Chapter 28

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“ W hat the hell are ye doing here?” Laird Finley demanded, marching toward the pair of them.

Kai stood with Ava in the courtyard. They had just returned to the castle, though he had been careful to keep a good distance between them, not wishing to rouse any suspicion. Laird Finley marched out of the castle toward them, waving his fingers madly.

“Ye rode here tae see me daughter after this morning?”

“Aye, I did.” Kai inclined his head in a small bow.

“What dae ye nae understand about me orders tae stay away from her?” He fumed.

“Faither, please,” Ava’s voice took on a new note. “As a man from another clan, he doesnae have tae follow yer orders.”

Laird Finley reddened, clearly upset at the reminder of his lacking power over him. Kai shifted between his feet. He had intended to ask Laird Finley to give Ava’s hand in marriage to him, instead of Laird Grant, but with the castle courtyard so busy, it was not the place or time to do it.

“Enough of this.” Laird Finley shook his head. “Luckily Laird Grant kens naething of what passed last night. We’re holding a celebratory feast fer the betrothal tonight. The most I can dae is invite ye as a family friend tae be our guest.”

“What?” Kai said, flummoxed by the sudden statement.

“Aye, family and friends are gathering. A message has been sent tae yer braither as well. The feast shall be a grand one.” Laird Finley clapped his hands together. Though he was smiling, there was clearly no real happiness in his expression. “Ye can raise a toast tae the happy couple. Perhaps then ye will realize just how much me daughter is out of yer reach.”

“Faither, please –”

“Nay more of this.” Laird Finley took her wrist and Ava was dragged away.

Kai was about to follow when Laird Finley flicked his fingers in the direction of a guard who followed them. No words were needed. It was enough to see the guard to know the implicit threat.

Their clans may be allies but if Kai pushed things too far, Laird Finley was not afraid to have Kai held captive tae make his meaning plain.

Ava is beyond me reach.

Kai stood at the side of the hall, alone and pressed into the shadows.

There was an air of jollity in the room that he felt disconnected from. The evergreens and mistletoe that had been brought into the hall to celebrate both Yuletide and the betrothal feast filled the air with their natural scents. People grabbed these boughs and thrust them around as they danced around the happy couple.

To Kai’s mind, Laird Grant certainly looked happy, although not because her cared for her, given what he had overheard. He had dragged Ava into what had to be their third dance of the night. He spun her around constantly, always touching her, even though she couldn’t summon a single smile.

The way his hands possessively took Ava’s hips made Kai feel sick. And the fact that Ava moved his hand away at one point didn’t stop him from doing it again.

He would force her. He daesnae respect her as I dae.

Kai put down the tankard of mead that he had been struggling to drink and marched out from the shadows. He moved toward the edge of the room and an open doorway, intent on escaping.

“It’s a shame yer family couldnae make it. Ye are leaving already?” Laird Finley’s voice cut him off.

Kai halted, turning to see Laird Finley a short distance away. Oddly, despite the merriment all around and the drinking, Laird Finley’s smile looked strained, and he had no drink in his own hand.

“Aye. I dinnae enjoy torture, me laird.” Kai’s response clearly shocked him. The false smile slipped from its place. Kai bowed and retreated, casting just one last look back over his shoulder.

He willnae keep her safe, as I would.

Ava knew where to find Kai. She turned her back on the betrothal feast, slipping away and heading for the door. She cast one nervous glance in Laird Grant’s direction, but her was too busy celebrating with his men to look where she had gone.

Stepping out into the corridor, Ava raced away on tiptoes, hurrying to Kai’s in the library, though he was not interested in reading the book that rested in his lap. He appeared to be just staring into the fire deep in thought when she entered, and his chin jerked up.

He leaned forward at once, gazing deeply at her as she leaned on the closed door and bolted the door shut.

“Dinnae come tae me with those feelings.” He held his hands up in front of her, in a position of surrender.

She chewed her lip. From the look of pain on his face now, she knew he could read it all.

It was fear of what was to come and also need. She had to see him, just to be with him and to feel him.

“I cannae stay away.” She crossed toward him quickly, but he stood and walked around his chair, putting it between them. “Ye running from me now, Kai?”

“There is a feast downstairs right now fer yer betrothal tae that man.” He thrust a finger toward the door. “And ye come tae me feeling like this? Wanting me?” He looked helpless. “Ye ken I wouldnae be able tae hold back.”

“Then dinnae,” she begged, walking around the chair. He moved the other way until they both came to a stop in front of the fire. “I cannae make sense of what I am doing anymore, why am I daeing this and performing such a charade, but I have nay intention of staying away from ye, Kai. I will nae stop this now it has begun.”

She reached for his hand, tangling their fingers together. He looked in pain as he lifted that hand and turned it over, kissing his way down her wrist.

“Did ye bolt the door?” he whispered, hungrily.

“Aye.” She nodded.

It was like the release of sudden pressure. They both moved toward one another, meeting in the middle for a kiss. He tasted familiar now, the movement of his lips something she knew wonderfully well. Before she really knew what she was doing, she was pulling on him, dragging him toward her as she tugged at his tunic.

