Chapter Fifteen

N ala woke with a start. The unfamiliar surroundings making her rub her eyes to ensure she was indeed awake. Everything was different. The large bed, thick bedding over her, and next to her someone slept.

Ever so slowly, she turned her head to see who it was. Thankfully, there was enough sunlight slipping through the cracks of the shutters that the room was not entirely dark. Alexander was fast asleep, facing her.

When her heart began to thunder, Nala worried it was loud enough to wake him. She'd spent the night there.

Not only that. She'd given herself to him. Her mind whirled and she had to take several deep breaths before she could calm herself enough to think straight.

Tentatively, she reached under to blanket and sure enough, she was bereft of clothing, bare as a bairn. He was probably the same. He'd nae been wearing anything when she'd come into the room.

What had she been thinking? Of course a man would take a woman coming to him in the middle of the night as an invitation for a dalliance.

Nala had to be honest with herself. Alexander had not taken advantage of the situation, as a matter of fact, he had not only told her to leave but had asked several times if she was sure. Too overcome with passion, she had not wanted what was happening to end.

At a soft snore, she held her breath. He didn't wake, his face was lax in slumber. His lips parted, eyes closed, the dark lashes fanning down atop his cheekbones. The man was breathtaking.

Alexander had been hers and she had been completely his. Their lovemaking had been the most wonderful experience of her life.

Now, however, she had to leave. Escape before he awakened because she wasn't sure what to say to him.

Would he think she'd come there in order to trap him into marriage? Worse yet, that he would insist they marry solely because of the interlude. She could never do it, force a man to marry her against his wishes, or out of duty.

Nala slid sideways, slowly, inch by inch until her left leg fell from the bed and her foot found purchase. Then she sat up, ensuring to keep the blankets over Alexander until she finally slipped fully from the bed.

After tiptoeing to where her nightshift was discarded, she quickly pulled it over her head and dashed to the door. One last glance to the bed to be certain he continued sleeping confirmed it. He slept soundly.

Nala opened the door and slipped out into the corridor and then ran toward her bedchamber. She turned a corner and ran into a broad chest. Her breath caught and she stumbled backward. Thankfully, the large man was able to catch her by the arms to keep her from falling onto the floor.

"Why are ye running down corridors?" Cynden's hazel gaze studied her. "Is something wrong?"

"Nae," Nala replied breathlessly. "I came from the water closet and got confused finding my way back to my bedchamber. Now I am utterly lost."

His brow creased. Nala was not only in the wrong corridor, but on the wrong floor. But he seemed to believe her. "Go down there,"—he pointed to a stairway—"and up to the next floor. Yer bedchamber is on the left."

"Oh, thank ye." Nala hurried away, not giving him the opportunity to ask more questions.

Once in her bedchamber, she collapsed onto the bed and rolled onto her stomach before pushing her face into the bedding and screaming.

What had she done?

At midday meal, Nala walked down the corridor toward the stairs. There were unfamiliar sensations between her legs, a slight tenderness of the inner thighs, and the same at her very core. A constant reminder of the night before. She blew out a breath at the urge to smile each time she thought about being in Alexander's bed.

She'd purposely skipped first meal, hoping that he'd gone by the time she came down. Her stomach had been making loud noises for a while in protest of the missed meal. Upon entering the great room, Nala made her way quickly to the table where Lady Ross and Ainslie were. Both greeted her fondly.

"Ye missed first meal," Lady Ross said. "Were ye feeling poorly this morning?"

Nala wanted to curse the heat at her cheeks. "A bit, aye. But I feel much better now." She reached for the loaf of bread and sliced a thick piece off, then slathered it liberally with butter. Atop it, she piled thinly sliced lamb and cheese.

Her mouth watered in anticipation. Just as she was about to take a bit, Alexander walked up to their table. "Can I have a word with ye, Nala?"

Lady Ross chuckled. "She looks about to cry. Allow the lass to have her meal, she missed first meal."

"It will be but a moment," Alexander insisted.

Nala gave Lady Ross a grateful look, then took the biggest bite she could of her delicious creation before standing.

"What is it?" she purposely asked in front of the ladies in hopes they wouldn't suspect something happened between them.

Without a reply, he took her elbow and guided her from the room. They walked to his study and once inside, he closed the door.

"How are ye faring? I was worried when I didnae see ye at first meal." His dark gaze took her in from head to toe.

This was a new Alexander, one she never would have expected. Had he always been so attentive to her? No, she didn't think so.

She lifted her chin and gave him what she hoped was a steady gaze. Although of their own volition, her eyes moved to his lips for a split second. "I am well. No need to fash yerself."

"Nala, we must discuss things." He shook his head. "I will make things right."

"What things?" Nala looked up at him. "Dinnae feel as if ye owe me anything. I allowed things to progress because I wanted it to happen. We are adults and capable of doing what we wish."

"What of repercussions? Have ye considered that?" The familiar annoyed tone she was used to came out as he directed a pointed look to her midsection.

