Chapter Seven

As the heavy bucket of water appeared from the well, Freya took it and poured the water into another one. It was the second of three trips and already her arms grew weary.

Still, she was proud. Upon first arriving, she'd barely been able to get the bucket up, much less carry two into the house.

Once the second one was full, she reached for a handle, only to stop when a masculine hand wrapped around it.

"I'll take them inside for ye." A man she recognized as Hendry, gave her a flirty look. "Ye work too hard, Freya."

So he knew her name. Before she could protest, he lifted the buckets as if they weighed no more than a feather and began walking toward the house as she awkwardly strode alongside.

"Ye dinnae have to do this. Fetching water is part of my duties." Freya had to scamper to keep up with his long strides.

Upon reaching the laundry, the two women in the room looked up. Flora's face brightened. "Pour it into here," she said pointing to a large basin.

When he placed one down to do as Flora instructed, Freya took the opportunity to grab the other one and pour it into the basin as well.

"Thank ye," she said grabbing the buckets and rushing back outside, while praying he had something to do in the house and would not follow.

Apparently, her prayers went unanswered when he caught up to her. "Flora said ye had one more trip."

Setting her back teeth, she nodded. "Aye, but I can do it. I am sure ye have duties to attend to."

He shrugged. "I am waiting for the others, so we do target practice. No one is there as yet." Hendry glanced toward the open field. "Ye are a bonnie lass, Freya," he said casually. "Do ye have a husband?"

Immediately the thought of Tasgall came to mind. The man she'd fallen in love with and who'd betrayed her entire family. "I am nae interested in marriage."

The comment didn't seem to put a damper on the attractive warrior's mood. Instead he gave her a broad smile. "Ah, so ye have yer eye on someone then?"

Despite her annoyance at the man's flirting, there was something about him that set her at ease and curiosity got the best of her. "How did ye come to that conclusion?"

"I am a tracker and a warrior. It makes me very good at seeing more than what a person states."

"Is that so?" Freya couldn't help teasing him.

"Hendry." The deep familiar voice caught them both off guard. Neither had noticed Gavin's approach.

Something fluttered in Freya's stomach at seeing the wickedly handsome man. His green gaze took them in as if regarding an interesting object. His expression was impassive, but she noticed a slight flex of his jaw.

"Gavin," Hendry replied while pouring water into the second bucket. "I am helping this fair lass while waiting for everyone to come."

The green gaze moved from Hendry to the buckets and lastly to her. "Freya, ye should nae be carrying heavy buckets of water."

It was ridiculous. There she stood with two huge men, both acting as if she were some sort of frail woman who could barely walk without assistance.

She bent to grab the buckets. When both reached toward them, she glared up at them. "I am fully capable of performing my duties without assistance from either of ye."

Admittedly, since Hendry had filled the buckets to the brim, they were heavier, but she managed to lift them without wobbling and despite her arms protests, she rushed away.

A grin spread across her face upon entering the dim interior where she stopped and put the heavy buckets down. It had been a long time since she'd garnered the attention of more than one man.

"I do believe our lass has an admirer or two," Flora told the other laundress. "Did ye see how Hendry looked at her?"

Freya rolled her eyes unable to keep from smiling. "I am sure he was just being helpful."

"When have ye seen Hendry in the laundry?" Flora asked and both she and the other woman shook their heads. "Never," both said in unison.

At meal break, Flora suggested they take their food out to the side of the house where they could watch the archers practice.

There was a sturdy table with benches for the servants to use. Already a pair of chambermaids sat there watching the practice.

"He is handsome," Flora said when Hendry walked up to take his turn. "Do ye fancy him?"

"Nae," Freya said and added upon Flora's incredulous look, "I do think he is an attractive man."

He'd mentioned archery practice and wondered if it meant Gavin would participate as well.

She sipped from her bowl of soup while looking on as several archers shot at the targets. Her question was answered when Gavin approached the marked spot and lifted his bow. In her opinion, no other man could compete with him when it came to looks. By the rapt attention of the other women, they agreed.

One of the chambermaids let out a dramatic sigh causing the other one to giggle.

Flora clasped her hands dramatically against her chest mimicking a swoon. Despite herself Freya chuckled.

