Highlander's Challenge (22 page)

Tuck huddled deeper into the chair, wishing the painful truths would go away instead of hovering around her like the annoying pests they were.

"Do you not see? This means that Michael and I can be wed," Fiona said, bouncing like a child in the chair, pulling Tuck from her agonizing thoughts.

Forcing a small smile to her lips, Tuck said, "I'm happy for you, Fiona. Really." She rose from her chair and went to the bed. "I'm pretty bushed. Mind if we skip our session tonight?"

"Are you not well, Tuck? You dinnae seem tae be yourself this eve."

"No, no. I'm fine. Just tired." She faked a big yawn and turned down the covers.

"Verra well. I bid you good rest." Tuck nodded as she left, then slid between the covers. A faint sniffle slipped out, and she flipped over and buried her face in her pillow.

"I hate weddings," she muttered roughly as her pillow grew damp.

209

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

The sun cut across Colin's cheeks and open eyes as it had done every morning for weeks. Mostly he spent a good deal of the night staring at the canopy above his bed, obsessed by a woman like none he'd ever known. She'd saved his father, his friend, and his own life, although he never admitted it openly. He admired her spirit, her bravery, and she drove him to near madness. Try as he might, he could not stop thinking of her.

He avoided all contact with Amelia. Had gone so far as to eat at odd hours so he wouldn't have to see her on Ian's arm, hoping to drive her from his thoughts. But every night she hounded him in his sleep, the vision of her scantily clad body, the swipe of her tongue across her lips, the very scent of the woman would find its way into his dreams, into his senses. He ached to hold her, kiss her, but he could not. He was betrothed and would soon wed.

He'd grown weary of waiting on Aileen's arrival these last weeks. Why would MacKenzie not make haste so he could get on with his damn wedding? Then, perhaps, Amelia would leave his thoughts once and for all. But the taste of her—no, that he could not easily forget.

Donning his clothes, he idly wondered if Aileen could play chess or read. He ascended the stairs to the battlements, turning his thoughts to his father's increasing good health. His plan to join the clans to end the warring was sound, although he wished fervently there was another way. 210

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

His father had yet to regain his full memory, leaving more questions as to this unexpected war. What had happened that fateful night when Fergus had brought him back to the castle?

Did it have to do with his own suspicions, that there was someone outside the clans orchestrating everything?

The hole in his sire's thoughts often irritated the old man to the point of being ill. It took Elspeth's sweet voice to calm him. Another interesting turn of events. Colin had known for some time that his aunt had deep feelings for his father, but the man never seemed to notice. Now, the laird's eyes were alight with something new whenever he looked at her. He shook his pounding head. It wasn't like his father at all, and he wondered if the blow to his head had done more than steal his memory. Had his injury addlepated him as well?

The Laird had yet to see the spies still kept in the dungeons, nor would he listen to any of Colin's theories regarding them. He spoke only of the impending arrival of his betrothed while quietly wooing Elspeth.

The wind wrapped around Colin as he stepped onto the parapet. He inhaled deeply, letting the salty air soothe his weary, confounded brain. Leisurely, he strolled to the opposite side of the castle where the sun was warm and welcoming with the full bloom of spring and paused.
She
was there.

He took the opportunity to study her, the woman to whom he owed his gratitude, the woman who haunted him at every turn, before she noted his presence.

Standing in her stocking feet, her extraordinary boots set aside along with her coat, she lifted her arms and legs in the 211

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

oddest manner. 'Twas a dance of some sort and was hypnotizing with its fluid movements. He'd seen her once or twice with Fiona doing the like, and something similar with Robby, but had never ventured close enough to see her face. The bite of the wind had turned her cheeks to a soft crimson while her cap of red curls twisted and turned ablaze in the morning sun. The serene smile upon her lips was the most captivating of all. He'd seen her smile at Ian over some jest, but this turn of her lips was different—unique. It came from her soul.

