her heart began dancing as she said, “I love you, as well. But do you truly wish to marry me?”

The panic receded from his eyes, but he frowned as he gathered her into his arms. “Consider carefully what that means. Should you decide to marry a commoner, the king will surely require you to renounce any holdings you have.”

“I care nothing for that, but don’t you wish to have a family?”

“I’ve no doubt the abbess could send us half a dozen orphans who need a home.”

What Eric suggested seemed unreal to her. A marriage filled with love and passion, children of her own to cherish. All her dreams come to life. “I suppose once we’re wed, we could live here whilst we build a house nearby.”

“We could,” he agreed with a soft kiss for her lips.

“But you really must give up chasing the maids. I won’t have it.”

Nuzzling into the curve of her shoulder, he chuckled. “I do that only to protect your honor.”

She laughed. “I think perhaps you enjoy it a little too much.”

“Christian enjoys it,” he breathed at her ear. “He can have them all.”

“He already has.”

“He’s welcome to them.” His tongue toyed with the hidden amethyst dangling from her ear. “You leave me no strength for anyone else.”

“Eric!” She felt her cheeks grow hot, even as he laughed.

“What say you, Lise? Will you be my wife? Help me build a fine house and fill it with children?”

He followed his proposal with a long kiss, his mouth hovering just above hers as she smiled and whispered her answer.

“Yes.”

With an elated shout, he swept her into his arms and spun about the little glen. “I suppose I should speak to your father.”

“Grant will have talked to him already. How will I ever find a way to explain this?”

“He lost to the better man. No shame in that.”

She chided him with a shake of her head. “Men can be so unkind to one another.”

Grinning most unrepentantly, he fisted a hand over his heart. “Honesty and truth, milady.”

“Pride and stubbornness,” she contradicted, unable to quell a smile. “I’ll give Grant my answer this evening, and you can talk to Father on the morrow.”

Quickly, Eric sobered. “You’re certain you wish to refuse Colton? I haven’t even a sliver of what he can give you.”

“Grant is a good man, but you’re everything I could ever want.” With a light touch, she traced his mouth. “I love you.”

“And I love you. Always and forever,
mon
cœur
.”

My heart, she translated the endearment even as he brought her close, the heart he’d pledged to her beating a solid rhythm on her cheek. In his next breath, he pushed her behind him, backing toward a sturdy birch as he drew the long-handled knife from his belt.

“There.” The blade flashed as he pointed.

She saw nothing, but she didn’t doubt his eyes. As he started forward, she grabbed his free hand in both of hers. “He’s gone. All you’ll find is footprints.”

Eric glared into the woods, but his harsh expression softened as it fell on her. “You look tired. With guests for dinner, perhaps you should rest a while.”

“So you can chase shadows through the forest? I think not.” She curved against him with an inviting smile. “But if you come with me, I might lie down.”

***

“Close your eyes.” Grant gave her a mischievous grin. “And open your mouth.”

Elisabeth had played this game with him as a child and unwittingly eaten a slug coated in honey. “Why?”

“I brought you a surprise, and you’ll not get it unless you do as I say.”

Smiling at the playful tone of his voice, she complied. Something rolled onto her tongue, and she tentatively bit into it. It was at once sweet and sour. And quite juicy, she realized as she felt liquid trickling down her chin.

“Allow me.” Grant dabbed at the juice with his napkin. Folding his arms on the table, he leaned toward her, an expectant look on his face. “What think you?”

“Delicious. What are they?” She selected another of the ruby balls from the bowl near his elbow and popped it into her mouth.

“Cherries, from the Far East. I’ve been experimenting with them and have two small trees that bear quite well.” When her teeth crunched on something hard, he chuckled. “Careful. It has a pit.”

As politely as she could, Elisabeth removed the crushed seed from her teeth. “Are they difficult to grow?”

“Very. Keeping them alive during the trip was the hardest part. Sailors have little concern for seedlings.”

“Perhaps they were occupied with keeping the ship afloat.”

Those were the first words Eric had spoken all evening. Then again, Grant had a great talent for commanding attention.

To his credit, their guest smiled affably. “I meant no offense. I’ve no doubt I’d make a dreadful sailor.”

Eric’s grunt made it plain he heartily agreed.

Hoping to ease the tension she sensed was building between the two men, Elisabeth plucked another cherry from the bowl. She studied the fruit while she dangled it by its stem. “It has a great deal of flavor for something so small. ’Tis sweet but tart, as well.”

Cocking an eyebrow, she gave Eric a little smile. Male interest sparked in his eyes, fanned to a flame as she gripped the cherry in her teeth and pulled it loose from its stem.

