Chapter Nineteen

As everyone gathered for dinner, Alexander waited impatiently for Clarissa to come down the stairs. Like Gwen had mentioned earlier, he also had not seen Clarissa all day. He at least thought he would see her as she went to the library to get another book to read or return the one she had been currently reading, but he hadn't.

'Twas possible she had brought several with her into her room. He told her she could take full advantage of whichever books she wanted, so it wasn't out of the realm of possibility. But he thought she would have emerged from her room at some point, if only to quench her thirst or for a meal.

As they all sat at the table waiting, they started to send questioning glances to each other.

Gwen pushed back from her chair and all the men stood. "I will go see what is keeping her," she said, placing a hand on Nicholas's chest, a worried frown on his face.

She left the dining hall and the men sat down. A maid came forward with a flask of wine and filled their glasses.

"Thank ye," Alexander said and fisted the glass most uncouth like and drank deep, forgetting his manners, and not caring that he did.

The men surrounding him were all in the war with him. They had seen the worst of each other along with the best. There were plenty of times when manners didn't play into their actions.

A few minutes later, Gwen reappeared, alone, her face pale. "She is no' in her room," she blurted, approaching Nicholas, who stood up with such force it knocked his chair over.

"What?" he demanded.

Gwen shook her head. "Her room is empty."

"How is that e'en possible?" Alexander asked. "When is the last time ye saw her?"

"Last eve. As I mentioned to ye earlier."

Alexander glanced around the table at his friends. "Has anyone seen Clarissa today?"

They all looked at each other, shaking their heads. A chorus of nays echoing off the walls.

"Shite." He pushed his hands through his hair and stood, pacing the room. "If she is no' in her room, and she wasna with ye in the gardens earlier, Gwen, and no one has seen her, where can she possibly be?"

"I havena the slightest idea," Gwen said.

"Have ye checked the library?" he asked, knowing she wasn't there, but not willing to believe she could be anywhere else. He pushed open the door of the dining hall and took the stairs two at a time. Bursting through the library doors, not caring if he scared her, he glanced around the empty room. He couldn't imagine where else she would be in the castle.

"James!" He called out, descending the stairs.

The butler rounded the corner. "Your Grace?"

"Have ye seen Miss Gordon today?" He snapped.

"Nay, Your Grace."

A sense of foreboding crept under Alexander's skin.

"Gather the rest of the staff. Someone had to have seen her."

Ten minutes later, every person on the Campbell payroll stood in front of him as he paced back and forth.

"Has anyone seen Miss Gordon today?" He studied each person in front of him, his gaze stopping on the young maid that had been assigned to Clarissa.

Stopping in front of her, he tried to make eye contact, but the lass kept shifting her eyes everywhere but to his.

"Gretchen?"

"Aye, Your Grace," she curtsied.

"Do ye ken where Miss Gordon is?"

She sucked in her lip and bit it between her teeth.

"I need ye to tell me where she is," he hated the urgency that made his voice harsh.

The lass cowered a bit and took a step back.

"Tell me what ye ken, Gretchen," he demanded.

"She, M-miss Gordon made me promise no' to say anything, Your Grace."

He took a slow breath, trying to tamp down his anger. "Understood, but she may be in danger. Where has she gone?" He got a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Would she go there? He wanted to think she wouldn't. But where else could she possibly be?

The lass looked at him with fear in her eyes and he hated that he made her feel that way, but he couldn't be bothered with that right now. Clarissa was his priority.

Nicholas came up behind him, and made the poor lass cower even more. "Where is my sister?" he demanded, before Gwen pulled him back.

"Sh-sh-she has gone to the Kitt estate," the lass confessed quietly, tears sprouting in her eyes before she covered them with her hands.

Alexander's stomach dropped, his biggest fear come true. "Ready the horses," he snapped to the stable hand that stood near the end of the line of staff. "I will leave for Kitt's at once."

"No' alone, ye willna." Nicholas stepped forward.

