In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) (17 page)

“He looks strong and capable.” Emlyn inched closer to his horse, and he set her hand on the side of his neck.

“You see, he can be a gentleman. I’ll soon need to retire him.”

“He deserves such kindness if he’s served you well. Will you walk back to the keep with me?”

James nodded. “Of course, lovely.” He gave a pat to Oran before taking her satchel from her. They walked along quietly, and he liked the silent rapport between them. He’d never felt so at ease with a woman. Emlyn seemed to feel the same as she smiled at him as they ambled along. When they reached the doors of the keep, he handed her satchel back. “I will dream of you this night and nothing but.”

Emlyn touched his arm. “As will I of you.”

*****

Rain pelted the ground and its overflow sent a stream of water covering the garrison floor. James lay upon his bunk, watching the ripples thrashing against the wood. He was hesitant to move, for he’d gotten little sleep. Emlyn’s body taunted his visions, along with Marshall’s threats.

He knew he had to do everything within his power to keep her from him. With a yawn, he stretched, and closed his eyes, hoping for a bit more rest before he’d begin his day.

“James,” Grey called. “Donal returned early this morn. He awaits us.”

Muttering under his breath, he sat up and stretched, for the bunk he’d laid upon was too small to fit his body. His legs and back ached, but he shook it off as he stood. “What is his mood?”

Grey laughed when James twisted his body and head. “Sore?”

“Aye, I vow I’d rather sleep on the ground. What of Donal?”

“Damned if I know. I haven’t seen him yet. Adeline told me he wants us awaiting him in the hall when he comes down from his solar.”

James followed Grey from the garrison, his boots soaked through by the time he reached the outside. “Let us meet him then.”

There was no use in trying to stay dry on the way to the keep. Rain came down heavily and drenched his body within seconds. Donal’s keep’s entrance was located within steps of the garrison, but he was sodden by the time he reached the hall.

“There be a torrent this day.” Donal handed them both a tartan. “Best dry off here and for God’s sake, take off your boots. Adeline will crow about her clean floors for hours if you dirty them.”

James used the tartan and dried his arms, chest, and hair. He set about removing his boots and placed them by the entrance of the keep.

Grey left him in the hallway and retreated to the hall with Donal. He heard their discussion which mostly was of pleasantries. But James continued to try to remove as much moisture from his body as he could.

When he finished his task, he looked up and saw Emlyn descending the stairs. Rendered speechless, he grinned and thought he’d never seen a lovelier lass.

“Good morn,” he said when she reached him.

“And you. Have you nothing to say of my attire?” She raised her beautiful brow at him. “Lady Ross forced me to wear it.”

James pulled her closer and kept his hands on her waist. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “You are quite lovely. Were we alone, I’d have you out of that gown and wearing nothing but me.”

She gasped and pinched his arm, and pulled away from him. “Is that all you think of, removing my garments?” Emlyn grinned, showing her bonny teeth behind her widening smile.

“Aye, tell me you do not wish to be out of that gown, for I won’t believe you.”

“James, what’s keeping you?” Grey shouted from the great hall.

“I must go, lovely. Grey and Donal await me. Will you be well enough until later?”

Emlyn set a hand on his arm, stopping him from moving away. Her touch was warm against his cold skin. “Aye, I am spending the morn helping Adeline in the kitchens. I shall suffer through it, if you permit me to train with you when it stops raining.”

“Oh, the kitchens,” he said with a laugh. “I know it is a daunting thought, Emlyn. But nay, I cannot permit you to train with us. Remember your promise to bear no arms on this journey?”

“I promised no such thing,” she said, and curled her lip in a pout. “Surely you’ll allow me an hour’s reprieve from your request.”

“Mayhap. We shall see.” But James had no intension of letting her near a weapon.

“Did I not rescue you from the foe who almost killed you?”

He frowned knowing what she spoke was the truth. “Perhaps you did.”

She leaned against him and kissed him full on the lips. James got caught up in it, so much so, he completely forgot about his laird and Donal. Emlyn’s tongue snuck into his mouth and he groaned, wanting nothing more than to abscond to a private place where he could—

“James, cosh, you have a habit of keeping me waiting lately,” Grey said, coming into the hallway. “Ah, I see the reason.” His laird chuckled and yanked his arm, forcing him to release Emlyn.

“Good day, Lady Emlyn. James is busy.”

“Until later, lovely.” His laird pulled him into the hall, and James noticed Donal’s dark look. “Laird Ross.”

“James. Sit and tell me what the Iorwerth chieftain bespoke. Grey told me some of it, but I am hesitant to believe him.”

