Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Thora woke from an uneasy sleep to a maid gasping in horror at the state of the room. Her first effort to rise led to the realization that not only was she tired, she ached. She felt bruised, and she had scrapes from where she’d encountered walls, furniture, and occasionally the weapons of their assailants.

Beside her, Aedan threw his arm over his face with a groan. “’Tis too early.”

“Tis nae, I suspect.” Thora sighed and managed to heave herself from the warmth of the blankets with a shiver. She staggered out of the bed, glad she’d never removed her robe after the fight, and faced the maid. “As ye can see, we had some trouble last night. Please tell Laird Ross that Laird Cameron and I wish tae speak tae him, as soon as may be possible, and then have a bathing tub and hot water brought for us.”

“Aye, me lady.” The maid withdrew, still pale faced and wide-eyed. Looking at the mess of displaced items, overturned furniture and the occasional splashes of blood here and there, Thora could sympathize. It certainly wouldn’t be what one expected to walk into.

Aedan was sitting up when she turned around, grimaced as he stretched and tested his muscles for injuries neither of them had noticed the night before. Thora could see some bruises and small cuts, but he seemed to have escaped serious injury. “’Tis best tae be getting dressed.”

Aedan grunted. “Aye.” Thora watched carefully as he heaved himself out of bed, but Aedan seemed steady on his feet. It appeared that the medicine in the wine had worn off.

Both of them were fully dressed and made more alert by a splash of cold water when the maid returned. “Laird Ross says he’ll be seein’ ye in the study. Ye’ll… ye still be wantin’ the bath, me lady?”

“Aye.” Thora nodded. “We shouldnae be long.”

A guard was waiting outside to escort them to the study. Thora followed him, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. It wasn’t strong enough that she’d call it a premonition, but it was too strong to ignore. It was like hearing a whisper in the hall, knowing it was about her, and yet being unable to determine the words or the origin of it.

Lachlan Ross welcomed them into his study wearing an expression of faint concern that struck Thora as not entirely sincere. “The serving lass said ye wished tae speak tae me?”

“Aye.” Aedan stepped forward to address Lachlan. Thora was happy to let him be the one to speak - there was something in the way Lachlan Ross’s eyes lingered on her that made her feel a bit like she’d stuck her hand in a midden heap and not managed to get rid of the smell. “Someone sent us drugged wine in yer name, and then we were attacked in our rooms. Were it nae that Thora’s a light sleeper and didnae wish tae mix wine with the medicine the healer gave her, we dinnae ken what would have happened.”

“I’m sorry tae hear that.” Lachlan gestured for them to take the seats in front of his desk. “Please, tell me everything, and anything ye can recall o’ the attackers. I’ll set me guards tae searching fer them.”

Aedan began the story from their return to their rooms, claiming Thora had felt unwell and suffered a headache from her earlier injury, then went on to talk about the wine and the attack that had followed. Thora added details where necessary. She’d have preferred not to speak at all, to avoid drawing attention to herself, but Aedan’s memory of the events was hazed by the wine, and often unclear.

They’d almost finished the tale, and answering Lachlan Ross’s questions, when there was a knock, and a man in dark, well-tailored robes entered. Thora vaguely remembered that he’d been introduced as an advisor of some sort. “The morning report, me laird.”

He handed his laird a sheaf of papers, then turned, and Thora froze as ice filled her body, or seemed to. She hadn’t seen it when he stepped past her, but his right arm was folded up against his chest, secured by a sling and bandaged from palm to above the elbow. Not just bandaged but splinted with heavy wooden rods between wrist and elbow.

She’d seen Enya bandage wounds in that manner, and it was usually due to broken bones. Most often, she’d seen it when one of the guards sparred with Domhnall in the practice yard, and her brother misjudged his strength.

It cannae be a coincidence. That injury… ‘tis too much like the one I inflicted on the leader o’ our assailants last night. And where else would a man acquire such a wound between the end o’ the feasting and this morn? And in enough time fer the healer tae tend it and send him about his duties?

Now I ken fer certain – ‘twas Lachlan Ross himself who was behind the attack.