Gavin looked toward the giggling group of chambermaids and frowned. Apparently he lost concentration because he completely missed the target. This made the other archers clear their throats in an effort not to laugh.

Instead of joining Flora and the others for the evening meal, Freya wished to be alone that evening.

It was a quiet day. Someone stated that it could be because Laird Ross was returning. The thought made Freya want to hide, lest he see her and demand answers to the same questions of her past.

In the mood to cook, she gathered two small potatoes, pieces of leftover ham, some cream, and a small onion from the kitchen and carried the items to her cottage.

Once inside, she washed the vegetables and then cut the potatoes and the onion, she hummed recalling the many days she'd asset the cook at her home on Eigg. She put the chopped vegetables into a small pot, added the ham and cream, along with water, to make the potato soup that she'd been craving.

While the meal cooked, she poured water into a basin and then stripped. As she washed her body and then hair.

Her weekly ritual of bathing had been so very different before. Servants had filled her wooden tub with heated water and fragrant oils. She'd luxuriated in the water until it became cool and had assistance to wash her waist-long hair.

Now she kneeled on the floor and with a chipped cup poured water over her hair the water dripping into a small basin.

Once bathed and having donned her nightshift, she sat near the small hearth drying her hair and eating the flavorful soup. She was glad that as pampered as her life had been, her mother had insisted they learn the basics of cooking and sewing. Otherwise, she would have been at a horrible disadvantage.

With only one night shift and two changes of clothing, she'd already had to mend the skirts several times.

The next day, she was to go to the village with Una and she planned to purchase some inexpensive fabric to make herself another nightshift and perhaps a blouse to wear under her vest.

After rinsing her bowl and cup, she went to the door to toss the dirty water out.

The courtyard was quiet, only a pair of guards walking about. More guards had been sent out to patrol since the attacks and Freya was glad to live within the walls of the keep.

Movement caught her attention, and she realized it was Gavin wearing a cloak. He went to the guards, and they stood in a circle talking. He carried the weight of lairdship in his brother's absence well, and yet Freya imagined it was quite a heavy burden.

In the early mornings, she caught sight of him riding out to patrol. In the afternoon, he sat in the great room to preside over lairdship duties, then he practiced. And now, after last meal, he checked on the men.

Interesting that she'd not noticed if his brother, Alexander, had also done the same. She imagined he did.

Seeming to sense her, he looked toward where she stood, and Freya's stomach dipped. There she stood like a dolt in nothing more than a nightshirt with wet hair. Although partially hidden by the door, she was sure he saw her.

He turned back to the men, continuing the conversation. Freya took the opportunity to toss out the second bucket of water, then closed the door.

First at archery practice and now again he caught her watching him. The man no doubt thought her to be enamored of him. She should have dashed back inside and not watched for so long.

She wasn't surprised when two raps on the door sounded.

Letting out a breath she cracked the door open and looked up at him.

"Is there something bothering ye, Freya?" He took her in with a blank expression.

"Bo-bothering me? Nae. Wh-why do ye ask?" She was stammering like an idiot. "I was just tossing water out."

"Ye should nae be outside with no clothes on." A smile played at the corner of his lips. "It could bring ye unwanted attention."

"Are ye the guardian of all women then?" Freya snapped. Why did he think she needed his advice? If anything, why was he here now?

His eyes slid to the side. "Ye have been quite fiery today. A temper in a lass is very appealing."

Freya opened her mouth, then closed it. Before thinking of his status, she slammed the door in his face. Immediately, her breath caught, and she gasped at what she'd done.

Yanking the door open, she found him still standing in the same place, both eyebrows raised in surprise.

"I-I should nae have done that." She said waiting for what he'd say.

His gaze traveled down her body, and she fought not to move behind the door. "I will leave ye to rest," he said not moving.

"Is there more news?" Freya asked not wanting him to leave. "About the attacks."

He shook his head. "Nae. The patrols have nae been fruitful. I can only hope tomorrow brings something."

She nodded meeting his gaze. "I will pray that it does."

When he leaned forward, Freya was sure he would kiss her. How she wanted him to. Without thinking of it, her eyes fluttered shut of their own accord.