James sat next to Grey and began relating what had happened while they were in Wales. By the time he finished the tale, a large trencher of foodstuff was set before him, along with a tankard of ale. The young maid giggled when he thanked her.

Donal remain staid and quiet, and appeared deep in reflection at what he’d told him. James picked from the tray and finished off his ale when Donal spoke.

“It is settled then. You will wed the lass as her father bid, this night. For on the morrow, you will need to be away.”

James couldn’t hold back the scowl that came to him. “Why? You will not offer Emlyn asylum here until this is over?”

Donal pressed his hands against his temples and then through his hair. “I wish with all my heart that I could. But Alexander will be stopping here before he treks off to meet Marshall.” His gaze turned grim, his eyes cast on them with a look of regret. “He and Marshall have an accord. As long as Alexander stays out of Marshall’s way, he shall not bother any of the fiefs or lords of Scotland near England’s border.”

“Cosh, he has Alexander by the noose then,” Grey said.

“Verily, and Alexander will not interfere. If our king finds out she is here …”

James grew morose at this news. “That means he will hand over Emlyn to Marshall if he finds out she is here.”

“Indeed it does.” Donal nodded. “Alexander received a missive from him, thanking him for sending his men, you, in retrieving his betrothed. He invited Alexander to his keep in Schrosberie so they may further their relations.”

Grey muttered a curse. “When do you expect him?”

“In a few days hence, this is why you must leave on the morrow. You will wed the lass this eve and go when the sun rises. But you cannot go to the Gunn keep. Once Marshall learns you have Emlyn that will be the first place he will search.”

James wanted to bang his head on the table to put an end to the troubling thoughts running ramped through it.

“What bothers you? I know you well, James, and I can see you are troubled.”

He scoffed. “Troubled. You have no idea. She hasn’t agreed to wed me, for I haven’t even broached the subject with her. Emlyn will not accept me. She deems she will not be any man’s lass. Won’t Marshall believe Llywelyn didn’t send her? We can just tell him so.”

“That is what Grey will convey when Alexander comes and why you must away with her. There must be a place where you can go until this is over and you can return to Gunn land.”

“There’s only one place I can think of,” Grey said.

James recognized that look on his laird’s face. It was the look he often wore when he was about to interfere. He grew even more morose. James wasn’t going to like hearing what his laird would say.

“You will take her to your father’s farmstead.”

James stood, letting the foulest explanative he knew escape him. “Fucking hell. Nay, absolutely not. I refuse to go there. You know that, Grey. There must be somewhere else I can take her.”

“But you must for it is the only place our king and Marshall would not deem to think of. I’m not asking you to stay there forever, James, just until this passes. I’ll send for you as soon as you’re free to bring the lass back.”

“As long as it is only for a short time,” he conceded. “I will agree.” James had considered going to his father’s farmstead when their mission for the king ended. He supposed a few weeks, possibly a month at the most, wouldn’t kill him.

Chapter Eighteen

Being at the Ross keep was just as bad as being at her own. Emlyn wouldn’t be insolent toward Lady Ross and had put up with her motherly ways throughout the day. She almost felt sorry for Anne and Betany, but they were dutiful daughters unlike her. The gown she’d found stuffed into her satchel was wrinkled and fit poorly. It was the gown her sister Suzanne had given her, the crimson with golden accents. At least it was thin in its woven texture and not as heavy as the gown Branwyn had given her.

She still hadn’t figured out how the gown had gotten into her satchel. Emlyn had only placed the gown Bran had given her in it.

“Lady Emlyn, my husband wishes to see you before we dine. Best hasten for Donal doesn’t like to be kept waiting. He’s in the hall.”

She nodded and set the tray of bread she’d just sliced on the work table. Emlyn stepped outside and noticed the rain had become a drizzle. She hastened her walk to the keep and entered. Upon seeing James, she stopped and looked at him, taking her leisure to caress his body with her eyes. No one noticed her when she’d entered for they were in deep discussion and spoke low.

She couldn’t hear what they were saying and didn’t care. James stood next to his laird, and he leaned against the table peering at a scroll. She watched the way his hand moved to tuck an errant strand of hair behind his hear. The movement was so normal, but when he did it, it caused her breath to cease.

His handsome face remained focused on their conversation. Emlyn sighed, wishing for one brief moment she was alike other ladies and knew the wiles of her sex. But she’d never had any other interest but warfare. A lot of good it served her now when all she wanted was to be noticed.

She released her breath in a drawn-out sigh when he smiled and the creases of his cheeks deepened. If there was ever a perfect man, he’d be it. Too bad her life was destined to a different way of living.

“Emlyn?”

