To Desire a Highlander (42 page)

“I told you—”

“You told me a falsehood. I’d hear the truth.”

Mirabelle wanted to sink into the floor. Unfortunately, such an escape wasn’t possible, and as she prided herself on being of a practical nature, she kept her head raised and flicked a speck of lint from her sleeve. Her mind raced, seeking a plausible explanation. It came to her when the wind whistled past the long windows, the sound almost like the keening cry of a woman.

“I thought to see the castle’s pink lady.” She didn’t turn a hair mentioning the ghost. Everyone knew she existed. Believed the wife of a man killed when England’s Edward I captured the castle nearly a hundred years before, the poor woman was rumored to be beautiful, her luminous gown a lovely shade of rose.

Mirabelle had quite forgotten about her until now.

But she did believe in bogles.

Her own home, Knocking Tower, abounded with spirits. She’d even encountered a few. Not a one of them had disquieted her as much as the man now standing before her, his arms still folded and the most annoying look on his darkly rugged face.

He was entirely too virile.

He also had proved a much greater threat than any ghost.

“The pink lady walks the courtyard, last I heard.” Sorley spoke with the masculine triumph of a man sure he knew better than the gullible female before him. His tone left no doubt that he didn’t believe in the bogle. “You would not have met her in my privy chambers.

“Come, I’ll show you where folk claim she prowls.” He wrapped his hand around her wrist and led her across the room to one of the tall, arch-topped windows. “Look down into the bailey. Tell me if you see her.”

“I won’t. See her, I mean.” Mirabelle tried to ignore how her skin tingled beneath his touch. “She’s elusive. She doesn’t appear simply because one peers out a window.”

“Even so, I’d hear what you see.” He stepped closer, so near the air around her filled with his scent.

Mirabelle set her lips in a tight, irritated line, doing her best not to notice how delicious he smelled. It was a bold, provocative mix of wool and leather, pure man and something exotic, perhaps sandalwood, the whole laced with a trace of peat smoke. Entirely too beguiling, the heady blend made her pulse race.

Furious that was so, she straightened her back, determined to focus on anything but him.

She failed miserably.

Awareness of him sped through her; a cascade of warm, tingly sensations that weakened her knees and warmed unmentionable places. His near-naked proximity also made it impossible to think. Never had she been in such a compromisingly intimate situation. She certainly hadn’t experienced the like with a man so brazen, so devilishly attractive.

As if he knew she was uncomfortable, he placed his hand at the small of her back, urging her closer to the broad stone ledge of the window. “I’d have your answer, Lady Mirabelle. I am no’ a patient man.”

“Very well.” Mirabelle leaned forward, pretending to study the darkened courtyard below. A hard rain was falling and the bailey stood empty, the cobbles gleaming wetly. Torches burned in the sheltered arcade circling the large, open space. A few guards, spearmen, huddled in a corner where a small brazier cast a red glow against the wall of a pillared walkway. Nothing else stirred.

She drew a tight breath, wishing she hadn’t mentioned the ghost.

She turned to face her tormentor. “The pink lady is not down there.”

“I didnae expect she would be, prowling—”

“I’m sure she drifts or hovers.” Mirabelle held his gaze. “She’s had her heart torn and is searching for her husband. Such a soul wouldn’t—”

“She wouldn’t drift, hover, or prowl, because she isn’t real.” He came closer, gripping her chin and tilting her face upward. “The pink lady’s existence is as unlikely as a flesh-and-blood lady letting herself into my bedchamber. Even women who are not of gentle birth only enter this room at my invitation.” He looked at her, his gaze steady and penetrating. “I do not recall extending such an offer to you.

“So I’ll ask again.” He slid his thumb over the corner of her mouth, then along the curve of her bottom lip. “Why are you here?”

Mirabelle shivered. She didn’t know if it was because of the way he was looking at her or if her body was simply reacting to his touch.

Without question, he was the most dangerously handsome man at court.

She suspected in all the land.

He was also the man most suited to aid her.

So she stepped back, summoning all her courage. “You know women well,” she owned, her heartbeat quickening. “I do have a reason for this visit. It has nothing to do with the castle ghost.”

“So we near the truth at last.” He sounded amused. “I’ll admit I am curious.”