The soft press of his lips still took her by surprise, her entire body came to life.

Before she could return the kiss, it was over. Heat surged up her chest to her face as her eyes flew open.

Gavin backed away, his eyes on her. "Sleep well, Freya."

"Oh goodness," she closed the door firmly, and slumped against it.

"That should nae have happened," she whispered. "Why had she not stepped away?"

The answer was clear, she'd wanted him to kiss her. Had invited it. At the thought her hands flew to her mouth. "Is that why he'd kissed her? Because she'd closed her eyes? It could be he'd meant to whisper something.

Once again Freya yanked the door open, this time she tentatively stepped out and peered toward the house. Gavin stood a short distance away looking up at the sky.

He turned to her and looked around, then walked back. "What are ye doing? It is cold and ye are nae dressed." He took her by the shoulders pushing her through the doorway. He remained outside the threshold.

"I have to ask," Freya said, sure her face as bright red. "Why did ye kiss me?"

At first he frowned then seeming to realize she required a reply, he gave her an incredulous look. "Because I have wanted to kiss ye for a long time. I should nae, but I want to kiss ye again."

"Ye should nae."

"I am aware," he pressed the tip if his finger to her nose. "Close the door and stay inside."

He pulled the door closed and this time Freya latched it and let out a long breath. His reply should have made her feel better. Instead worry took the place of embarrassment. There could not be anything between them.

The past had proven that allowing emotions free reign would only lead to heartbreak and sorrow.

Thankfully, the following day was sunny. The breeze added a briskness to the day as Freya and Flora sat on the back of a wagon headed toward the village.

They perused the stalls in the village square, not purchasing anything as neither could afford more than the fabric they'd come for. And perhaps something to eat.

A slender woman had greeted them warmly in the fabric shop, where several young women in the back of the room barely acknowledged them as they continued sewing. Apparently, the owner of the shop knew Flora's family because she asked about them.

As they chatted, Freya looked through the more inexpensive fabrics. Lifting the edge of a cream fabric considering it would be perfect for a shift. She gazed longingly toward some beautiful softer materials, knowing they were much too expensive.

Just then movement outside the window caught her attention. People meandered past, women on their way to the market square to purchase items for the evening meal. Men stood outside the tavern talking much too loudly, proof they'd drank too much for the early hour.

A pair of men on horseback brought their horses to a stop outside the window and dismounted. The hairs on the back of her neck rose. Freya's eyes rounded and her breath seized.

The ground seemed to shift under her feet.

She looked around fearing Flora would notice she'd lost interest in the fabric that she gripped with both hands her gaze locked on the men through the window.

One she didn't recognize, but the other was very familiar. He was from Eigg; she was sure of it. He'd worked for her family at the stables.

Why was he there? Was it possible Tasgall was as well? People often traveled between the Isles, however, the man outside was married and neither he nor his wife ever left Eigg.

Breathing became labored and Freya's hands shook as she pondered what to do. She and Flora were to go to the village square after this to wander about the stalls and there would be no way to dissuade her friend. They'd have to walk past the tavern to do so.

Why had she not remained at the keep? It had been foolish to come there where anyone could see her.

Flora continued to talk to the shopkeeper totally unaware of Freya's despair.

Outside, the men pulled their horses behind as they walked in the direction of the village square.

"I have to return to the keep," Freya said, her voice quavering. "I am feeling quite unwell."

"Ye do look pale. All the color has left yer face." Flora took her arm. "Perhaps ye should sit for a bit."

"Is there any way for me to get back?" Freya insisted, not allowing Flora to pull her toward a chair. "I really must go."

Her friend gave her a worried look. "I believe to have seen a pair of guards when we were walking here. Stay here, let me see if I can find them."

Flora dashed from the shop leaving her standing by the doorway, too scared to look out.

"Here drink this," the shop owner said pushing a cup into her hand. "Ye really do look about to faint."

It was not much later that the door opened. Freya's heart began pounding as she prayed that it wasn't one of the men from Eigg. She kept her gaze downcast as she waited for whoever it was to speak to the shop owner.

"Freya," Gavin said as he neared. "Flora says ye feel unwell."