She could never be wife to James. He deserved a woman who would cook, keep him in clean garments, care for his children, and perform the mundane tasks most ladies endured with pride. Emlyn would’ve considered giving herself to such a life for him, but she wouldn’t be selfish. For she could never be prideful doing such for anyone including herself or even James. She had nothing to offer him in ways of husbandry.

Emlyn came out of her reverie when someone touched her shoulder.

“Are you unwell?”

She looked up to find James standing next to her. “Oh aye, I’m well. I’m sorry I didn’t hear you. I was lost in thought.”

“Anything you want to share?” The edges of his beautiful mouth led to a smile that reached his eyes, and melted her heart.

“Nay, it was nothing of import.”

Donal thumped the floorboards with his massive feet and frowned at them. “James, be gone. I wish to speak to Lady Emlyn. Alone.”

James gave her an apologetic look before he and his laird left.

“Come, milady. I don’t bite.”

Emlyn walked hesitantly toward the old lord. His gruff voice brought forth a little bit of fear, but when she gazed into his eyes, she saw a kindness in them. He rivaled her father when it came to austerity though.

“My lord.” She bowed her head.

“Please come, be seated. I’m Donal and you may call me such, if I’m permitted to call you Emlyn.”

“I would like that.”

“I’ve been speaking with James and Grey about your predicament. I have bid James to wed you if you’ll have him.”

A scowl came to her, and she relaxed her eyes, hoping not to anger the old lord. Her heart beat languidly and she didn’t know how to reply. She shook the look of affront from her face, knowing it was rude to look upon him in such a way.

“He tells me you won’t have him. Is this true?” Donal leaned forward, and he spired his fingertips, making a peak of them in front of his face.

“I cannot wed him, nay.”

“Why not, lass? James is one of the most loyal and honorable men I know. Many a lady vies for his attentions, but I deem I’ve never seen him taken with anyone akin to you before. Worry not, for he would make you a fine husband.”

“I agree, he would. But you see it is I who would not make him a fine wife. He deserves better. He deserves a woman who would be pleased to do all the things a wife would cherish doing for her husband. Someone akin to your Anne. I fear I’ve no talent for such tasks.”

Donal sat back, aghast at what she’d told him. His brows furrowed. “You devalue yourself, milady. James could care less about such things. I deem he’d be pleased if you accepted him regardless of your lack of wifely talents.”

“He might be pleased, mayhap for a fortnight or two. But what will happen when normal life intercedes? What then? When I’m unable and unwilling to care for his launder and such? It is not that I don’t want to do it, you see, but I have another calling. He’d tire of me quickly, I promise you that.”

Donal firmed his lips. “Aye, I’ve been told about your affinity for weapons. You do realize that not many women can take on the profession and live long? James is given the task to see to your safety. Our king comes and you will leave with him on the morrow regardless of whether you marry or not.”

“Where will we go?” Emlyn tensed. If she caused the Ross’ danger by being there, she wanted to leave at the soonest.

“He will take you to his father’s farmstead and there you will stay until you are bid to return.” Donal rose, he walked around the table with his hands at his side.

Emlyn nodded, but refrained from questioning him.

“I want you to at least promise me you’ll obey and stay with James and hidden until the dangers passes.”

“I agree.”

His eyes and lips scowled, and she was wont to be away. It was as if she was sitting before her father, being reprimanded. And her father had never made her feel so guilty or low. Emlyn felt an apology twitching at her lips, but firmed them to keep her mouth closed.

“Marshall will not desist in his quest to have you, Emlyn. You do understand the peril? If anyone can protect you, James shall.”

“Mayhap I don’t need his protection and can take care of myself.”

Donal laughed boisterously. He used the back of his hands to wipe away his laughter tears. “By God, I am gladdened I am not given the task to see to your safety. I feel sorry for James, for he’s going to be driven daft by a lass like you.”

She shook her head. “I am thankful for his envoy, but verily I wish you men would realize that I am capable of using my sword in my own protection.”

“Adeline,” he bellowed, “Supper may be served now.”

He paid no attention to her words. Dismissed, Emlyn stood and walked to the doorway. She bowed her head to him.

“You are welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, my lord, but I shall find my own supper.” She exited the keep and found James awaiting her outside. He stood next to Colm, who had a grin upon his face.

“What did he say?” James asked.

“You know well what he said.”

James stuck out his forearm, forcing her to stop in front of him. “And did you agree?”

“What do you think? Of course not. I would not do that to you, James.”

Colm snorted with laughter. “Aw, see James she does care for you.”

“Come, I have a surprise for you.” He took hold of her hand and started to lead her away.

Colm made kissy noises and said, “Adeline wouldn’t like hearing about you being alone with milady. Mayhap I’ll tell her.”