"I will ride with ye, as well," Malcolm joined them.

"As will I," Finlay and Gunn said in unison.

Alexander looked around at his friends, thankful and proud of their unity. Their brotherhood.

"Ready five horses. Quickly," he commanded.

The boy nodded and rushed off to the stables, a couple of others following him to help.

Alexander could see naught but red. His anger simmered just below the surface. "If he has laid one fucking hand on Clarissa, I will skin him alive," he vowed.

*

Clarissa sat awkwardlyin the small dining room. Its faded wallpaper told stories of better days. The chipped dinnerware did the same. Jacob sat at the head of the table and had insisted that she sit beside him on his right.

She poked around at the meat, was it fowl? She couldn't tell. It had been severely overcooked, and it no longer resembled its former self. Jacob didn't seem to mind as he roughly sliced through the tough meat. His actions causing the whole table to shake. He popped a bite into his mouth and chewed loudly, his mouth wide open as he did so, bits of food escaping with each chomp.

His lack of manners didn't surprise her. She had expected as much. And while she didn't really eat the fare that had been set in front of her, she did take note of the knife she was given. Thinking it may come in handy later in the evening, she took advantage of Jacob's distraction and slipped the knife off the table and slid it into the sleeve of her gown.

She would need to move carefully as not to give it away.

"Is the food to your liking?" Jacob asked, his mouth full of the bite he'd just taken.

Her eyes met his as they bored into her. Pushing around the boiled potatoes, she nodded. What else could she say? Nay, the food is disgusting? She certainly could not. No matter how uncouth Jacob Kitt appeared, she could not stoop to his level. She had been taught manners, had gone to etiquette school. She wouldn't go so far as to eat, but she had full confidence in herself that she could maneuver the items on her plate in a way that would convince Jacob that she had eaten.

He wouldn't expect her to eat everything on her plate anyway. That would not be in the least bit proper.

After clearing his plate, he patted his stomach and belched loudly, the sound echoing off the room's faded walls.

Clarissa bit her tongue and hid her disgust.

"Are you finished?" Jacob leaned in and asked, his mouth close to her ear.

She shivered at the nearness and her stomach threatened to revolt at the stench.

He leered at her reaction, licking his lips.

"I am. Thank ye."

He draped his arm over the back of her chair, and she scooted forward, trying to escape his touch. "I think we should move to the salon. We can enjoy the fire," he said suggestively.

Clarissa slipped out of the chair, careful so that the knife stayed in place. She would not hold back on using it if the situation arose.

Jacob clapped his hands. When a servant appeared, he ordered the lass to bring a flask of wine. "None of that whisky that you all seem so fond of. No offense, but the taste doesn't sit well on my tongue. I much prefer wine."

Was the lass the same person that had cooked the meal? She had to assume she was.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the dining room. "Come, we'll have wine in the salon."

*

Alexander pushed hishorse forward. With each minute that passed, his worry grew. How long had Clarissa been in Kitt's clutches? Had he harmed her? He clenched the reins, his knuckles white as his knees dug into the horse's sides, urging him to run faster.

"We will get her, Alexander." Gunn called out beside him, his voice barely registering over the sound of the horses' pounding hooves.

The images flashing in Alexander's mind were of every worst scenario that could possibly happen. After he confirmed that Clarissa was safe and hadn't been harmed, he was going to make sure she kenned how stupid of a move she had taken.

Mainly, he just wanted to ensure she was safe. What the hell was she thinking going to Kitt? Especially alone and not telling anyone.

The ride was ostensibly long. He didn't remember it taking this long when he had visited previously and that was when he traveled in his coach. A single horse should be able to make the journey in much less time, but time seemed to slow as they rode.

"Please, please be safe," he pleaded to the wind. He wasn't a religious man but found himself willing whatever powers to be that looked over the universe to also look over and protect Clarissa until he got there.

*

"Wine?"

"Nay, thank ye," Clarissa declined Jacob's offer.

