Plead Forgiveness: Betrayed Twice (Loyalty Series) (16 page)

After hearing the
details of Ella and Paen’s excursion, Laird Macleod unleashed his ire with a
thunderous roar. The servants took flight from the great hall, leaving it empty
save three.

Palms flat on the
trestle table, face reddened with rage, Gavin stared at his wife and brother.
They looked like two errant children waiting for punishment.

“Explain, wife,
why ye dinna follow Paen’s orders to return to the castle?”

“I wanted to
help,” she replied in a small voice.

“Help! Ye wanted
to help! Bloody hell woman, the last time ye wanted to help ye were almost
raped. The time before that left ye scarred for life. Do ye nae care what
happens to ye?”

Nothing could have
prepared Ella for the searing pain his words caused. Blinking back the tears,
she shot to her feet and railed, “I heard nae complaints when I helped save you
and your men.”

She continued in a
broken voice, “Nor when you learned I took Gabriel’s lashing. Do you think I
stopped to ask the name of the boy tied to the whipping post afore I covered
his body with my own? Consequences be damned when a child is about to be
whipped or a frightened girl is attacked by a wild boar. All that mattered then
and now is that they were in trouble.”

A tear streaked
down her face when she added, “And if my troublesome nature and scarred body
infuriate you so much, then get rid of me, for I will not change.”

Gavin and Paen
stood speechless as they watched her run from the hall.

“I should nae have
said that,” Gavin said with obvious remorse as he lowered his body to the chair
and put his head in his hands.

“I agree, ‘twas
most unwise,” Paen said with brutal honesty, lowering to the seat across from
his brother. “Ye let yer fear speak, nae yer heart. Aye, her recklessness is
maddening, but there is reason behind it as well.”

When Gavin lifted
his head, Paen asked, “Do ye dare deny ye love her?”

“Aye,” he replied
without hesitation. “I love her more than I believed humanly possible. ‘Tis
that love that compel me to keep her safe, regardless of the sacrifice.”

“’Twas her valiant
nature and loving spirit that captured yer heart.”

“Aye.”

“Then dinna ask
her to change the part ye love most about her. Accept her for who she is, and
the stress she will nae doubt bring to yer life.”

Seeing Gavin’s
mood lighten, he added, “Well, nae just yer life, every bloody man who calls
himself a Macleod. But, she is well worth it.”

“Aye, she is,” he
said. He stood, rounded the table, and then slapped the younger man on the
back. “Thank ye.”

“Bah, be gone,”
Paen said, waving him away. “Go mend the bridge ye broke.”

Moments later
Gavin knocked on his wife’s chamber door. He tried to enter, but found it
bolted against his invasion. With rising determination, he stalked to his
chamber, passed through the connecting door and pushed aside the tapestry.

The sight that
greeted him would live in his memory for a lifetime, as it fairly broke his
heart. Naked from the waist up, Ella stood looking over her shoulder with
watery eyes at the reflection of her scarred back in the large mirror hanging on
the wall. By her horror-stricken expression, he realized that this was the
first time Ella saw the multiple red scars that lined her back from shoulder to
waist.

He quickly crossed
the chamber and took hold of the woman who stole his heart. Ignoring her
protest, he rested his cheek on the top of her head and said, “Forgive me,
little one. I should ne’er have spoken about the whipping or-”

“I’m hideous,” she
cried.

Gavin abruptly
pulled her from his chest and said, “Ye are beautiful. Yer face, form, heart,
spirit, everything about ye is beautiful.”

He took a deep
breath, and then cupped her face. “I ne’er kenned true fear until ye came into
my life. Like a wild fire, it grew into a raging inferno. And ‘tis my love for
ye that ignites my greatest fear . . . losing ye.”

In a soft whisper,
she asked, “You love me?”

“Aye, I love ye,”
he said with smile while tenderly stroking her face.

She stared at him,
completely in awe by enormity of his words. Her hands slowly slid over his
chest and tears streaked down her cheeks. “I love you, Gavin. My heart and soul
are yours, will always be yours.”

He captured her
lips in a devastating kiss that made her tremble with raw sensation and savage
need. When his arms encircled her, she felt engulfed by his love the way early
morning mist would the trees. He stood her by the edge of the bed, stripped her
with tenderness, and rained kisses over her exposed flesh.