She wanted to shout an accusation and had to bite her tongue to hold it back. She had no proof, only the man’s injury and her suspicion. It wasn’t enough to accuse a laird, or a laird’s trusted advisor, of a serious breach of hospitality, or attempted harm, much less attempted murder.

She let Aedan finish what he was saying, then rose from her seat. “Me laird, I think ye fer hearing us. But it wouldnae dae tae tak’ up much more o’ yer time, and I believe there’s a hot bath awaiting us. That is, if me husband has nae more he wishes tae say.”

Fortunately, Aedan understood her intentions well enough. Perhaps he’d seen the same things she had. Perhaps it was only her urgency that alerted him. Whatever the reason, he was quick to stand and support her. “Aye. Me wife and I could both do with a bath tae relax after last night. If ye’ve nae more questions…”

“Nae at this time.” Lachlan waved them off. “I’ll keep ye informed if I find aught, though ‘tis regrettable ye didnae get a look at yer attacker’s faces. ‘Twould have helped greatly.”

“Aye. But such is the way o’ it.” With a final respectful nod, Aedan took her arm and led her out of the study. He waited until they were far enough from the office, in an empty space of the corridor, before he spoke again. “Dae ye think he’ll find aught?”

Thora shook her head. “He’ll nae even look. He kens exactly who attacked us and why.”

Thora’s grim announcement made Aedan stop for a moment, but she shook her head and tugged on his arm to continue walking. Aedan followed her lead, bemused.

They entered their rooms to find the mess more or less straightened up, and a large bathing tub filled with hot water steaming gently by the fire, which was blazing high. Aedan closed and latched the door behind them, then turned to Thora. “What did ye mean, when ye said Lachlan willnae look fer our assailants?”

“They’re his own men, ‘tis what I mean.” Thora looked at him, blue eyes troubled. “I dinnae ken what prompted such an action, but ‘tis nay coincidence that his advisor wears bandages and splints on the same arm as they’d be worn by the man I hit with a candlestick.”

Aedan cursed. He’d been too focused on searching his memory for any detail he might have forgotten to mention to pay much attention to the advisor. He hadn’t realized the man’s injury was exactly the same as the one that had ended the commotion the night before. “Should we leave?”

“I’m nae sure… I dinnae think we’ve discovered everything we need tae, but ‘tis getting fair dangerous tae stay.” Thora’s expression was tense with uncertainty. He wondered how often she had experienced such feelings. “I worry about stayin’ too much longer. But if we leave tae soon, he’ll ken something is wrong, and I dinnae ken how that will influence what he does next.”

“And yer gift…?”

She shook her head. “Doesnae work in these situations. There’s too many decisions that can change the outcome. ‘Tis the same as havin’ nae gift at all.”

Aedan felt

sympathy curl through him. To be in such a situation, it was probably similar to how he’d feel if he went blind. Unnerving in the extreme, and all more because they were in such a perilous situation.

Still, there was nothing either of them could do at the moment. He needed to confer with Mac, and until they had a better idea of what was going on, the best plan was to stick to their original plan and gather what information they could. They’d simply have to be more on their guard - neither difficult or unexpected after the attack from the night before.

On the other hand, there was no point in working themselves into a panic. They had some time to decide what their next actions should be. For now, there was a hot bath waiting for them.

He reached out and drew Thora closer to him, and easily undid the laces of her bodice. Thora yelped. “What are ye…?”

“There’s a hot bath.” Aedan pressed a kiss to her throat. “And ‘tis nae as if we havenae seen each other already.”

“But…”

“Ye’re worried. But tae much worry will only increase the chances o’ doin’ something tae draw further suspicion tae us.” Aedan leaned closer to breathe in her scent. “Tis best we tak’ a moment tae relax and regather our composure.”

He slid his arms around her and let them trail over her stomach muscles. Thora shivered, but didn’t try to escape his grasp.

“How can ye be thinkin’ o’ such things…?”

“Because ye need tae relax, as I said. And because ye’re a beautiful woman. Ye’re enough tae set any man’s blood aflame and give him such thoughts.” He slid his hand up to cup her breasts. “I ken ye’re concerned fer the future, and likely tae be sore, after last night and yer injuries from the other day as well, but that doesnae mean ye need tae forsake pleasure altaegether.”