James turned, and before Colm moved, he threw his fist at his jaw. Emlyn was impressed. She stood grinning and wished she had thought of doing that.

“Fuck off, Colm.”

Colm bellowed with mirth and walked in the opposite direction.

Emlyn followed James as he led her through the bailey, and beyond the keep.

“Where are we going?” she managed to ask, as her feet hastened to keep up with him. He didn’t slow his pace until they reached a lane lined with cottages.

“You shall see.” He kept walking and stopped in front of a thatched roofed cottage. “Our abode for this night.”

“How did you arrange this?”

“It belongs to Henry.” He opened the door for her.

Emlyn crinkled her eyes for he was so handsome standing there, grinning in his charming way. “Won’t Henry mind giving up his cottage?”

“Nay, he has sentry duty and won’t return until tomorrow eve. Come.” He motioned her inside.

Emlyn ducked under the low threshold and stood transfixed.  “Oh, James, did you do this?”

“Do you like it?” his voice deepened and his eyes remained fastened on her.

“Aye, everything looks … delightful.” She let her gaze take it all in. Throughout the cottage, candles lit the abode in a romantic ambiance. The small table near the hearth was laden with trenchers filled with foodstuffs. Then she spotted the bed and looked back at James.

“Let us eat. I’m starved,” he said, and led her to the table.

She sat in the chair across from him and stared at his hands. He pulled pieces of meat from his trencher and licked his manly lips. Emlyn couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth. His movements were mannerly and yet sexy at the same time.

“Are you not hungry?”

She shook herself. “Everything smells delicious.” If ever that was a truth. As she picked food from the trencher, she tried to think of someway to broach the subject of Donal’s request. She didn’t know how to explain why she’d rejected him without sounding like a shrew.

“You’re being more quiet than usual, Emlyn. What is it you’re worrying about?” James leaned across the table and set a goblet in front of her.

His tanned forearm looked strong, and she closed her eyes for a second. “I was thinking of what Donal bespoke.”

“I know, and you obviously refused.”

“I did. It is not you, but me. I mean to say that I cannot wed you. Does that anger you?”

He continued eating and didn’t appear the least bit disgruntled. “I understand, Emlyn, why you said nay. I am a guardsman and am nowhere near your station. You’re a princess and could verily wed a king or someone akin.”

She shook her head. “My reason is verily the opposite.” She filled her mouth with the tender pieces of goose and chewed, knowing she had to keep her mouth occupied before she said something to offend him.

“Mayhap we both have it in our hearts not to wed. I’ve my duty and nothing will deter me from it, not even my father’s wish for me to take over his farmstead. You’ve your dream of returning home so you can continue to train with your father’s men.”

She nodded and swallowed the food, now wishing she hadn’t put so much in her mouth. “We have this time together and you’re taking me to your father’s farmstead. Are you angered by that?”

He finished eating and sat back. She appreciated the way the fabric tightened across his chest when he folded his arms over it.

“Not at all, lovely. I won’t speak an untruth, for my father and I don’t get along. I have been in his presence but once in twenty years.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He unfolded his arms and took a drink.

“For making you go there.”

“I had to go eventually, and you need a place to hide. It is the solution to your problem and I had to face my father eventually.”

She took the goblet and drank the sweet wine, taking more sips than she should have. “Is his land afar?”

James shook his head. “A day’s ride. He has a large tract that borders the Gunns’ land. It was gifted to him by Grey’s father.”

“We shall leave on the morrow?” She sighed wishing she didn’t put him in such a position.

“Aye, sometime tomorrow. Grey will have our horses ready and will get your satchel from the keep. But this night is ours, Emlyn, ours to enjoy.” He stood and held out his hand.

Without hesitation she took it.

“I want to be with you, lovely, in a comfortable bed. I want to see your exquisite body. But mostly, I want to see your bonny red hair fanned out on my pillow.”

Emlyn’s breath ceased. His words sent a desirous thrill through her. He began untying his tunic. She reached up with shaking hands. “Let me.” Her fingertips slid over the thick musculature of his chest. “I love touching you.”

“And I you.” He helped her off with her gown, pulling it over her head.

Her hair mussed, and she quickly ran her fingers through it.

“You look bonny. I want you in my arms again.” James lifted her.

She used her toes to slip off her slippers and the strap of her shift fell to the side of her arm. Emlyn wasn’t a shy person, but in this moment, James made her feel utterly feminine and demure. She imagined most ladies in such a situation wouldn’t be forthright.

He set her atop the covering of the bed and stood beside her. His gaze darkened with passion. Emlyn lay back and watched with widened eyes when his hands shifted to his belt. A lady would be shocked, wouldn’t she? Hell if she knew. But she’d play the part.