Fierce, hot desire
pounded through Gavin as his eyes made love to her gloriously naked body.
Leaning forward, inhaling her sweet aroma, he trailed tiny nipping kisses down
her throat and across her breast. His tongue traced wet circles over the
protruding buds, savoring her taste and scent before he turned her body to
worship the skin on her back.

“Nae, Gavin.”

“Let me love every
part of ye. Kiss, touch, and taste all of ye.” And he did.

He pressed a
series of slow, shivery kisses to the raised flesh of each scar. His hands
stroked the length of her back before they meticulously paid homage to her
heart-shaped, callipygian bottom. The two small identical mounds were firm, the
skin silky soft. He tasted her sweetness and nibbled her enthralling flesh as
she ran her fingers through his hair in silent encouragement.

Turning to face
him, Ella clawed at his clothes, wanting to feel him against her. She tore his
plaid from his waist while he ripped off his tunic, until nothing inhibited her
view of his sculpted, wildly aroused body.

Gavin moved her to
kneel on the bed, with her hands on the headboard, and his large body spooning
her smaller one. One hand stoked a growing flame to smoldering blaze between
her legs as the other fondled her throbbing breasts. In detail, he began
describing the feel and splendor of her body, then what he planned to do with
her exquisite body.

The warmth of his
hands and lure of his words made her mindless to all else, but him. Engulfed by
his masculinity, she arched against him. He hungrily kissed her neck and
shoulders.  The feel of him, swollen and hard, heated her core.  

Panting with need,
urgent for more, she cried out, “Gavin!”

Gavin answered her
breathless plea by grasping her hips and slowly filling her body. He rocked her
gently back and forth on her knees, each thrust bringing him deeper, tighter,
until ravaging pleasure filled her every pore. The sensual pagan rhythm soon
thundered against her.

She palmed the
back of his head and felt a tumultuous thrumming within her expand to a wild
crescendo until she convulsed into a fiery, cataclysmic chain of rewarding
spasms. A wild, keening cry burst from her lungs, sending her soaring to sweet
oblivion. She heard his hoarse cry and felt his fingers dig into her hips and
buttocks.

For long moments,
neither of them moved after collapsing on the bed. The sound of heavy breathing
stirred the air as pleasure undulated throughout their bodies, drenching them
in the heat of their love. He stretched out beside her, holding her close.

With their bodies
deliciously sated and their skin sensitive to the touch, Gavin explored her
feminine curves, as she lay motionless on her stomach. He languidly caressed
her slender hips and rounded bottom.

With a tender
gaze, Gavin stared down at the woman he had just made love to so fiercely. Her
skin glowed golden by the light streaming in through the chamber window. Sleek
muscle visibly showed under the taunt skin of her slim body.

Through his eyes,
she was perfection. He knew the scars were there, felt them when his hand slid
down her back, but saw only her beautiful courage.

When he unraveled
her braided hair, he felt a pang of remorse for not doing so before they made
love. He slid his fingers through her long, golden tresses, amazed by the
thickness and silky soft texture.

Gavin smiled,
remembering what his men said when they saw her enter the bailey. 
‘I do
love when the sun comes out to brighten our dreary day, Laird Gavin.’ 
Their
comments varied, but all referred to her as the sun, even on cloudy or rainy
days.

He parted her hair
to kiss her spine, and then said, “Ye are my angel, my sun, my love, my little
one.”

Turning onto her
back, Ella cupped the back of his head and said “I love you more than my own
life, but. . .”

He pulled back to
stared down at her. “But?”

Smiling, she
replied, “But, I do not have cute names for you.”

His grin reached
his eyes, and then she added, “Well, other than mule and barbarian, but they
are not so cute.”

Gavin laughed in a
deep, jovial way before he said, “Ye are a bonny fine lass, and a spitfire to
boot. I predict ye will keep me amused all the days of my life. Howbeit, I will
nae be called mule when I’m in bed with my wife, but barbarian . . . aye,
barbarian I like verra much.”

“I’ll call you
knave if you don’t kiss me.”

“With pleasure, my
love with, with a great deal of pleasure.”