She held the bowl out to him. “Would you care for some?”

Though his manner remained aloof, the gleam in his eyes made it clear he appreciated her jest. “Perhaps later, milady.”

They shared a long look that sang with promise. Grant chose that moment to stand and offer her his arm. “Shall we take a walk together?”

She knew what had prompted his invitation, and she reluctantly rose to take his arm.

Eric stood as well, and Grant laughed. “No need to trouble yourself. I know my way about the keep.”

“’Tis no trouble, Lord Colton. The lady’s safety is my responsibility.”

“Not to worry,” Grant replied, patting her hand. “I’ll guard this treasure well.”

Eric glowered his disapproval, and she did her best to disarm his concern with smile. “We’ll not be long.”

He deferred to her with a slight bow, but she felt his protective gaze follow her from the hall. In the relative privacy of the corridor, she and Grant strolled along, her arm tucked companionably through his.

“I’m pleased that you enjoyed the cherries, Elisabeth.”

“I did, very much. I’ve never tasted anything like them.”

“You’ve always loved surprises. I’m glad to know you liked mine so well.”

Elisabeth drew a long breath and turned to face the man who’d been her friend for as long as she could remember. “I’ve been thinking about your proposal.”

As he took her hands, the eager look on his face made her hesitate. She’d intended to be direct with her refusal, but she couldn’t bear to hurt him. She pulled her hands away and stepped back. “I’m simply not ready to marry again.”

’Twas a blatant lie, and she prayed he couldn’t hear the deception in her voice. Resolutely, she pushed her worry aside and focused on her difficult task.

To her dismay, Grant chastised himself. “I’ve rushed you. I pray you can forgive my impatience. I meant no disrespect to John’s memory.”

“I know that, and you haven’t rushed me.”

“I can give you more time to consider my proposal.”

She shook her head. “It would be unfair of me to ask you to wait.”

“To have you as my wife, I’d happily wait.”

“No, Grant.” Tired when the evening began, she was quickly losing patience with him.

With a flicker of a smile, he raised her hand to his lips. “I understand. Of course, I’ll accede to your wishes.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

“No need for apologies.” He chuckled. “I’ll recover.”

He seemed completely at ease with her as they walked back to rejoin her family, and she was relieved that the awkward encounter was over. Clearly, she’d worried over nothing.

Chapter Nine

Later that night, Eric escorted Elisabeth to her rooms, as was his customary duty at the end of every day. From the head of the stairs, he glanced down the wide corridor to ensure it was clear. Seeing no one, he swept Elisabeth into his arms, silencing her laughter with a kiss. He carried her into her chamber, then kicked the heavy door closed and bolted it.

She wrapped her legs about his waist, and he took his time devouring her soft lips. Between kisses, he asked, “Did you think to drive me mad whilst you ate those cherries?”

“Cherries?” When he growled, she laughed. “You’re such an easy mark. Truly, I think I need only get out of bed in the morning for you to want me back in it.”

“How could I not? I’m but a man, and I love sharing the bed of such a beautiful woman.”

Her smile melted, giving way to an expression he’d never seen from her. As her chin dropped, he gently lifted it. Brushing the hair back from her face, he searched her eyes for what might be causing her sudden distress. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not beautiful,” she stated flatly.

He couldn’t begin to fathom how she’d come to believe such a thing, but he knew that even if he protested until he was out of breath, he’d not change this very headstrong woman’s opinion of herself. Then a method for demonstrating the truth occurred to him, and he smiled. “I can prove otherwise.”

“How?”

Easing her feet to the floor, Eric offered her his hand. “Come. I’ll show you.”

He led her to the looking glass and stood behind her. “Tell me, my fine lady. What do you see?”

“Black,” she spat with a scowl. When he pulled her hair back from her face, the amethysts twinkled at her ears, and she laughed. “Violet.”

“Do you know what I see?” he murmured, his tongue rimming the shell of her ear.

“Mmm.”

“I see a woman with a fine spirit, who hasn’t allowed fate to defeat her heart.”

At mention of her heart, she realized he’d opened her bodice without her notice. His hand slid beneath her shift to cup her breast. As his thumb brushed over the tip, she leaned back with a quiet hum of pleasure. Deftly, he loosened her gown, his other hand caressing her through the folds of her skirts.

“Never have I known this madness, Lise,” he breathed, pressing her back against him. “Can you feel how much I want you?”

“Yes,” she whispered, entranced by the rich melody of his voice, the mesmerizing effect of his hands.