She turned slowly, her arms gracefully gliding through the air, and her gaze met his. Without the faintest hesitation, she continued her dance. He watched her for several more minutes, wondering about her homeland, her people, and why she had traveled so far. Why she was here. Her eyes closed, and she let out a long exhale while bringing her arms back to her sides, ending the odd dance. She silently crossed to her shoes and put them on. Once done, she rose and slipped on her waistcoat. He remained silent, not sure what to say.

She turned to face him after closing the odd garment. "Did you want something?" she asked, breaking him from the spell she'd cast over him.

"What is it that you do? Those strange movements you make," he said, motioning with his hand.

"I was doing my exercises. It's called Tai Chi. It's a great stress reliever. It also lends me strength and flexibility in hand-to-hand combat."

212

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Combat," he scoffed. "Women are not made for such things. They're too soft, too weak."

"You seem to forget, as usual, that this soft, weak female beat the crap out of the MacKenzies, took out two of your guards, handed you two trespassers, and managed to overcome your blacksmith."

He shook his head. "You use surprise and tricks as your weapons. 'Tis not real fighting. I will admit you have some skill, but you are no match against a healthy—sober man, one who is aware of your tactics."

Her jaw clenched. "When are you going to get it, MacLean?

I'm a soldier, first, last, and always."

"A woman soldier?" He waved his hand at such a blatant bit of nonsense. Aye, she was skilled, but not a true soldier, she had to see that.

"Fight me and find out," she said, shifting her stance, readying herself as if he was about to attack her. "I dare you."

He snorted. "Daft woman. You're speaking foolishness. I'd crush you in an instant."

She visibly relaxed. "Hmm, just like you crushed me in chess. You're afraid, MacLean. Admit it."

"You're no warrior, damn you! You're a woman." One he wished to God he did not want so fervently. She tilted up her chin, her eyes narrowed. "You can bellow and bluster all you want, but it doesn't change the facts. You're afraid I'll beat you." Tuck moved past him, her back as straight as his sword. "Again," she tossed back over her shoulder as she trotted down the stairs.

213

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Afraid, aye," he murmured, leaning against the wall, his gaze falling to the churning waters below. Afraid he'd lay his hands on her and not let go. He wished he hadn't seen how graceful she was, how calm and serene. And she'd challenged him without so much as a flicker of fear in her eyes. She was a rare woman whose mere presence spoke to parts of his being he was finding it harder and harder to keep buried. But his duty was to the clan. He could not let these growing feelings rule his actions. His fate lay down another path with another woman.

* * * *

Furious, Tuck stomped down the stairs and outside to the lists. She wanted, needed a good workout. She stopped at the edge of the small field and observed the men as they started their daily routine. The sound of steel against steel reverberated in the air. She caught sight of Michael standing to the side talking to Fiona, his heart in his eyes. No man would ever look at her that way. Least of all, the one she wanted.

With a snarl, she stomped toward the lovebirds. "Fiona, you ready to work out or what?" she said gruffly. Fiona's mouth opened and closed as she blinked.

"What mean you?" Michael asked, his face twisted with confusion as his eyes darted between them. Tuck ignored him, her gaze firmly on Fiona. "Well?"

"I, uh, I suppose."

"Good," she said with a firm nod. "Then let's work over there."

214

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"In the lists?" she gasped. "Nay, we canna."

"Why not? It's the best place to do it. Plenty of room to move around. Come on." Tuck grabbed her arm and dragged her across to the far corner where the men were few. Michael followed, demanding to know what they were doing.

"You daft females. Do you wish tae get your heads taken off?" he sputtered. "Women dinnae belong in the lists."

"Mayhap we shouldna do this, Tuck," Fiona said meekly. Tuck puffed out a breath and turned on Michael, her hands fisted on her hips. "Look, I'm teaching her how to defend herself. You got a problem with that?" He scowled. "She doesna need you tae teach her such things. I'll protect her," he declared, pounding his chest. Rolling her eyes, she positioned Fiona where she wanted her and began. "I'm going to show you how to get loose if someone grabs you by the wrist."

"Fiona, I forbid you tae do this," Michael barked. Both women stilled and turned their heads, their faces set in firm scowls.

"You forbid me?" Fiona asked, her hands mimicking Tuck's, fisted and planted firmly on her hips. "You aren't my husband yet, Michael Fraser, and I'll thank you tae be remembering that."