“What dae ye mean?” Her voice was hesitant, but she hadn’t tried to escape him yet. “Aedan… we… we have other things tae consider…”

“Let Lachlan and his schemes be fer a time.”

“’Tis nae what I meant.” She twisted out of his hold and turned to face him. “We’re nae… this is temporary. There’s nay sense getting too involved, when there’s naught between us but our promise bond and the need tae discover what Laird Ross is schemin’.”

Aedan reached out and drew her back toward him, then cupped her chin with one hand. “And is that all there is between us, Thora? All ye care fer? Because ‘tis nae all I’ve felt fer some time. I thought I’d already showed ye that I felt more when ye were injured.”

Thora flushed slightly. “Aye. Ye did. And I… I cannae say I dinnae share yer feelings, fer I dae care fer ye. ‘Tis complicated though.”

“It doesnae have tae be. Nae right now.” Aedan caressed her cheek. His body was humming with tension, and the need for release of some sort. He wanted to fight, but there was something else he could do.

He needed to be mindful of Thora’s shoulder, and her newest injuries. He took a deep breath. “Will ye bathe with me?”

“The tub is too small for both o’ us.” Thora flushed red.

“Aye. ‘Tis small. But there’s pleasure tae be had even so…” He bent his head to kiss her, gentle and sweet. “Will ye let me tak’ care o’ ye?”

“That depends.” Her eyes met his. “Will I be able tae tak’ care o’ ye too?”

A low thrill of heat swirled through him. “Shall we find out?” He smirked at her, and watched her blush deepen.

Her hands moved hesitantly to his belt, and her fingers unthreading the leather from the buckle. The fabric slid down his legs, and Aedan slid his hands over her shoulders before stepping out of his kilt and away to remove his shirt.

There was a chance Thora would refuse. When he tossed his shirt aside, however, he discovered that she’d shed her dress and chemise and was standing in the tub, her long hair framing her slim figure.

Aedan moved to join her. The tub was indeed small, but that was hardly a problem when he wanted to be close to her.

Aedan reached out to stroke her hair away from her face. He was already half hard, his body aroused by the mere sight of her. Even the bandages on her shoulder and arm were oddly attractive - badges of honor revealing the courage of the woman before him.

He slid his hand down her face, then to her shoulder, before cupping her breast and stroking the nipple, teasing and rolling it until it was a hardened peak.

Aedan swallowed a growl as her hand came up to stroke his chest, playing with his nipples. They weren’t as sensitive as a woman’s but her light, gentle touches sent sparks racing through his blood nonetheless. The sensation increased as she slid her hand down to brush her fingers across his abdomen, tracing the muscles there, and up along his ribs.

“Teasing wench…” He breathed the words as she slid her hands down to his hips, close to but not directly touching his member.

In retaliation, he slid his hand down her belly, and Thora whimpered, muscles quivering under his touch. Her feet shifted, soft, creamy thighs brushing together. The curls that hid her sex were already glistening with dampness and evidence of her arousal.

Aedan followed her lead, letting his hands drift over her hips and thighs, never touching her sex beyond a gentle brush over the hair at the edges. Then his thumbs trailed over the damp curls, and Thora whimpered again and shifted closer to him. “Aedan…”

“Put yer hands on me. Wrap one hand around my shaft and let the other slide back tae me bollocks,” he commanded her softly.

“What…”

Aedan slid his hand to cover her mound and massaged gently. “Put yer hands on me.” He stroked his fingers over the upper edge of the lips of her sex, doing some teasing of his own.

Thora’s fingers around his shaft were enough to send a jolt through him, like a shot of alcohol. Her fingers hesitantly stroking the soft skin of his balls made his toes curl and his blood burn. His knees felt weak and he locked them to keep himself steady.

Aedan let out a groan as her hand slid across his shaft, pumping it with a hesitant stroke. “Thora…”

She stroked him again, her hand slow and uncertain at first, but gaining more confidence in each passing stroke. Aedan rocked on his heels, breath hitching as the heat of her hand and the pressure sent waves of pleasure rolling through his system.