He raised a brow in question.

Giving him what she hoped was a passable smile, she explained. "I must confess wine gives me the most horrid ache in my head." It was a lie, of course. She actually loved wine. But she didn't want the drink to dull her senses. She had the feeling that she was going to need her wits to make it through whatever Jacob had planned for the rest of the evening and she wanted to be able to defer whatever he had in mind.

To do that, she needed to have her head clear and full use of all her faculties.

"I am sorry to hear that. If I had known, I would have had other drinks available."

She dismissed his statement with a wave of her hand. "'Tis no' an issue. I am fine, really."

"I suppose you like the whisky I had previously dismissed."

She could drink it, but it wasn't her preference. She enjoyed champagne the best. But even if Jacob offered her the finest champagne from France, she would still deny the drink with the same excuse.

Standing by the fire, she watched as he finished his glass of wine and hastily poured himself another. Thankful he kept to his side of the room and didn't approach her.

There was a chaise in the room, its light blue fabric faded and stained. She wanted to sit but refused to sit there. Doing so she feared would seem like an invitation for Jacob to sit down beside her and that was the last thing she wanted.

After finishing his current glass, and then immediately pouring another one and downing that one as well, Jacob started getting a flush to his skin, his eyes glassing over. Clarissa had seen the telltale signs of one imbibing too much a time or two in her life. He was definitely on his way to crossing that line.

His temperament changed. He straightened his shoulders, showing a confidence in himself that he had lacked previously. He sauntered over, his strides sure and strong. The wine giving him a bravado he hadn't possessed before.

That was not the effect she was hoping for.

As he neared, she took a step back.

Clucking his tongue, he tsked. "Are you trying to run from me, Clarissa?"

"Miss Gordon," she corrected. "And nay," she lied as she retreated another step only to find the hardness of the wall at her back.

With lightning speed, he was in front of her, pressing his body against hers. She pushed against his chest, disgust making her stomach turn.

"Come now. Do not fight me. After all, this is what you agreed to." He brought his mouth down to kiss her, but she pushed against him.

"I most certainly did no' agree to such a thing."

"You did. And if you want those damned sheep to live, you will."

Her heart skipped in her chest. She would not allow him to follow through with what he'd threatened, nor would she allow him to touch her. Reaching into her sleeve, she clasped the handle of the knife she'd tucked away there.

"Cease your advances, Baron." She pushed against him again, one last warning.

He answered her with a slap that rattled her teeth and took her by surprise. With her free hand she clasped her cheek with a cry, her skin burning. That was the only time he would be touching her. As he came at her again, she raised her hand holding the knife and slashed out, catching him on his cheek. A trail of blood formed, and he cursed.

"You bitch!" Smacking the knife out of her hand, she yelped as it clattered to the floor.

She turned to run, and he caught hold of her hair, pulling her back to him.

At that moment, a loud crash sounded.

"Clarissa!"

It was Alexander. He'd come after her!

He rushed through the door, Nicholas, Gunn, Finlay, and Malcolm following on his heels. She nearly fainted in relief.

"If ye want to live to see another day, I suggest ye let the lass go, Kitt," Alexander growled, his dark eyes black as he glared at Jacob.

"What the hell are you doing here? Did you kick down my door, you bastard?"

"I am no' going to tell ye again."

Shoving her from behind, she stumbled forward, her arms pinwheeling out to steady herself. Alexander caught her in his arms. "Are ye all right, lass?" He asked, concern furrowing his brow as he studied her.

"I am fine."

His eyes paused on her cheek, and he lifted his hand to caress her skin.

She winced and Alexander's eyes flared, snapping to Jacob. Cupping his face, she drew his head to hers. "I really am fine. He is hurt worse than I," she said with a smirk.

"Ye scared me half to death, lass. Dinna e'er do that again." He crushed his mouth to hers and she melted into his arms. She didn't care that Nicholas was here and that he disapproved of a match between them. She loved this man. No matter what her brother said, it wouldn't change that.