The last time they had made love in that forest, they had both been fully clothed as it was so cold, but tonight, she wanted things to be different.

“Nothing between us tonight,” she whispered between kisses as she started to pull on his tunic.

“Ye want tae make love tae me while yer betrothed is enjoying his feast?” Kai asked breathlessly.

“Aye,” she breathed.

He closed his eyes. For one wild second, she thought he was going to turn her down, then he suddenly reached for his tunic too and together they tugged it over his head. When his chest was exposed, she reached to touch him, but he was already reaching for her own clothes, pulling at the laces holding her gown together.

They stole kisses as she trialed her fingers down his chest, and he pulled the gown off her. The stays were practically torn in two as he got rid of them as well, and the chemise was thrown over her head. She stood before him, completely bare as he pushed down his trews.

They crashed together again, grasping hands exploring bare skin. She touched his shoulders, being careful of the smaller bandage now across his back, then his toned abdomen, his hips, and reached for his length, just as his fingers moved around the curve of her butt and reached between her legs, finding her wet center. He slid his fingers inside, hitting a perfect pleasure spot that had her itching to raise her leg in the air as she wrapped her fingers tighter around his length. They both looked each other in the eye, pleasuring one another together for a minute, before he released her.

Kai laid himself down on the fur rug, pulling Ava over him. She landed on her hips above him as he directed her, moving his hands from her waist to her hips, resting her body until it hovered over his length. He teased her with his length, pushing it just a little inside her, then lifting her higher and withdrawing himself again. She groaned in frustration, but he shushed her softly.

“We dinnae want tae be caught, dae we?” he said playfully.

Ava nodded, but batted his hands away from her hips, loving the way he chuckled at her taking control. Ava pressed her body down over him, marveling at how deep he penetrated inside her in this position. She experimented, first just rocking her body back and forth, then raising herself up and down, staring as his cheeks pinkened and his jaw fell open as he watched her movements.

At one point, he gripped the rug beneath her, letting her have full control as she rested her hands on his abdomen and leaned back, finding a beautiful angle that hit so many thrilling points inside of her. She couldn’t stop moving, couldn’t even think about halting what they were doing. She even thought that if someone, somehow, managed to break the bolt on the door and come in at that moment, she would have carried on regardless, desperate to feel more and more of Kai.

She moved faster, just as his hands reached up and explored her. He gripped her breasts playfully, his fingers toying with her areoles, then they slid down to her stomach and around her hips, reaching around to grip her butt. A fresh wetness escaped her as she leaned forward, rocking faster and faster against him.

“Ah, Ava,” he groaned. “Ye are mine.”

With sudden movement, he took control. He flipped the two of them over, so she was on her back, her hips spread wide around him as he entered her fast. Her body lost control at the sight of him above her as he pushed in and out of her, taking her without restraint. She groaned as he leaned down to kiss her, just as she tipped over that edge.

She was in the midst of her that cascading euphoria when she felt him about to pull out.

Dinnae leave me now.

She reached around and held tightly onto his waist, holding him to her. He bucked toward her just twice more, clearly taking her cue and finishing inside of her. A great groan escaped him, one he struggled to muffle as that wetness filled their connection.

He looked down at her, their bodies frozen, both heated and sweaty as their hands gripped to one another.

“We risked –”

“I ken,” she nodded. “I dinnae want this tae ever end, Kai.”

At her words, he moved down, resting himself on his elbows as he kissed her gently, just a single brush of their lips together.

“Then it willnae end. Ye cannae go through with that wedding.”

She nodded. He was right. How could she possibly marry Laird Grant when she was here begging Kai to finish inside of her?

“Let us speak tae me faither.”

“Aye. I’ll tell him I want tae marry ye, and we’ll just… we’ll make him see that there is another way. Aye?”

“Aye, but… one thing more first.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down toward her. She kissed him, wanting to hold onto this moment for as long as possible.

Although she was certain she had to get out of this wedding now, she feared how her father would respond. She had a strong feeling that he would still refuse to give Kai his blessing, even if Ava told him that she was in love with Kai.

“Let us find him,” Kai whispered, lowering her hand between them as they slipped back out of the library. He adjusted the sleeve of her gown quickly, trying to mask any hint of what they had just done together. Her smile at his touch made his insides quiver.

I cannae lose her now.

“Was he at the feast?”

“Nay.” Ava shook her head. “He was there earlier, but he parted for some reason. I think I ken where we will find him.”

She led the way to her father’s study and knocked lightly on the door.

“Enter,” Laird Finley called from inside the room.

Ava led the way in, with Kai following behind her.

“What…” Laird Finley moved sharply to his feet at the sight of them. “Shut the door fast, before anyone sees ye two together.”

Kai did as he was told, shutting the door.

“What madness is this?” Laird Finley looked between them. “Can ye two nae stay away from one another fer a minute?”

“Nay.” Ava’s shoulders slumped with the word.

Kai hated how her father was making her feel.

It ends now.