Her gown slid to the floor, quickly followed by her underclothes. All the while, Eric kissed her, inflaming her with soft confessions of love and desire. “Shall I tell you what else I see?”

“There’s more?”

“Much more. Here I see a queenly jaw.” He traced it with a gentle touch that drifted lazily downward. “A graceful neck. Lovely shoulders.” He kissed across them, setting fire to her bare skin.

His hands closed over her breasts, his dark skin a sensual contrast to her own. Imagining herself at the mercy of those inventive hands sent a shimmer of excitement through her.

“These I like,” he murmured. “Very much.”

“Truly? I hadn’t noticed.”

“And that sharp tongue. You use it well.”

As he continued his erotic assessment of her, she became vaguely aware of him removing his clothes.

Resting a palm between her breasts, he asked, “What wicked thought has set your heart to racing?”

“Did you think to make love to me here, in front of the mirror?”

He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Would that please you?”

“I’ve never done such a thing. Have you?”

“Do you really wish for me to answer that?”

“No,” she said quickly. “’Tis none of my affair.”

His chest rumbled with a low chuckle, and he nosed along her jaw to murmur in her ear. “Interesting, your choice of words.”

“I’m ashamed to be so curious about your past. I can only imagine—”

“None of that matters now.” His hands followed the curve of her waist, splayed possessively over her hips as he knelt, drawing her down with him. Pressing her against him, he deftly swiveled to give her full view of the mirror. “This night, I’m with you.”

Rolling his thumb over the spot aching for his touch, he made her tremble.

“Open your eyes, Lise,” he said in a heady whisper, “see what I see when I make love to you.”

She did as he bade her, saw a woman breathlessly awaiting what he’d do next. She watched raptly, fascinated by the sight of him disappearing inside her. Then he pulled away, only to sink in even further. Again and again, unhurried though she felt him swelling within her. She moaned like a harlot as he pushed her to another crest and another higher still, until she could no longer breathe. “Take me, Eric. Please.”

At her command, he lengthened his strokes, thrusting to the center of her. Lifting her as he did himself, meeting her at the peak as he flooded her with everything he was. Everything he would ever be.

At once spent and filled with contentment, he stretched out on his back, savoring the feeling of her draped over him, her cheek pillowed on his shoulder. Taking her left hand in his, he pressed a kiss to each delicate fingertip, then to the smooth skin of her palm.

“Lise,
mon cœur
.
Je suis à vous
.”

“I am yours.” Her shy smile touched him deeply, unexpectedly. “’Tis a lovely thing to say.”

“Before long, I’ll be saying it to my wife.”

“I’ll very much enjoy hearing it.”

Drawing her ear to his lips, he whispered a few more things he thought she’d enjoy.

***

The entire castle was festive this night, Grant mused as he paused in his roaming to watch an amorous couple in the shadows. The maid’s blouse lay open to the waist, her lover too occupied with her voluptuous breasts to notice much else. They weren’t the lovers he sought but if his instincts were sound, he’d soon find another pair that would interest him greatly.

The Redmond family apartments lined the wide upstairs corridors, but through the open doors he saw no one. Then he came upon a closed door with light shining out from underneath. The neighboring chamber was unlocked, and inside he found another door leading to the larger chamber. Pressing his ear to it, he listened intently. Nothing.

Then he heard a splash, a deep voice answered by a peal of unmistakable laughter.

Cautiously, he tested the door and found it locked. The frame didn’t fit tightly, and Grant peered through the crack into the lady’s chamber.

At first he saw nothing but a jumble of clothes before a tall oval mirror. The elegantly draped tester bed was still neatly done, so he shifted position hoping to view the other side of the graciously appointed room.

He nearly swallowed his tongue.

Elisabeth stood in a steaming tub, blessedly naked. Before her knelt Eric Jordanne.

His hands molded her luscious backside, his mouth gliding over her glistening skin to settle between her thighs. Her fingers tangled in his hair, she arched back and moaned deliciously. ’Twas the most erotic pose Grant had ever witnessed, and his entire body tightened with envy.

Slowly, Jordanne stood as he mouthed a path up her stomach to her breasts. He lifted her in his arms, lowering her with a throaty groan. Flashing a siren’s smile, she began riding him with the practiced motion of a wicked equestrienne.

Jordanne muttered in French, growling when she laughed. “’Twill be a short ride if you don’t stop.”

“Then stop me.”

She shrieked as he dropped her into the water. She came up sputtering, then a playful smile curved her lips. As she wrapped them around the cock of a stranger, Grant closed his eyes and backed away from the door.

He’d seen enough.

