Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) (6 page)

“Why?”

Ashlyn let the fur drop and pivoted back to her. “Because this is the only place Gracie feels safe. And I do, too. But life is complicated in ways I do not think Gracie understands. She was verra young when we moved.”

Aline lifted her gaze and looked into Ashlyn’s eyes. She saw something she’d never seen before—understanding, support—the very things she needed so desperately.

Ashlyn lowered her voice. “If you cannot find anyone else to help you, come find me. Though know this. I will do this only because going back will help you to end it. You need to put an end to your terror, the pain I see in your eyes. Bruises and cuts heal, but the other things do not heal so easily. I’ll help you end all of it when you’re ready.”

Aline couldn’t take her eyes off Ashlyn’s, or the tears that ran down her cheeks while she spoke. Tears slid down Aline’s cheeks, too. She reached up to swipe them away, as if they burned her skin.

“I’ll promise not to tell anyone if you do the same.” Ashlyn’s voice came out in barely a whisper. “You are not alone.”

A voice reached their ears, and the two of them mopped at their tears in the hopes they would not be seen. Ashlyn handed her a linen square and grabbed one for herself, giggling as she did so. In that moment, it felt as if the two of them understood each other in a way no one else did. Caralyn came in and stared at the two of them, but she said naught.

Aline had found a kindred spirit.

***

Jake strode into the great hall just before the evening meal. He caught sight of his mother right away and made his way to her side. She was talking with Cook about the meals on the morrow, so he waited for her to finish. When she did, she turned to him, reaching for his hand. “Greetings, Jake. I know you must be wondering about Aline. She had a good day. She is getting stronger.”

“Mama, did it upset you when I brought her here?”

“Nay, nay! Do not concern yourself with my feelings. I have learned to deal with my past in my own way.” She patted his arm and stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “You did the right thing. Your da and I are verra proud of you.”

“Will she heal?”

Maddie sighed, a deep sigh that told him how much of herself she saw in the lass. “She will heal on the outside. ‘Twill take someone special to help her heal on the inside, but I pray every eve that her special lad will come to her as your da did to me.”

As many times as he’d heard the story of Madeline MacDonald and Alexander Grant, it had never struck him as much as it did at that moment. He could actually see in his mother’s eyes how much his da meant to her. He was stunned by the power of the emotion that surrounded his mother whenever she spoke of her past.

He’d never noticed it before.

“Aye, Jake. ‘Twas your father who gave me back my life, and I shall forever love him for that. He has brought out a strength in me that I did not know I had. And then he gave me even more through the gift of our children.” She smiled her special mama smile and said, “Someday you shall understand. Would you do me a favor and bring the stew and bread up to Aline?”

“Of course.” He followed his mother out to the kitchen. True, he’d been blessed with a wonderful mother. He knew others in his family had not been blessed with two wonderful parents until later in life—Loki, Kenzie, Ashlyn, Gracie, as well as their Ramsay cousins Molly and Maggie.

He took the tray and headed toward the staircase. Of course, being the son of Alex Grant had its own challenges, if only because he would always be compared to the great man. His talk with Loki had helped, but some days he felt he’d rather run away than become chief of the mighty Clan Grant.

He knocked on the door and opened it once he heard Aline’s voice. Sticking his head through the opening, he said, “I brought supper for you.”

Aline smiled, but then winced, her hand guarding her lips. “Sorry. Please enter. I am hungry.”

“Good. I brought lamb stew and bread.” He closed the door behind him and set the tray on her lap. Her bruises were no longer as angry looking. The swelling on her lips had started to diminish, but it still had to be painful for her. “Would you like some help eating?”

“Nay. My thanks, but I can manage.” She attempted a small smile and managed it without wincing this time. “Jake? You are the one who brought me here?”

“Aye.” He pulled a stool over to the side of the bed. “I found you in the bushes. He’s a cruel man, whatever he is to you.”

“I explained, did I not? If not, I will answer some questions for you now.” She took a small bite of the stew, savoring it. “You have a fine Cook. This is delicious.”

“We do. I’m glad you like it.” He waited while she ate, giving her time to savor the fresh bread. His mother had been correct—she needed to eat. Despite her improvements, he could see the fine tremor in her hand. He hated to push her, but he wanted to know everything about what had happened to her. He believed her when she said she would return, and he would follow. Now was the time to find out more about her chief. “You explained in bits and pieces, and I’m sure you were in so much pain it was tough for you to think. I was wondering if you could tell me the complete story? How did you come to live with this man?”

“I suppose it would do no harm to tell you all. My sire was James of Carron. We lived in an isolated area. One night, three men pushed their way past our door. Hew Gordon looked me over, then told my sire he was taking me. Just like that, I was stolen from my home.

“I became his mistress, though I had no choice in the matter. I am a bit stubborn, as my sire oft told me, and on occasion, I fight him. This is how he reacts.”