Nala shrugged. "If it comes to be then we can decide then. I dinnae plan to change my life because of ye." It was true, the last thing she wanted was to force him into marriage. If he wanted to feel better about their interlude by appearing concerned, she'd not take it away from him.

"I am very hungry and would like to return to my meal before someone else descends upon it." Nala rounded him and before he could stop her, she hurried back to her meal.

Men were certainly interesting creatures. They pretended to be detached when in her experience, they were as sentimental about some things as women were.

When she returned to the table, she ate the bread and then prepared another. It was obvious both her companions wished to know what Alexander wanted to talk about, but Nala couldn't come up with a believable topic.

Finally Lady Ross spoke. "Alexander is nae going to marry the Grant lass. Is that what he wished to assure ye about?"

Nala had forgotten about the woman. "Oh…aye, in a way. Although I am nae sure why he wishes me to ken that."

Ainslie and Lady Ross exchanged amused looks. "Both of ye need to admit that ye are attracted to one another," Ainslie said with an exaggerated huff. "It is obvious to the entire world."

A laugh escaped and Nala grinned. "To the entire world? I sincerely doubt the world is engaged in what happens inside the keep. We are childhood friends. I admit loving him because of it. I dinnae think it is nothing more."

"Then a betrothal with the Grant lass would nae bother ye?" Lady Ross asked. "If that is so, it would be a benefit to the clan. Perhaps I can arrange a visit," she finished.

Bread halfway to her mouth, Nala froze. Was that it? If she didn't admit to wanting Alexander, he would be married to the twit, Leah? The woman would never make him happy, he deserved someone better than the bland redhead.

"Why her? She is as bland as a dry piece of stale bread. He should marry someone fiery. A woman who will stand up to him and stand up for him. Alexander should marry someone strong and gentle at the same time. A woman who will be a true laird's wife, willing to assist in clan matters."

Letting out a breath, she took another bite of her food.

"Where can I find such a woman?" Lady Grant looked to Ainslie. "Do ye ken someone like whom Nala described?"

Ainslie grinned and grasped her hands in front of her chest. "Aye, I do. How have I nae seen it sooner?"

Nala waited to hear the name of the woman, both seemed to realize would be perfect, but they didn't say anything more.

Just as she was about to ask, a guard rushed into the room and over to where Alexander was. He stood and they hurried from the room.

"Let us pray it has nothing to do with another case of attackers," Lady Ross said looking in the direction the men had gone.

It was a long moment before Cynden came to where they sat. "Mother, there is naught to worry about. Just an argument at the village. Two men fighting over a lass, one pulled a knife and cut the other. Then others became involved. Alexander's presence is required."

Lady Ross stood and motioned to Nala and Ainslie. "I will go to the village as well. Ainslie, ye should remain here. Nala would ye come with me?"

"Of course," Nala said sliding a look to a disappointed Ainslie. "I will listen intently and tell ye all upon my return."

"Very well," Ainslie replied, seeming a bit mollified.

As they rode toward the village in a coach, Nala ventured to ask, "Why could Ainslie nae come?"

"As she is with child. She does nae need to be exposed to conflict. One never knows what might happen."

Nala frowned. "Why do ye wish to go then?"

"If there is a woman involved, she will need either scolding for leading two men on, or comfort if caught in something not of her doing."

It wasn't much later that they arrived at the village. The square was crowded with onlookers, so it was hard to see if anything happened.

"Come," Lady Ross instructed hurrying to the seamstress shop. There was no one inside the shop, which didn't slow Lady Ross as she rushed past the empty space to a set of stairs. They went up the stairs and into a small sitting room. There the seamstress and her helper stood by the windows.

The lady turned and smiled at Lady Ross. "Come and see. The two idiots were pulled apart, but they are nae happy. Cormac is bleeding like a stuck pig, whilst Athol has a broken nose."

Nala went to the window that had a clear view of the village square.

People were shouting over each other, everyone seeming to be taking sides. An older woman had rushed to the man who was bleeding and struggled to wrap his arm while he fought against the men who held him.

The other man, Athol, yelled and pointed his knife at Cormac, blood was smeared from his nose across his cheek where he'd obviously wiped at it.

"Who is the woman they fight over?" Lady Ross asked, her gaze never leaving the scene below.

"Angus MacLean's eldest, Ila," the seamstress replied. "She is betrothed to Cormac, but apparently was caught kissing Athol."

Lady Ross leaned out the window peering in both directions. "Where is the lass?"

"Over there by the tavern, ye cannae see her from here." Came the seamstress' reply.

They watched as the crowd parted and Alexander walked over to stand between the two men. Nala couldn't help but admire how he stood out from the other men. His commanding presence brought the entire crowd to silence.

Turning to the people gathered, he glowered. "Instead of encouraging this, ye should be taking care of yer own."

There were soft murmurs and some of the people walked away. There would be nothing more of interest to see. The men would not fight in the laird's presence. Whatever the issue was, it would be settled by talking.

Surrounded by guards, the two men were ushered into the tavern.

Nala caught sight of a young woman near the tavern. She was crying into her hands, two men at her side.

"There she is," the seamstress said. "Her brothers dinnae look pleased at her antics. Oh to be a fly on the wall."