In response, he slid his hand lower, to caress her sex before sliding a finger between the moisture-slickened folds. Her body reacted, rocking into his hands as she gasped. Aedan let out a gasp of his own as her hand tightened and shifted grip on his shaft.

He slid another finger inside her and pressed his hand deeper. He slid two fingers deep into her core and began moving his hand in a steady rhythm. At least, it was as steady as he could manage, with Thora was sliding her hand around him, her fingers touching and massaging lightly on his manhood and his bollocks both.

The two of them rocked together, pleasuring each other. Aedan slid his free hand up to tease her nipples and Thora gave a soft cry. Her knees weakened, and he supported her as he continued to stroke her.

He could feel himself rising higher and higher, his whole body approaching release far faster than he was used to. Thora’s touch was untutored and unpracticed, but even so astoundingly arousing and stimulating.

He was going to climax soon. He was determined that Thora would find her release first. He slid his thumb into her folds and found the sensitive nub that marked her pleasure center, then stroked it, caressing it with repeated short strokes as his hand slid into her.

Thora cried out softly and convulsed around him, her body clenching around his fingers as her release washed over him. Aedan supported her as her pleasure made her go boneless and collapse against him.

Her hand caressed him still, and he thrust against it, chasing the heat and pleasure from her touch. It wound tighter and higher, then her hand tightened slightly, and Aedan climaxed with a grunt and a shudder, his release splattering across both of them.

In the wake of his release, Aedan allowed himself to sink into the water of the tub. It had cooled some, but it was far from cold. His whole body hummed with satisfaction as he sank into the warm embrace of the liquid and pulled her in after him.

Thora roused as the water washed over her. “Aedan…”

He smiled at her. “Dae ye feel better?”

Thora blinked, and then her expression flushed with embarrassment. “I…”

Aedan smirked, then griped a wash rag and began to wash her skin, sliding his hands over every inch of her creamy, satin-soft body. Thora gasped. “Aedan!”

“Just relax and let me tak’ care o’ ye.” Aedan bent his head to task, letting his hands trace over every contour of her slim body and gentle curves, save for where the bandages guarded her wounds. He lathered soap into the cloth, and ran it over her, filling the room with the scent of heather. The water turned pale with soapsuds as he massaged the cloth over her breasts, her back, and her firm, rounded buttocks.

Thora relaxed under his ministrations. Then, when he was done, she took the cloth and began to wash him in turn. Aedan closed his eyes as the cloth slid over his neck, his shoulders, then down his arms. The touch was gentle, not intended to be arousing, but it sent warmth of an entirely different sort through him.

Aedan grunted, breath hitching slightly as her hands ran over his abdomen, across his thighs and calves. “Tease.”

Thora smirked at him, then slid the cloth upward to his groin. Aedan hissed as she attended to his now softened member. “Wench… if ye keep that up…”

Thora gave one final twist of her hand that made him shudder in spite of his spent state, and a low, alluring smile. “I ken. And I’m sore tempted tae. But if I did, we’d be late for the morning meal, and I’m fair hungry.”

With that, she finished washing him and turned to rise from the water. Aedan reached out and caught her hand. “Thora…”

She turned back to him, and he held her wrist for a moment before pulling her close for another deep, gentle kiss. “Ye’re enough tae madden any man and set his blood aflame. But… ’tis more than that. I care fer ye. More than ye can imagine.”

“I daresay I can imagine fair well.” Her voice was soft, but there were shadows in her eyes that he couldn’t decipher or understand. “Ye’re nae the only one who cares, Aedan. I care for ye…deeply. More than ye can imagine.”

He wanted to say more, but she didn’t give him the time. Instead, she slipped from his grasp, and rose from the tub, wrapping a towel about her body.

She desired him as much as he desired her, and he was certain his feelings were reciprocated. But she was pulling back from him, save for when her passion and desire overwhelmed her. He didn’t understand why.

Was it because she thought he was motivated only by the promise bond? Or because she feared he’d remember his anger for how their relationship had started? He was far beyond that. He wished he knew how to convince her of that.

However, now wasn’t the time to ponder the matter. She was right. They had to make an appearance at the morning meal.

They also had to find Mac and tell him everything that had transpired over the evening.