“One man did this?”

She nodded, taking another spoonful of stew.

“And yet you insist on returning to him.” He reached over and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He didn’t know why, but he was compelled to touch her, move closer to her, to know more about her. The more he saw her, the stronger the attraction was. “Help me understand why you would return to such a cruel person.”

“Forgive me, but I cannot explain. My thanks for rescuing me, as I may not have survived in the rain and the cold, but I must return as soon as I am able.” She avoided his gaze.

“Do you love him?”

She set her utensil down, wiping her hands on a linen square. “The only feeling I have for him is hatred. I could never love such a cruel man.”

“Then why return? What is it that calls you there? Or who?”

Tears misted her eyes and she stared at the wall. “I cannot say. Please do not ask me.”

She finished her meal and set the platter away from her. “May I ask a favor?”

“Of course. Name it.”

“Would you find someone to help me to the garderobe? I hope it is not far.” She blushed.

“I’ll assist you. I can help you down the passageway better than a lass, then I promise to give you your privacy.”

She thought for a moment, but then nodded in acceptance of his offer.

“You let me know when you are ready, and I will help you.”

She moved her legs to the side of the bed, but then stopped. If this was her first time up, she would probably get dizzy. He took the time to take in everything about her. Her hair, now that it was clean, was a beautiful shade of red—almost the color of a rich dark wine—and luxuriously thick with a bit of a wave to it. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of green that put him in mind of the pines. A pert nose sat on pale skin, almost porcelain, but he had no idea what her lips would look like normally.

She held her arm out to him. “I’m ready.”

He did his best not to groan. The night rail she wore was nearly transparent. He jerked his eyes away from the dusky coral of her nipples stretching the fine material. Once she stood, the material fell away from her curves, but not before he’d noticed what beautiful curves they were. He knew how long and slender her legs were, so he shouldn’t have been surprised that her eyes came up above his chin, something that did not oft happen with lasses because he was tall. She trembled in his arms.

“I’ll not let you fall, I promise.” He wrapped his arm around her waist to support her. “We’ll go as slow as you need,” he said as they took several careful steps. “Are you in much pain?”

She shook her head. “Only from having to go…” She blushed again.

He chortled. “You lassies do not have it as easy as we do, do you now?”

She stopped and laughed, gripping him tight and falling against him. Jake caught her and laughed with her, enjoying the melody of her laughter as it echoed in the passageway, and the thought that went through his mind was that he would like to hear her laugh more. Her laughter changed to a giggle that made him tug her closer just by instinct, but then she winced. It was the only sign she was in pain, for she never uttered a sound.

“Sorry, forgive me.” He loosened his hold while still hanging onto her waist to keep her from falling to the ground.

“I am fine. We can continue.” She pointed down the corridor, then gripped his hand tight until he left her to do what she needed.

He made his way to the other end of the passageway and found a window. Gazing out over the land that would someday belong to him, he rubbed his temple, unsure of how to interpret all the recent changes in his life.

He did not realize that this would be one of those moments in his life he would never forget. The laughter of this brave, strong lass would change him forever.

Chapter Seven

Aline’s gaze locked on Jake’s, and it almost took her breath away. He’d assisted her back into bed, and now she was fighting the tears that threatened to spill over onto her cheeks. If Jake saw them, he would think she cried due to her pain, but that was not the cause at all.

He
was the cause, Jake Grant. He’d touched her like no other. His gentle touch yet unwavering support had sparked a yearning in her soul she’d never experienced before. After spending two years at the mercy of a man who did not possess any, she craved the companionship of a man like Jake, one who spoke and acted with kindness. One who would love, support, and protect her. One who would help her through the difficult times in life. Would he always be like this? Or was his kindness just a reaction to her condition?

She wished to know the answer to that question more than anything.

Unfortunately, she’d have to leave him soon.

“Is there aught else you need?” Jake’s voice brought her back to her senses, and she did her best to try to engrave the warm lilt of it in her mind. She’d pull it out of her memory whenever she needed soothing or calming, because that was the effect this near stranger had on her.

His thick hair was dark as night, and he carried a couple of days’ stubble on his face, but it only made him more handsome. And how she wished to stare into those eyes that were as blue as the sea. There were so many things she wished to do at this moment—run her fingers down his strong jawline, run them through his hair, feel the silky ends cascade over her hand, and then trail her fingertips across his strong shoulders over to his lips, the kind of lips she wished to taste.

What made her think such thoughts? After all the disgusting things Hew had made her do, she’d sworn she’d never allow another man to touch her. But Jake? There was something about Jake that tugged at her soul, her heart, almost causing those tears to roll down her face and onto the linens because it could never be.

She forced a smile, even though she winced. “Nay, many thanks for your assistance this eve. I could not have done it without your help.” She couldn’t help but blush at the fact that he’d helped her to the garderobe. The man was a true gentleman. She’d needed him, and he’d been there for her.