By midday, the
blissful couple finally emerged from their chamber. Gavin decided to spend the
remainder of the day with his wife, watching her tend to the villagers’ various
ailments and injuries. She always stopped to greet the children or offer them a
quick hug. However, the most memorable part of the afternoon for Gavin came
when he helped Ella teach Thea the basics in swordplay.

Thea learned
quickly, displaying natural speed and agility. Nevertheless, after an hour the
little sprite needed a moment’s rest, but encouraged her instructors to do mock
battle. His sweet wife readily agreed, and eagerly anticipated impaling him
with a wooded sword. Gavin, on the other hand, groaned in dismay.

The farce grew
worst when his family came to watch. His brothers and Bowen cheered for Ella,
while offering instructions on how to best strike him. He expected his loving
mother, at the very least, give him a word of encouragement. She did not, but
rather, threatened him.

“I’ll tan yer
backside if ye hurt my delicate angel, Gavin.”

When he wisely
yielded to his wife, Thea consoled him with a pat on the arm and worldly
advice.

“Dinna feel bad
Laird Gavin, mayhap Ella will practice with ye, and one day ye will be able to
beat her. And dinna fear, I will nae tell my papa.”

Sitting in the
great hall for the evening meal a few hours later, Thea lived up to her word
and told not a soul about Ella defeating him in mock battle. Bowen took that
honor, and even demonstrated the events of the afternoon with the help of
Tavish. The Macleods were vastly amused, and as their joyous laughter filled
the hall, Gavin just shook his head with a broad smile.

Throughout the
night, his gaze continued to fall on Ella’s contagious smile and dancing
glade-green eyes. He felt such pride as he watched her dazzle their people with
her keen wit and spirited nature.

When the meal
concluded, Paen, Tavish, Edric and Osgood stood and presented Ella with a gift,
which they had worked on unbeknownst to Gavin.

Osgood gave the
signal for silence, and instantly the hall went quiet. His usual jovial
expression turned serious when he turned to Ella and said for all to hear,
“When the black guard first met ye, we thought ye the worst kind of hellion
from Hades.”

Laughter rippled
through the air while a pretty blush spread throughout Ella’s cheeks.

Osgood continued
with a smirk, “But, it dinna take long to notice yer fiery spirit and
courageous heart.”

Even though Osgood
is the largest Macleod and one of the most feared Highlanders in Scotland, he
became complete mush when emotional.

Turning to look
out over the crowd, he stated, “All ken the brave tale of how Lady Ella saved
Gabriel, nephew to Laird Macleod, son to Keir Mackenzie and grandson to Laird
Alex Mackenzie. However, most here this eve dinna ken that on our return
journey home, while on Scot soil, English swine attacked us. And, they
outnumbered us five to one.”

Choked with
emotion, he continued, “We were victorious that fateful day because an angel
chose to bless us.” Turning to face her, he said, “Lady Ella, ye will always be
our angel, our wee warrior.” He winked at her, knowing how she hated when he
called wee, then cleared his voice and faced his kinsmen.

“I speak on behalf
of Laird Gavin’s blackguard when I say we have ne’er seen such exceptional
skill and accuracy with a bow, especially amidst a battle.”

When the four men
of his blackguard drew their swords then lowered themselves to one knee, Gavin
understood that his men had chosen to pledge their loyalty to his wife. This
Highland tradition usually occurs after the wedding feast of a clan’s laird,
but he had postponed it due to the complications that surrounded his marriage.

He assisted Ella
to her feet, and then stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders while
his men continued.

Paen pulled out a
newly carved bow and leather quiver of arrows, and then stated with conviction,
“The four men kneeling afore ye, as well as Laird Gavin and Nicholas, ken the
sentimental value of the long bow ye used to defend us during the attack. Yer
uncle, the admirable Sir James, carved that bow with his own hands as a sign of
his everlasting love for ye. It is our deepest regret that the English
destroyed such a fine weapon and symbolic gift. As a symbol of our love and
devotion to ye, we recreated the original long bow made of yew wood, pinion
feathered, and sized accordingly to yer stature. The one subtle difference is
the carved inscription. Lady Ella Macleod, please except this humble gift along
with our solemn oath of loyalty.”