***

They both froze, staring at the door to her sitting room.

With the grace of a stalking panther, Eric stepped over the high side of the tub and moved toward the mirror. Even as he drew the dagger from his boot, his eyes never left the innocent-looking door. ’Twas as if he expected it to burst from its hinges and attack him.

Though it took him several strides to cross her chamber, she couldn’t hear his footfalls on the rug or the bare floor. He crept to the door, pressed his ear against it as he closed his eyes. Elisabeth stood motionless to avoid distracting him.

He clasped the knife between his teeth and slowly slid the bolt open with his right hand, his left held ready to fend off whatever might come at him.

Nothing did.

“Someone was here.” Eric held his palm to the opposite side with a wry grin. “Breathing quite heavily.”

“Watching us?”

“One of your many admirers, no doubt.” He pulled the door closed and from the other side she heard a rumbling chuckle. “’Tis quite a view from here.”

Laughing, she stepped from the tub. “Good, I’d hate for him to be disappointed. Then again,” she added as she retrieved her dressing gown, “it could have been any of the maids hoping for a look at you.”

“No.” With his finger, he tapped the spot he’d told her felt warm. “None of them is so tall. This could only be caused by someone Christian’s height.”

He bolted the outer door, then closed and locked the one that connected with her bedchamber.

“Your library shouldn’t be left open,” he chided her gently. “’Tis not safe.”

“Grant wanted to look through my new books. I asked him to lock it when he was finished.”

“He must have forgotten.”

It occurred to her that Grant’s forgetfulness was the least of their worries. “Someone saw us.”

Eric’s eyes were fixed on her sitting room, and he didn’t seem to hear her. When Elisabeth touched his arm, he looked down at her. She repeated her concern, and he smiled, drawing her in for a kiss. “Fear not, milady. I’ll deny it to my dying breath.”

“It doesn’t worry you that people will know we’ve been together?”

“Why should it?” He ran a finger along her jaw and cradled her cheek in his palm. “Unless you’d prefer otherwise.”

“Of course not. But if the person watching us is connected to the man trying to take me, being with me could put you in serious danger.”

“Being with you always puts me in serious danger.” Grinning, he slid the robe from her shoulders and gathered her into his arms. “’Tis a risk I gladly take.”

***

The next morning, Elisabeth was rudely awakened by a stomach that simply wouldn’t stop rolling. Eric rested a hand on her brow, his own furrowed with concern. “I feel no fever. Still, something is very wrong.”

As the night had worn on, whatever was ailing her had gradually worsened, and her entire body ached as if she’d spent too long in the saddle.

She held her hand over her mouth as another wave of nausea swept through her.

“Damned cherries.” Eric rubbed her back while she retched into the chamber pot. “Perhaps your mother knows of something that will help. I’ll send Glenda to fetch her.”

Elisabeth fell back into her pillows. “Thank you.”

“Is there anything else I can do?”

“Do you still wish to marry me?”

With a gentle smile, he smoothed the hair back from her damp forehead. “I was a knight. A little stomach malaise doesn’t frighten me.”

Unexpected tears stung her eyes. “You’ve seen me at my very worst, haven’t you?”

“And at your best. Those memories are part of you, and I’ll gladly take them all.”

She laughed weakly. “Remind me to hide my poetry books.”

Flashing her a shameless grin, he rose from her bed to pull on his clothes. She watched him splash water over his face and neck, comb wet fingers through his hair. The dark waves shone like ebony in the early morning sun.

The sight of him brought fresh tears. How she loved him, this man who’d braved so much to keep her safe.

“Eric?”

He settled on the bed beside her and kissed her cheek. “
Oui
?”

“I love you.”

“And I love you. Now, get some rest. I’m going for a quick ride, and when I come back, I’ll speak to your father about my proposal. I’ll be back before you can miss me.”

***

Paul watched for the tall knight as he’d been paid handsomely to do. He’d been told the man would be going riding this morn along the route where he’d secreted himself. The wood spirits that dwelt among the thick trees made Paul very uneasy. He felt them glowering at him as if they knew his purpose in being there.

This duty, along with two dozen painful lashes, was punishment for his failure to restrain Lady Redmond properly when she was under his watch. Once, he’d thought his employer slightly unbalanced. Now he knew the man was completely mad, obsessed with the woman he called his treasure.

When a man became entranced by a woman, it was time to quit his ranks. This would be Paul’s last mission, then he would disappear into the untamed Highlands to the north. He’d go without taking down Jordanne, but he knew his malevolent employer would hunt him like an animal should he leave his gruesome task undone.