Winding her arms around Alexander's neck, she drew him in closer. His tongue sought entry and she parted her lips, their tongues meeting and doing a decadent dance that left her gasping for breath when they finally broke the kiss.

Her skin felt heated, and her stomach was doing flip flops. He rested his forehead on hers and whispered, "I want naught but to continue this, but there is an issue I must attend to." He nodded in Jacob's direction. "Are ye sure ye arena hurt?" He rubbed his hands up and down her arms as he looked over her, making sure she really was okay.

"I really am," she stated. "Truly. I think I defended myself well." She smiled and stepped away from him, joining her brother, who, surprisingly, didn't appear to be angry with what had just transpired between her and Alexander. She walked into his open arms, and he hugged her, placing a kiss on top of her head.

"I am glad we got here in time."

"Me, too, brother."

"Ye fought." It wasn't a question.

"I did. Did ye think I wouldna?"

He smiled. "Nay. I had no doubt."

They focused their attention on Alexander and Jacob, who was cowering in a corner as Alexander rounded on him.

"Ye realize ye just attacked the Duke of Gordon's sister? He could have your head for that."

"She came here willingly," Jacob answered, his chin jutted out, but he didn't appear as strong as when it was just the two of them. He seemed to wilt under Alexander's scrutiny.

"Mayhap. But no' to be abused," he growled.

"I did no such thing."

In a flash, Alexander smashed his fist into Jacob's jaw, sending him into the wall as he tried to catch his balance.

Gunn and Malcolm stepped forward. Gunn put a hand on Alexander's shoulder. "Easy, brother."

"You fucking hit me!" Jacob sputtered, turning his head and spitting blood.

"Aye. How does it feel, seeing how ye hit the lass? Ye deserve a hell of a lot more than a single punch."

"The bitch stabbed me!"

Alexander lunged forward but was quickly held back by Gunn. "Think on this, Alexander. Be smart."

Shrugging off the hands holding him back, he rolled his head from side to side to ease the tension that had gathered in his shoulders.

He took a deep breath. Clarissa was safe. She may have a bruise in the morn where she had been clearly hit, but the wound she had inflicted on Kitt was worse. He couldn't help but smile. She had fought back. A true spitfire, she was so strong. He couldn't be more proud.

But he had to deal with Kitt.

"Do ye ken what will happen to ye when the authorities find out ye assaulted the duke's sister? Ye will be locked away."

Kitt's eyes widened, but Alexander wasn't done.

"Any standing ye thought ye would be gaining in society will be lost. Do ye truly think anyone will be looking to marry their daughter off to ye? Look around ye. Ye have no money. Just a crumbling estate. Which will wither away while ye rot in prison."

"I cannot go back to prison."

That caught Alexander's attention. "Pardon?"

"What do you want? I would prefer to leave the authorities out of this."

"I want ye to leave. Leave Scotland and go back to the states. Do that, and what transpired here today will ne'er leave this room. But if I e'er see your face again or hear that ye are back I will have your arse locked up with such haste ye willna ken what hit ye."

Alexander took a step back and watched as the emotions rolled over Kitt's weaselly face, weighing his options.

Kitt looked around the room and Alexander could tell the moment the bastard realized he was out of options.

"I agree to your terms. I will make arrangements to leave first thing in the morn. I never liked this damn country in the first place. You all are a bunch of barbarians."

Alexander cocked an eyebrow in his direction. "Ye havena left yet. I would choose your words wisely whilst we are still here."

"Take Clarissa home, Alexander." Malcolm stepped forward. "I will stay with Baron Kitt here and ensure he follows through with your agreement."

"As will I," Gunn chimed in.

Kitt's eyes widened as Gunn crossed his arms and glared at him.

"Thank ye, brothers." With a last look to Kitt, he spun on his heel and approached Clarissa who still stood with Nicholas, his hands resting on her shoulders.

"Go ahead," Nicholas whispered. "I see it now. And I willna be the one to stand in your way."