“I have a business arrangement for you.” She couldn’t believe the steadiness of her voice.

He arched a brow. “Now I am even more intrigued.”

“You shouldn’t be.” She made a sweeping gesture with her hand, taking in his room in all its opulence. “You are known as a man of many skills, greatly favored at court. I am in need of one of your talents.”

“Indeed?” He narrowed his eyes, no longer bemused. “And what might that be?”

“I require your amatory skills.” Mirabelle kept her chin raised. “I want you to ruin me.”

“Lady, I surely didn’t hear you clearly.” Sorley held her gaze, hoping his cold tone and steady stare would unnerve her into retracting her ridiculous request. “You wish me to despoil you?”

“Take my virtue, yes.” She didn’t turn a hair. Far from looking embarrassed, her lovely lavender-blue eyes sparked with challenge and determination. “I shall pay you well for your trouble.”

Sorley almost choked.

He did his best to keep his jaw off the floor. It wasn’t easy, so he went to the door, crossing his bedchamber in long, swift strides. He didn’t want her to see his shock. Worse, how tempted he was to accept her offer. Not that he’d take coin for such pleasure. A shame he’d have to decline. Even one such as he had honor, his own brand of it, anyway.

Still, he was stunned. Her suggestion was the last thing he’d expected.

It was outrageous.

He could find no words.

Certain the world had run mad, he unlatched the door, flinging it wide. With surprising agility, Lady Mirabelle fair flew across the room and nipped around him, closing the door before he could stop her.

“A word is all I ask of you.” She put out a hand to touch his chest. “Only that, and—”

“Do you believe maidens are ruined by words?”

“I meant just now, as well you know. Later…” She lowered her hand, giving him a look that was much too provocative for a virgin. “You will be generously recompensed.”

“So you said.” Sorley didn’t say how much that offended him.

He also wished he could tear his gaze from her.

Regrettably, he couldn’t.

A softly burning wall sconce limned her in glowing golden light, making her look like an angel. Her rose scent drifted about her, bewitching him now as it’d done so many years before. The heady fragrance was hers alone, an annoying intoxication he remembered well. A temptation he was determined to never fall prey to again.

He frowned. “I dinnae want or need your coin. I might be baseborn, but I’m no’ a man in need of funds. And”—he let his gaze drop to her breasts, her hips—“the only trouble I wish is the kind I make myself. For naught in all broad Scotland would I touch you, a gently born lady.”

A hint of color bloomed on her face. “Do not think I came here lightly.” She drew a breath, her shoulders going back as she struggled to keep her composure. “It is not every day that a woman seeks to blacken her reputation.”

“You’ve already damaged your good name by coming here, assuming someone might have seen you.”

“No one did.”

“Think you?” Sorley cocked a brow. “Are you so well-practiced at sneaking through the night, then? How many times have you crept down empty corridors, slipping into a man’s bedchamber?”

“Never before, but—”

“You’ll no’ do the like again, if you’re wise.” Reaching around her, Sorley cracked the door and peered into the darkened passage. Seeing no one, he turned back to her, needing her gone before he reconsidered his options. An irritating twitch at his loins was making a damned persuasive argument.

He was also tempted simply because her remarkable eyes held nary a flicker of recognition.

She’d forgotten him.

And the knowledge annoyed him almost as much as the slight she’d shown him at her uncle’s celebratory feast all those years ago.

The memory dashed the pleasurable stirrings at his groin.

With slow deliberation, he shut the door and leaned back against its solid, unyielding wood. He crossed his ankles and folded his arms, letting his stance show her that he was prepared to remain there until he had the answers he desired. He was a stubborn man.

Nor did he tire easily.

“So-o-o”—he gave her a slow smile, careful not to let it reach his eyes—“I’d hear why you came to me with such a fool request.”

“Seeing you now, sir,” she returned, her own voice as chilly, “I almost regret my folly.”

“You should.” He studied her face, feeling a scowl
darken his own. If anything, she was even more fetching than he remembered. Her silky red-gold hair gleamed in the light of the wall sconce and her sparkling eyes were still the widest, loveliest he’d ever seen. Her small, upturned nose gave her an irksome air of innocence, while her mouth, so full and lush…

The pestiferous twitch at his loins returned.