He clenched his jaw as a crowd grew around them.

"Husband or no, your da wouldna approve of this. 'Tis not fittin' for a woman tae fight."

"Geez, not that again," Tuck muttered. "Fiona, if you want to do this, let's get on with it."

"Aye." She nodded firmly and turned back to Tuck. 215

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

"Good. Now, using your free hand, grab the top of your fist and then pull back against the attacker's grip. Especially against his thumb, it's the weakest link. By pulling back on your own wrist, you're pulling his shoulder forward which can interfere with a punch from his other arm. Also, by sinking back, you can shift your weight, giving you a chance to get in a snap kick. You remember that, right?"

"Aye, but I'll not be able tae do it with my skirts."

"True, they'd get in the way, but this will give you a chance to run for it. Now, let's give it a try." Tuck acted as the attacker, and they moved in slow motion a time or two to practice. When Tuck felt she was ready, they did it for real.

Michael looked on with his mouth hanging open, apparently stunned that Fiona had disobeyed him. One of the men tossed a wisecrack in their direction, setting his face on fire. Michael squared his shoulders and stepped up beside them.

"Stop this nonsense, Fiona. I'll not have you lookin' the fool," he demanded, slapping his hand on Tuck's wrist where it sat atop Fiona's.

That was a very ... big ... mistake.

Tuck pulled him forward and kicked him squarely in the stomach. He fell on his butt, gasping for air.

"How's that for nonsense?" she asked, standing over him. She'd had it with all the women don't do this crap. Fiona fell to her knees beside him. "Ach, Michael, are you hurt?"

216

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

He shook his head, glaring up at Tuck as William and the others laughed at his expense.

"How does it feel tae be beaten by a woman?" one of the men called. "At least she left your nose intact this time, eh Michael?"

"Did she bat her lashes at you before she put you on your arse?" another added. "Or were you struck dumb by her charms?"

Tuck gritted her teeth. That last crack was aimed more at her than Michael, but they'd get their turn, and she'd enjoy every minute of it. But first she had to finish with Fiona's fiancé.

Looking down at him, she asked, "Care to take a shot at me? I kind of owe you one for that sucker punch a while back."

"I'll not fight a woman," he spat, climbing to his feet. She rolled her eyes heavenward. When would these guys get with the program? Reaching out, she took his arm and flipped him over her back. He landed with a glorious thump at her feet.

Fiona dropped beside him again. "Please, Tuck. Dinnae hurt him."

Michael shoved her aside as he got back on his feet. Fiona's begging had hit a soft spot. She could see it in his eyes. He wanted a piece of her so bad he could taste it.

"How about now?" she taunted, eager to get a real work out. She'd hidden out in her room and various other places since that night she'd heard about MacLean's upcoming wedding. Pouting, of all things. Well not anymore. 217

Highlander's Challenge

by Jo Barrett

Michael's fists clenched by his sides as the men made a circle around them, laughing and joking, yet he still held back.

She grinned at his show of chivalry, admiring how well he was taking the ribbing. But she needed a good fight to get a certain Highlander off her mind, and these guys needed a lesson.

"I tell you what, Michael," she said. "No punches, no biting, no clawing, just a good old fashioned wrestle. Whoever pins the other, wins. Think you can handle that?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Come on, don't be a chicken."

That did the trick. He lunged at her with a roar, but she sadly put him on his back again.

The men called and cheered. "Dinnae let her beat you, lad!

She's just a woman!"

She gave him his lead for a while, letting him think he might win. Humiliating him wasn't on her agenda, but she eventually pinned him, and he grudgingly conceded with a winded grunt.

Feeling invigorated, she rose to her feet, dusted off her jeans and turned to the men laughing their kilt-clad butts off.

"What sort of fankle is this?" MacLean blustered, as he and Ian strode into the list.

"The wee lassie here bested Michael in a wrestling match," William said with a wide grin. Crossing his arms over his broad chest, he said, "And a damn fine job she did too." Tuck grinned and bowed her head slightly toward the old Highlander who gave her a friendly wink in return. 218