“Me laird.” Kai inclined his head in respect. Laird Finley raised his eyebrows, showing in what little regard he held this movement. “Yer daughter and I, this is nay a passing thing. I wish tae marry her. I beg ye, release her from her betrothal tae Laird Grant and I will marry her. I will dae anything tae be with her. And tae help ye with Lyla.”

Laird Finley’s eyebrows raised in shock.

“Ye expect me tae betroth her tae a man who will mock the wedding vows? Who would take them so lightly?”

“I would never dae that.” Kai insisted, standing taller. Ava moved to his side and he took her hand, holding it gently between his own. “I am in love with yer daughter, me laird. I wouldnae hurt her like that.”

“Ye may say it now. Ye may even believe it.” The look he gave Kai was almost pitying. “Yet I have tae put both me daughters’ happiness first. I dinnae believe fer a minute that ye would be loyal tae her, that ye would put her happiness first, and we must save Lyla from an even worse fate.”

“He daes put me happiness first, or he would nae have respected the idea of this betrothal when I told him about it.” Ava spoke for the first time since they had entered the room. “Kai is the only man I have ever met who has constantly tried tae make me happy, who has respected me. Faither, Kai kens what I have been through in me life, me fear… of men.” There was a hesitancy to her voice, but she stepped forward with purpose nonetheless.

Kai looked at her sharply, his stomach knotting tight. Could it be that she was really going to reveal this part of her past to him?

He moved her way, to tell her that she didn’t have to do this. She didn’t have to reveal such pain to her father, yet she laid a hand on his arm. It was a silent movement, but one that meant much. He could see it in her gaze as those eyes flicked toward him.

Aye, she is determined.

“Ye dinnae have tae dae this,” he whispered to her. “Ye dinnae have tae speak of it if ye dinnae want tae. I’d never force ye talk of something ye dinnae wish tae speak of.”

“What is this?” Laird Finley said with concern, his voice tight. “What dae ye mean…?” He looked between Kai and Ava.

“It’s time,” Ava whispered to Kai. “It’s the only way tae make him understand that ye are the only man I trust in the world.” She squeezed his hand, gripping tightly onto him as she shifted her focus to her father. “Kai kens what happened tae me when I was young. It’s why he’s trying tae protect me now but I ken… I must.”

“Speak of what?” Laird Finley leaned forward across his desk. “Ava, what is it I dinnae ken?”

Ava looked at Kai who entwined their fingers together. If she was determined to speak of it, then he would be here for her.

“I was attacked when I was young. Kai kens and has been gentle with me. Ye want me tae marry a man who will make me happy? Then pick a husband fer me who will take me hand and walk with me. Pick a man who will care fer me every step that I take.” Her hand tightened around Kai’s own.

The warmth that filled Kai up vanished the moment he saw Laird Finley’s expression. The laird capitulated into his chair behind his desk. He was pale, a mere husk of the impressive man he had been seconds before.

“Who? Who hurt ye?” he said with venom.

“That nay longer matters. It was a long time ago and I dinnae ken who he was. I managed tae escape him.” The pain in her eyes was visible. Kai raised her hand to his lips and kissed the back, wishing he could take the pain away from her.

“I would never hurt her, me laird,” Kai said quickly when he sawn Laird Finley’s expression. “I’ll guard her with me life.”

Laird Finley raised his hand, his eyes on his daughter.

“Why did ye nae tell me?” he pleaded, his voice desperate.

“It isnae something that is easy tae speak of.”

“But that man… he…”

“He didnae get what he wanted,” Ava said firmly. “Yet now ye ken Faither, why I trust Kai more than any other.” She blinked away the last temptation of tears, looking Kai in the eye.

Kai wished to say again that he intended to marry Ava, but he sensed Laird Finley’s mind was already working fast. He felt he owed them both the truth of what he had overheard Laird Grant discussing with his advisor, how his plan was to use Ava for an alliance with her clan and that of the MacLeods all along. But most of all, he wanted them to know how the laird had spoken of Ava and his voracious taste for women and certain preferences, despite playing the smitten betrothed. He furthermore questioned who had attacked him on the treasure hunt in the forest. He had his suspicions but so much had happened in the past two days, that he hadn’t truly had time to think on it.

Ava gasped at hearing his words, even more fearful of how that man would treat her in the marital bed. Her father had paled as well, listening to Kai’s words.

“I need tae think.” Finley stood slowly, leaning on the desk, for his legs almost seemed no longer strong enough to bear his weight. “Even with this, even if Kai is the man ye say he is…” He looked at Kai, his nervousness palpable in the air. “Ye and I have still given our words tae Laird Grant, Ava. That… I dinnae ken how we can rescind. It was our idea tae begin with, to save yer sister and the clan.”

Ava hung her head. Kai didn’t need to hear or see the tears. He felt her sadness and held her tight, pulling her into his side so that she could cry on his shoulder. Her tears filled the air.

Laird Finley, who now looked worried and as if he had suddenly aged twenty years, went over to embrace his daughter.

“Ava, I am sorry I wasnae more understanding, but there was much I didnae ken. And I cannae pretend I am nae still very worried fer Lyla. However, I will try everything I can tae change this situation, that I promise ye”.