Of all the people to be there, why did it have to be him? Flora hated to lie to him yet again. In truth, her stomach was tumbling, and she did feel as if to faint, so perhaps it wasn't a total lie.

He studied her then looked to Flora. "I will take her back."

She tuned to Flora. "I am so sorry to leave ye."

Flora shrugged. "Dinnae worry. I will get fabric for both of us. Ye like the cream one?"

For some reason her friend's kindness brought tears and she nodded.

"Here." Gavin took several coins from his purse and gave them to a wide-eyed Flora. "To pay for the fabric, both yers and hers."

Flora grinned. "Thank ye."

"Come." He took her elbow, and when she hesitated at the doorway, he mistook the action for her losing the ability to walk. Lifting her into his arms, Gavin carried her to his horse that stood just outside the shop.

"Can ye stand?" he asked.

Freya nodded despite her knees feeling like liquid from being held in such an intimate manner. He mounted and then hoisted her up to sit in front.

The entire ride from the village, Freya kept her face down whilst scanning out of the corner of her eyes for the men. Thankfully, Gavin rode in the opposite direction from which the men had gone.

Upon leaving the village, she let out a breath of relief. There was still the chance the men would come to the keep; she'd have to come up with an excuse to remain away from being seen for the next few days.

"Ye were shaking as if afraid. What occurred?" Gavin asked.

His astuteness was invaluable as a warrior, Freya realized. However, it made it hard to keep things from him. She had to be extremely careful in what she said because Freya had a feeling he'd see through lies.

"I was afraid of becoming ill and poor Flora would have to find a way to help me back to the keep. Now I do nae wish to be sick in front of ye." Freya prayed for forgiveness for all the lies she told.

Leaning back against his chest, with his strong arms around her was much more intimate than she'd ever wished to be after the kiss from the night before.

There was no denying that she was attracted to Gavin Ross.

No, she was more than attracted. She wanted him. Desired him.

If only things were different. If they'd met under different circumstances, two people coming across one another, neither encumbered by duties or a horrible past, she'd be relishing this moment.

Instead she hoped he'd remain unaware of the intensity of her desires.

The horse left the main road and Gavin led it to a wooded area. Flora tensed. "Where are we going?"

"There have been attacks on this road and I noticed a pair of riders left the village behind us. They couldn't see us past the last bend, so I would rather be safe and hide here until they ride past."

Her blood went cold. Could it be the two men from Eigg?

"Yes we should hide," she said attempting to look around him to see the road.

He helped her to dismount and did the same. He guided the horse to a tree away from sight and tethered it. "Stay with him. If I donnae return, mount and ride toward the setting sun. Ye will get to the keep."

"Ye must return," Freya said looking around. It was dense and she couldn't see the sky past the thick trees. "Which way?"

Gavin pointed and she nodded. "Be with care."

Standing next to the horse Freya waited, whilst Gavin bent at the waist and hurried back to the edge of the woods, disappearing within seconds.

"Well, this is turning out to be the most unsettling day," Freya told the huge horse, who lowered its head and began to nibble on newly sprouted grass.

She strained to hear, but other than the wind through the leaves and birdsong, there were no other sounds.

What if the men who'd been behind were the ones from the Isle of Eigg? If they headed to Ross keep, God help her. Or what if they were the attackers? They could kill Gavin.

Freya pulled the small dagger Gavin had gifted her and held it in her right hand while peering in the direction Gavin had gone.

There was movement and she stepped behind the horse, then peered around it. Gavin appeared and walked toward her.

"They must have gone another way. They've yet to appear. We will wait a bit longer before continuing, just to be safe."

She let out a breath and returned the dagger to the folds of her skirt. Gavin's lips curved. "Ye were prepared to defend yerself. That is good."

Freya gave him a droll look. "I doubt it would have done much good."

He studied her. "Keep it hidden until yer attacker is close enough not to see it. Then strike."

Freya remained silent.

"Do ye still feel unwell?" Gavin studied her, immediately the desire for him returned.

Freya had to drag her gaze from his. "I-I feel better." She almost asked that he return and make sure the men were not headed to Ross keep. Instead, she lifted an unsteady hand and pushed hair from her face. "Did the men seem unfamiliar?"