He smiled, his white teeth making her want to cup his cheeks and kiss him so she could learn what a true kiss felt like, the kind the other lasses had talked about. She’d never understood their desire to kiss or be kissed, but he made her think differently. Once she was settled, he moved over to the door, and lifted his hand in a small wave before disappearing.

Just one kiss was all she wanted. Was that too much to wish for? She breathed deeply, letting it out slowly. Aye, it was too much for her to think a laird’s son would be interested in kissing her, especially with all the bumps and bruises she wore.

What foolishness.

***

Jake stuck his head in Aline’s chamber after a short rap. “Your escort to the garderobe has arrived.”

Aline giggled and said, “Jake, I do not need your help, though your offer is much appreciated. I managed on my verra own today.”

He opened the door and stepped inside. “Your chamber smells like flowers.” Pleased to see she was alone, he leaned toward her and said, “And the sweetness comes from you.”

“Aye, your mother brought me down to her bathing room and I enjoyed a bath in your aunt’s special oil. She makes lovely scents, and so many different ones. And that bathing room…how did your sire ever think of such a creation? I love how the pails come up the side of the tower with ropes and pulleys. He is mighty clever.”

“Och, he is, though he did receive help from many of his men getting it to work properly. Over the years they have improved it. It is an illustration of how much my sire would do for my mother.” He stepped inside the door and closed it.

With a wistful look, she whispered, “They are truly in love, are they not?”

“Aye, my sire would do most anything for my mama, and his devotion has never wavered. Since you have been up and about, may I invite you to visit one of my favorite places?”

“I would like that, but I do not know how far I can go without assistance. My ankle still pains me and is quite swollen.”

“I promise we will not go far, but you definitely need shoes and your robe.” He held his hand out to her and helped her to her feet, making sure he was close the first time she stood. He recalled how shaky she had been on her feet the day before. Once she was standing, he helped her don her robe over her night rail and her slippers.

“Where are you taking me?”

He held the door open for her and said, “Up and away. ‘Tis also my sire’s favorite place, and we may meet him there, but I believe he is still in the hall at present.”

She hesitated at the staircase looking over the balcony to below, but he shook his head.

“Nay, we’ll not go down but up.” He pointed toward the end of the passageway. Once they made it to the end, he opened the door and held her hand, blocking the cold wind that tended to greet the first one up the stairs.

When the wind hit her, she squealed and buried her face in Jake’s shoulder. But a moment later, she pulled away, and they started up the stairs. They emerged from the staircase, and he tugged her close so he could wrap his arms around her and keep her warm. Together, they edged to the side of the walkway and leaned out over the parapet.

“Oh, Jake. ‘Tis so beautiful up here. Look how far we can see. I feel like we’re on a mountain top.”

“I understand. I’ve learned to love this as much as my sire does. He loves to stare out over his lands.”

“All this land is yours?” She stared at him wide-eyed.

“Aye, ‘tis all Grant land. Almost as far as you can see.”

“I did not know you had a loch close by.”

“See the cottage? ‘Tis where Uncle Robbie and Aunt Caralyn live. My mama had a special play area built for all the young ones down at the opposite end, full of tree swings and benches to sit upon when out of the water. ‘Tis like a competition between my sire and my uncle Quade, chief of the Ramsays.”

“Jake, are you the eldest in your family? Does that mean you will be chief of all this land someday?”

“Aye, I guess it does. Unless I do something to anger my sire and my uncles, I believe I will be chief one day. But my sire is not ready to step down yet.”

“That must be frightening for you.” She shivered and leaned in closer.

“Is it too cold?” he asked, tightening his arms around her.

“Nay. I love it up here. Do not take me back yet.” She squeezed his arms as if to convince him. “Do you ever make a wish when you are up here?”

“I have before, but not recently.”

“What did you wish for?” Her gaze caught his, and she ran her fingers through his hair, tucking some of the longer strands behind his ear. She kept her hand on the back of his neck, caressing him lightly.

“I do not recall. You make me forget.”

He kissed her, gently at first, but then deeper, his hands coming up to cup her cheeks. She opened for him and his tongue swept her mouth, teasing her until she moaned. She pulled back, shocked at her own reaction to him. He brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. “You like?”

She nodded, blushing before she turned to stare over the land again. “If you could wish right now, what would you wish for?”

“Why do we not each make a wish, then share it?”

She smiled, her face lighting up as she nodded. They both stood facing the horizon, holding their faces up to the wind and closing their eyes. Jake had to admit to himself that it was a far more intimate moment than he had experienced with any other woman. When he finished his wish, he turned to her.

“Ready?”

“Aye. You first. What did you wish for?”