He willed the stirrings away before she noticed and took advantage.

Praise the gods she wore a cloak that only hinted at the ripeness of her womanly curves.

She was no longer a girl.

And for sure, he wasn’t a cocky, full-of-himself lad.

“You haven’t answered me.” He put just enough arrogance into his tone to prove it.

Her chin came up again, showing her own mettle. “I say I did. I am troubled by a matter of some delicacy and require a man’s aid in—”

“Creating a scandal that will soil you,” Sorley finished for her.

To her credit, she blushed. “It could be put that way, yes.”

“That I understand.” He knew exactly what her wish entailed. “I’d know why you’d give me such an honor?”

“Because it is rumored you are one of the Fenris Guards.” She didn’t blink. “Men the King employs when his noble, more fastidious warriors fail him.” She tilted her head, her gaze bold. “Word is men of the Fenris will do anything. They are known to be fearless. Formidable fighters who”—her eyes took on an entirely too determined glint—“are also known for their legendary skill at seducing women.”

Sorley laughed. “The Fenris
are
legend, my lady. Such men dinnae exist.”

“I have heard you are one of them.”

“All I am is a bastard. Though”—he flashed his most roguish smile—“I’ll admit I enjoy tumbling comely, willing lasses. That includes ladies of quality so long as they are wed or widowed and looking for mutual pleasure. I do not lie with virgins.”

“You speak bluntly.” She glanced aside, the wall sconce revealing the high color blooming on her cheeks.

“I told you the truth, no more.”

He was also damned glad to have shocked her. In his experience, just a hint of a man’s baser nature was enough to send ladies running. Their fear of carnality filled their innocent minds, chasing all else. She wouldn’t mention the Fenris again. And when he discovered who’d dared to breathe his name in connection with the band of secret warriors, there’d be hell to pay.

“Then I shall do the same.” She looked back at him, now calm. “You spoke true and so you deserve to hear my fullest reasons.” Her head high, she went back to the window arch across the room. When she turned to look at him, she might as well have kicked him in the gut.

Rarely had he seen a woman more bent on having her way.

Regrettably, he also hadn’t ever gazed upon a female he found more desirable.

She clearly knew it, and she meant to take advantage.

Proving it, she moved to the small oaken table by the window where a ewer of finest wine and a jug of excellent heather ale waited almost conspiratorially amidst the remains of his evening repast. Equally annoying, as he
truly did enjoy entertaining amiable women in his quarters, a half-score of ale cups and wine chalices stood at the ready, each one gleaming softly in the candlelight.

“You’ll surely join me?” She glanced at him as she lifted the ewer, pouring two measures of wine. When he didn’t move to accept her offering, she set his chalice on the table. Her gaze locking on his, she took a long, slow sip of the strong Rhenish wine.

“I think no’.” Sorley frowned and pushed away from the door. “Drinking my wine is no’ telling me why you’re here, seeking a man to—” He snapped his mouth shut, his scowl deepening when he was unable to finish the fool sentence.

He did start pacing, taking care not to stride too near to her and the cloud of disturbingly enchanting rose perfume that wafted about her.

“Not any man.” She touched the chalice to her lips, sipping slowly, provocatively. “I wish your aid, no one else’s.”

“Any man could perform such a deed.” Sorley glared at her.

“Could, I certainly agree. But would they? I believe not.” She set down the wine chalice. “Most men at court would decline out of respect for my father. Those of less noble birth would refuse because they’d fear the repercussions. My sire is a scholar, not a fighting man, but he employs a garrison of formidable warriors.”

“I see.” Sorley did, and her explanation riled him unreasonably. “You chose me because I’m known no’ to stand in awe of my betters. And”—he couldn’t keep the anger from his voice—“because it’s rumored I’m wild and crazed enough to fear no man.

“Lastly, for the reason you already stated.” He crossed to the table and tossed back the wine he’d refused. Setting down the empty chalice, he deliberately let his gaze slide over her from head to toe. “Everyone at court is aware of my appetite for comely women.”

“Your appreciation of ladies was a consideration.” She held his gaze, not flinching.

“I said women, no’ ladies. There is a difference.”