With trembling
hands, Ella took the lightweight bow and read ‘In Honor of Sir James of Greystone,
beloved kin to the Macleod Clan.’ A slight gasp passed her lips and tears
cascaded down her face as she touched the words carved into the smooth wood
shaft of the bow.

After a few silent
moments, she lifted her head and listened to first Paen and Osgood, and then
Edric and Tavish swear to protect and honor her all the days of her life. When
they finished, each kissed her tear-stained cheeks, then moved to stand behind
Gavin on the dais.

Her eyes returned
to the bow, to the magnanimous gift that left her in awe. When Gavin gentle
squeezed her shoulders, she turned her buoyant gaze to him.

“Tis nae over,
little one. Allow me to take yer precious gift while ye turn yer attention
yonder,” Gavin suggested.

The servants
quickly cleared away all the tables to provide space for the horde of people
that seemed to appear out of thin air.

Ella’s eyes
widened, seeing Gavin’s warriors moved to stand behind Bowen, a few paces away
from the dais. By the time Bowen raised his hand, the men at arms stood in
methodical rows of ten, which extended the length of the hall. She stared,
completely flabbergasted. She did not even notice Gavin taking her bow and
placing in on the trestle table

Bowen faced her as
he raised his hand to still the shifting people behind him. He waited for
complete silence, and then lowered to one knee, followed by every Macleod
warrior in the hall. To Ella, the entire center of the hall appeared to drop at
once. A breathtaking display to be sure.

In a strong, clear
voice, Bowen gave his oath of loyalty, followed by the simultaneous oaths of
all the kneeling warriors. Although, she knew of this Highland tradition, it
still overwhelmed her.

After the warriors
dispersed to the side of the hall, the unexpected and uncommon occurred. Led by
Colban and his family, numerous villagers entered the hall to stand before
their laird’s wife.

“I, Colban
McGregor, come before you on behalf of the villagers,” he said confidently. He
then waved his hand in the direction of the double arched doors that suddenly
opened to the stone platform of the grand staircase that overlooked the bailey.

Ella gasped at the
numerous men, women and children standing in courtyard. Surrounded by darkness,
the lit candles in their hands resembled a starry night sky.

When her gaze
ventured back to Colban and his family, they went in unison to one knee. The
mass that stood behind them quickly followed, and those without swords placed
their hands over their hearts. After Colban made his pledged of loyalty, the
villagers in the hall and outside in the bailey did as well.

With regal grace,
Lady Esme lowered to one knee, as did Maeve, Ualan, Fin, and all who worked
within the castle. After reciting their oaths, they cleared to the side of the
dais.

Ella gasped when
she saw a single pair stride towards her. The sight of young Leif and wee Thea
kneeling and pledging their honor, one after the other, shattered the last
remnants of her composure. Falling to her knees, she gathered them in her arms
and cried, “Thank you.” She then looked up and said, “Thank you all so much.”

The sea of warm
faces surrounding her burst out in loud cheers and applause. The women wept
tears of enchantment, while the men nodded approvingly at her affectionate
nature.

After the children
scrambled away, Ella turned to face Gavin. While holding his hand, she slowly
descended to one knee before her laird.

“Before God and my
clan, I, Ella Macleod vow to love, honor, and protect you, Gavin Macleod. I
give you my heart as I give you my loyalty, now and always.” The latter came
out in a broken sob.

No words or
gesture alone ever affected Gavin so profoundly. Without another thought, he
lifted Ella to stand. Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he then gradually
lowered himself to one knee.

“I, Laird Gavin
Macleod, take ye, Ella Macleod, into family and clan, but more importantly, I
take ye into my heart and soul. I will love and honor ye, protect and be loyal
to ye, now and always.”

She fell to her
knees as he spoke, and he concluded with her in his arms.  

The thunderous
cheers of the Macleod Clan vibrated the wall of the great hall when Gavin
stood, still embracing his wife.

The momentous
occasion confirmed Ella’s decision to tell Gavin the origin of her birth and
about the earth-shattering day when she killed her mother. Still encircled by
his strength, she whispered, “’Tis my greatest wish to tell you this eve about
my family and my past.”

He lowered her to
the ground, and then cupped her face with love shining in his eyes. “Aye, I
would like that verra-”

The ominous sound
of horns blaring halted his words.