He shook his head. "I could nae get a good look. They were too far."

The attacks were something to be wary of, which meant most of the Ross guards rode in pairs. It had been unwise for them to have headed to the keep alone.

"I am sorry, this is my fault. We should have waited for the others. I could have stayed inside the seamstress' shop until everyone was ready to leave."

She'd been so shaken by seeing someone from her home isle, she'd not thought clearly. Now because of her, it was possible that Gavin was in danger.

"There is nae need to fret. I will get ye back to the keep." He looked toward the road. "I am glad ye feel better."

Freya walked around the horse stopping not realizing how close he'd stood in front of it. Her mind went blank, too many emotions assaulted at once. "I dinnae know what I am going to do. I have nowhere to go."

"There is something wrong isn't there?" Gavin asked, lifting her chin.

Instead of a reply, she threw herself against him and began to sob.

To her surprise, he rubbed her back in an effort to comfort her. It had the opposite effect, and she began to cry harder.

"Talk to me, Freya," he asked in a soft voice. "Tell me why ye cry."

If the men were from Eigg, and they headed to Ross keep her secret would be discovered. All they had to do was describe her. Freya wasn't sure what to do. If she asked Gavin to help her escape, would he? Or would he hand her over to them, believing whatever lies they told?

"It is just that I am nae sure what to do anymore. I feel as if everything is against me."

With gentle fingers lifted her face. "Is someone threatening ye?"

Self-preservation, she learned, was her only ally. "Nae. It is that I have no one to care about me. Whether I live or die will nae matter one bit. If those men who are killing people kill us, yer family would mourn for ye. For me…" she left the sentence unfinished.

She had family on Eigg, they probably had already mourned her death, thinking both she and Beathan had succumbed at sea. Did they even know what occurred? Her father's brother lived a day's ride away and only visited once a season.

They'd attended her parents' burial. Her uncle had left convinced Beathan would take over the management of the house and lands and that Freya would marry Tasgall. In their minds, all was well.

If she died it could be a long time before her remaining family would be aware, if at all.

Her chest tightened with guilt at not telling Gavin the truth. That she feared the men in the village searched for her.

She gripped the front of Gavin's tunic pulling him closer. "I want to forget everything. I wish to not think of my past or the present. I want to wake up and find that this has all been a dream."

When his mouth crashed over hers, Freya wanted to cry with relief.

For them to come together was inevitable. Since the first time she'd seen Gavin Ross, the pull to him had been strong.

This moment, this time was in all probability the only time for them to have an opportunity to be together. She could not let it pass.

She threw her arms around his neck and raked her fingers through the silky tresses pulling him tight against her, wanted to drink him in. He tasted of ale and promise, and she closed her eyes wishing to commit the taste of him to memory.

Gavin deepened the kiss, his tongue pushing past her parted lips to taste her. Heat traveled from her arms and up her legs to the very center of her being. Sensations like she'd never felt overtook everything blocking out sounds other than each other's breathing and the sounds of their mouths as they continued to kiss.

"Mmmmm," Freya murmured, wanting more. No other thought could form than need and desire for the man in her arms.

His lips traveled from her mouth down the side of her jaw to her throat. He licked a path, heated breath forming a trail over the sensitive skin. She gripped his wide shoulders throwing her head back to give more access to his mouth. Gavin suckled the side of her neck making her legs go weak.

Her inner fire raged, the flames all consuming. Raking her fingers through his long hair, Freya did her best to convey what she urgently needed by pushed her hips against him.

By the feel of his hardness pulsing against her stomach Gavin wanted her just as fiercely.

"I want ye so much," Gavin whispered against her ear, his hot breathy words fanning the flames of her desire.

"I want ye," Freya replied, turning his face to her and taking his mouth with hers in a kiss that bordered on savage. Their teeth clashed, tongues swirled in a dance of passion.

They lowered to the ground, while continuing to kiss. Gavin pushed her to lay on the soft grass.

His eyes were dark with desire, his mouth swollen from her kisses as he came over her. Then once again he took her mouth with his.

Running her hands up his back, Freya could feel the hard muscles responding to her touch. He was so perfect, everything from his face to his corded body that was oh so very desirable.