“This will sound silly to you, but I wished for honor. I’m not sure exactly how to express it, but I hope to be as honorable as my sire so that I will make a fine chieftain. I wish to win the respect of our clansmen.”

“Jake, what a lovely thought. I think the stars will grant you your wish.”

“Your turn. What did you wish for?”

She sighed, a sigh that came from her toes.

“I wished for freedom.”

***

Jake made his way back up the hill to the keep as the sun was setting. Exhausted from the workout he’d put himself through, he grabbed an ale as soon as he stepped into the great hall, but then spun around, deciding to head up the stairs to visit with Aline. He hadn’t seen her in a couple of days, perhaps he could convince her to come down for the evening meal.

Taking the stairs two at a time, he whistled as he made his way to her chamber, hoping she would gift him with the sound of her laughter today as she had the other day. He knocked, then stepped inside when she bade him to enter only to freeze as he took in what she was doing.

“Aline?”

She swung around, smiling. “Good eve to you, Jake. How was your day?”

“What are you doing?” He could see what she was doing. She was rolling up small items and foodstuffs and stowing them into a satchel that was open on her bed.

She continued, ignoring his tone, acting as if he were not in the room. He wondered how often she’d been yelled at, shouted at, during the normal course of her day. He chastised himself for having raised his voice, took a deep breath, and moved to her side.

Jake placed his hand over hers. “My apologies for my rudeness. Are you planning to go somewhere?” He could see the battle going on inside her as she fought tears.

“I’ve told you. I’m returning to Hew.”

He closed his eyes and squeezed her hand. “I do not understand why you would do such a thing. Help me to understand.”

“I cannot. ‘Tis something I must do. ‘Tis what’s best for me.” She stopped to gaze into his eyes, her green gaze sparkling with tears. How she wished to tell him everything, but the moment the thought entered her mind, terror raced through her, the terror of Hew Gordon preventing her from saying anything. She would do what she had to do.

“Aline, you know you are welcome to stay here. But have you been outside this chamber other than to use the garderobe? I know you’ve met my mother, but have you met my aunts, my cousins, anyone in the clan besides my mother or my aunt and the serving lass? I can understand why you’d be afraid to stay with strangers.” He stepped back and held his hand out to her. “Come. Come with me into the great hall for the evening meal. Meet some of the people I love.”

She stared at him. “Jake, I’m leaving on the morrow, after the morning meal. I appreciate all you’ve done for me.” She moved over to stand in front of him, reaching up to cup his cheek and place a chaste kiss on his lips. “I owe you much for saving me. Know that I will never forget you.”

Jake could not stop himself. If only she had not kissed him, but that was the one thing he could not fight. He tenderly cupped her cheeks and kissed her, first on the side where her lips had healed, but she leaned into him, and his lips descended on hers, tasting all of her.

She moaned and he took that as a sign he had hurt her, so he pulled back. “Forgive me. I got carried away…I did not mean to hurt…”

She tugged him back to her. “You did not.”

She kissed him full on the mouth, parting her lips with a sigh that invited his tongue into her sweet cavern, sweeping inside for just a moment. He dared not hurt her, so he ended it quickly. He’d discovered what he’d been searching for.

Aline of Carron tasted sweeter than any other.

He held his hand out to her. “Please. Come with me for just a moment. Do you recall mentioning how you noticed the way the members of my clan smiled?”

She nodded, though he could see the hesitation in her eyes.

“Please, before you go, experience some joy and happiness with us. Spend a little time sharing a meal, seeing what we are together.”

She paused for a bit before placing her hand in his, and Jake felt like they had just shared something special. He stopped at the top of the stairs so she could glance over the railing at the bustle of his clan sharing a meal. The laughter echoed up to them.

He could still see the fear on her face, but of what? He had his answer once she took her first step. Fear of pain. She still had much healing to do. Hellfire, but he was thoughtless sometimes. She must be stiff and sore. He’d experienced the pain of inactivity on occasion, as well as the pain of doing too much. The day after he’d moved all those rocks he’d thought his arms would fall off and he’d never lift another thing again. Hadn’t he begged his uncle to cut off his arms?

“May I carry you down?”

“Nay, I need to learn to do it on my own. Many thanks for your kind offer. You have done so much for me, but ‘tis time to do for myself again. I’ll accept your assistance in case I start to fall, if you do not mind.”

He held his arm out and she latched onto it. “Take your time. We are in no hurry.” She peered over the railing to see if people were staring at her, but very few had paid her any mind. “They are minding their own business, not yours, Aline. I wanted you to see how different it can be for you. ‘Tis why you need to meet my clan.”

They descended slowly, but he stayed by her side every step of the way, noting her anxious expression when she looked to see who was watching her, and proud to see there were few who expressed such rudeness. Satisfied that he’d made the right decision, he urged her to continue, and when they made it to the bottom, Aline took a deep breath and smiled at him.