Clarissa spun around and clasped her brother in a tight hug. "Thank ye, brother." She kissed him on the cheek before turning to Alexander.

He opened his arms, and without hesitation, she ran into them, her body molding to his in the perfect fit. He met Nicholas's gaze. ‘Thank ye,' he mouthed.

Nicholas gave him a curt nod before turning and stepping outside, Finlay on his heels.

"How about we go home?"

"To your home?"

"Nay, lass. To our home."

"I like the sound of that."

A smile on his face, he placed his hand at the small of her back and led her outside. "If ye like the sound of that, how do ye like the sound of Duchess of Argyll?"

She paused just outside the door and spun to him. "Are ye…" she let the question go unfinished, hanging in the air.

"Aye, I am."

The smile on her face was bright enough to lighten the darkest of days. She jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist and hugging him close. "I love the sound of that."

"Och, but lass?"

She pulled back to meet his gaze. "Aye?"

"Remind me ne'er to make ye mad."

The sound of her laughter was music to his ears.

*

A few dayslater, Alexander oversaw the return of his flock. The Campbell sheep were back where they belonged—on his land, grazing in his fields.

Malcolm and Gunn had returned this afternoon to say that Kitt had secured travel back to the states. After delivering the news, his friends left to return to their homes. He couldn't thank them both enough for all they had done to help. Alexander was curious about what type of legal troubles he had gotten himself into in the past. They were bad enough that he had already served time in prison. Whether that was here in Scotland or in the states, he had no idea. Most likely it was in the states. But none of that mattered now that Kitt was gone. He didn't expect to ever lay eyes on the louse again.

"What are ye thinking about?" Clarissa came up from behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He turned, kissing her forehead. "Nothing of importance now that ye are here." Holding her close, with her head resting on his chest, warmth filled him.

"They look so happy," she said, nodding towards the sheep. "'Tis as if they ken they are home."

"Aye. I suppose they do in a sense. The land is familiar to them."

"Hmm."

Her sigh vibrated through him. Content filled him. He could stand here holding Clarissa in his arms for the rest of his days and he would want for naught. Everything he ever wished for was right here, with her arms looped around his waist.

She looked up at him, her chocolate brown eyes searching. "Ye seem quiet today. Is something amiss?"

"Nay," he shook his head, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. "E'rything is perfect."

Dipping his head, he captured her mouth in a searing kiss, and she melted in his arms. He lost himself in her kisses, but as his body roared to life, he longed for more. Hands roaming the length of her back, they settled on her buttocks, and he couldn't stop the urge to pull her forward. To bring her against his hardened length.

His want for her was all consuming.

Clarissa broke the kiss and gazed at him with rounded eyes, but she didn't back away from his touch. Nay, instead the wee minx gave him a devilish smile and pushed closer to him.

"Lass, ye are going to be the death of me." He took a small step back, his body instantly missing the contact. "Ye brother will kill me if he sees this."

"He willna. He and Gwen left a bit ago." She pulled him in closer. "They will be gone for quite some time." Stepping up on tiptoes, she tipped her head up to his.

All control thrown to the wind, she yelped as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the house, up the stairs and into his bedchamber, kicking the door closed behind them.

As he set her down, she reached out to the nearby wardrobe and steadied herself, her beautiful eyes focused on him.

The vision of her standing there, in his room, before him, was a straight shot to his groin and his body roared to life. What was he doing?

"We canna do this."

Confusion marred Clarissa's gorgeous face. "I dinna understand."

"Och, lass. I want ye. With all my being I want ye. I have ne'er yearned for something as I do for ye."

She stepped closer. "I feel the same. We are to be married. Is that no' enough?"

He threw his head back and barked out a laugh. "Ye truly are going to be the death of me. We arena wed yet. We must wait." He couldn't believe the words as they left his mouth. That was how he kenned Clarissa was his match. She was the only woman that could make him do the right thing.

And he loved her for it.