"I need ye," Freya rasped out. "I need to know I am alive. To feel fully alive."

He was nuzzling her neck, his teeth raking down the side. "Ye are upset. Ye may regret it."

Oh, God! Freya feared he would stop. Believe she was overcome with emotions and not thinking clearly.

She took his face with both hands and peered into his darkened eyes. "I have never been so sure of anything. Ye must be mine, even if only once."

For a long moment, he met her gaze. The corners of his lips curved into a wicked smile. Her insides threatened to melt from the heat that grew with even more intensity.

"I have wanted ye each night." Each word was accentuated by a push of his hips, the hardness between his legs sliding between hers.

Tingles of anticipation mingled with something new pulsed through her and Freya's breath caught.

Taking her mouth once again, Gavin pushed her skirts up then unfasted the front of his breeches to free himself.

Freya lost any need to be coy, she wanted to touch every inch of him, first she slid her hand over his taut bottom, loving the feel of the soft skin over the hard mounds.

The cool air blew over her exposed skin as the ties of her blouse fell apart when Gavin pulled the end of the strip with his teeth. Immediately his mouth took the tip of one breast in, and he suckled greedily.

"Oh!" Freya bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out.

As he continue to lavish his attention on her breasts, his mouth taking on one then the other, his fingers slipped up her leg and to between the folds of her sex. The tip of his fingers circled the bud between her legs over and over until Freya lost control, her legs moving of their own accord, hips pulsing up into his hand.

Freya pushed her mouth against his throat to muffle her moans. With each movement of his hand, shocks of pleasure surged until she couldn't withstand it and came with so much force that she thought she might lose consciousness.

As her pleasure ebbed, he began to push into her. Freya wanted all of him, she grabbed his bottom urging him to fill her.

Ever so slowly, with measured movements, he pushed into her. It was the most wonderful feeling, to finally have this man as hers.

Even if for a fleeting moment, this was a time when nothing else existed, but her and him. Their bodies joining in the most intimate of manners.

When he began to move, thrusting in, filling her, expanding her completely, then pulling out just far enough to push back in, Freya began climbing again.

She lifted her hips to match his movements, wanting more, needing to lose control while at the same time not wanting it to end.

His mouth crashed over hers, as he did his best to keep his sounds to a minimum, the throaty moans as enticing as his body.

Thrusting her hands under his tunic, Freya slid her hands up and down his back, digging her fingers into the hard planes. How she wished for them to be without the encumberment of clothing to feel his body against hers.

Gavin's movements became faster, his thrusts harder and Freya threw her head back, lips parted as she gasped for breath.

"Faster… aye… aye." Freya's hoarse whispers filled her own ears.

Plunging harder and faster, Gavin's breathing became labored. His body seeming to have taken on a life of its own. With each thrust Freya climbed higher toward a realm she'd never been, until suddenly it was as if her entire being shattered.

Her cries were muffled as she pushed her face into his shoulder, whilst raking her nails down his back.

His body trembled, Gavin's moan was almost guttural. Suddenly he pulled out completely spilling his seed onto the ground between her legs then collapsing atop her.

Freya clung to him, their hard breathing the only sound in the now quiet woods.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Freya refused to return to reality, instead she imagined the moment would last forever and that she'd wake up to a life where she'd wake up to him next to her every morning.

Gavin rolled form her to lay on the soft grass. He stared up at the sky, seeming to be in thought.

If he uttered that it had been a mistake, Freya was sure her heart would break into a thousand pieces. She held her breath daring a glance at him.

He was flushed, his tussled hair across his cheek.

About to state they should go, Freya opened her mouth only to remain silent when his hand took hers.

For a long moment, they remained on the ground, not speaking.

Finally Gavin rolled to his side and faced her. He cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead and then lips. "I am honored."

Unsure what to say, Freya met his gaze. "It was wonderful."

Gavin's lips curved. "Aye it was." Then he became serious. "We should go."

Instead of standing, he pulled her into his arms and held her close.

Freya was sure once they returned to the keep, they would also return to their former ways.

This moment would be etched in her mind as the most beautiful to have experienced.

Her daydream had been wonderful.

A life that would never—could never—be hers.