Lady Ross motioned to Nala. "Come, let us go speak to her." She turned to the seamstress. "I will tell ye what happens, Orla."

The woman smiled and turned back to the window.

They crossed the road toward the tavern where the woman, Ila, remained. She'd stopped crying and seemed to have accepted that she would have to wait to hear her fate from the laird.

Upon Lady Ross' approach, the two men acknowledged her with mumbled greetings, their ire apparent.

"Go inside and see about what is said," Lady Ross said. "I will remain here with Ila."

The brothers gave their sister a withering look and hurried inside.

Ila gave Lady Ross a stricken look, tears streaming down her face. "I will be considered the village tart. I dinnae mean for it to happen. But it is my fault. I kissed Athol."

"Why did ye kiss him?" Nala asked.

Ila glanced at her, it was as if she'd not noticed Nala until then. "Oh, I remember ye. Do ye remember that we used to go to the creek and try to catch wee fish?"

At once the memory of spending days with Ila came to her. "Aye, I do remember now."

With a big sigh, Ila shook her head. "My brothers want me to marry Cormac, but I dinnae want to. I have always loved Athol."

"Why will they nae allow it? For ye to marry Athol?" Lady Ross asked.

"They dinnae like that he is a sheep herder. Claim he cannae provide well for me and any bairns to come."

Lady Ross began reassuring Ila, while Nala's mind went back to earlier in the great room. Was she doomed to marry someone she didn't care for because Alexander would marry this woman Ainslie thought to be perfect?

Something burned in her chest, and she flattened her hand over the spot. Was she in love with Alexander? If so, when had it happened? It had to be true. Otherwise, why would it hurt physically to think of him with someone else?

Nala stood and stretched, unable to hear whatever it was the two women discussed. Her mind returned to the night before. It had not been Alexander's first time with a woman, of that she had no doubt. And although she'd experienced stolen kisses with men whilst living in England, she'd never allowed anyone the liberty of anything more.

Had being with her meant as much to Alexander? Nala could ask, but she wasn't sure she was prepared for his answer. If he dismissed it as nothing more than an enjoyable liaison, it would shatter her.

It was a while later that one of Ila's brothers emerged. He glanced at Lady Ross and then to his sister. By his murderous expression, things had not gone as he'd wished. "The laird requests that ye come inside."

Nala walked behind Lady Ross and Ila into the room. The poor lass shook visibly, her gaze downcast.

"Ila," Alexander said, his voice even. "Ye will marry one of the two men. I leave the decision up to ye, but it will happen today."

Ila gasped, her widened eyes meeting Alexander's before going directly to Athol, whose nose had stopped bleeding but had purpling appearing around his left eye.

"I wish to marry Athol," Ila said in a firm tone. "I love him."

The other man Cormac started to say something, but at a warning look from Alexander, he stopped himself and let out an angry huff.

"Very well," Alexander said, then addressed her brothers. "Ye will support them in whatever they require. Ensure that yer sister is well provided for. Ye have the resources to help with a cottage and seed money."

The brothers looked at each other and then nodded in agreement. "Aye, Laird," one replied. By the glances of worry toward their sister, they did care for her.

"Go fetch the vicar," Alexander said to a guard who left immediately.

"Should we celebrate with a pint?" Alexander motioned to the barkeep. "I will pay for everyone's first drink."

All seemed to be forgotten. Even Cormac rushed to get his tankard and then shuffled to a table where he was soon surrounded by—who Nala surmised—were his supporters.

The harried vicar arrived, looking worse for wear. Nala felt for the older man who looked as if he'd rather be anywhere other than inside a tavern in the middle of the day. The clergy proceeded to ask the couple to stand before him, his gaze traveling several times to where the barkeep stood. The tavern was not exactly a place a vicar probably visited often and surely had never conducted a wedding ceremony there.

Or perhaps it was that he was thirsty and hoped for a drink, Nala considered.

As the ceremony began, the vicar's words floated over the now silent crowd. Nala lifted her gaze across the room to where Alexander stood.

There was something odd about his expression when he met her eyes. A warmth, or perhaps it was the recollection of the night before. Her heartbeat quickened and she had to take a deep breath. Tearing her eyes from his, she turned her attention back to the ceremony. Ila beamed with happiness and despite the lingering blood droplets on his tunic and purpling eye, Athol looked to be happy as well.

The vicar finally finished with a blessing after the exchange of vows and the couple was engulfed in hugs and claps on the back in Athol's case. Even a sulky Cormac went forward to congratulate the couple.

"What do ye think?" Alexander had come up behind her making Nala start.

She didn't look up at him. "Ye did well."

The touch of his hand on the small of her back sent shivers of awareness through her. If only she could lean back into him, have his arms around her.

"Ye and Mother should return to the keep. There is still restlessness in the village. I prefer for both of ye to be safe."

Lady Ross turned to look at her son. "I will stop at the square to purchase a few things. We have two guards with us. I am sure all will be fine." She took Alexander's arm. "Walk us out, dear."

To Nala's consternation, he kept his hand on the small of her back as he directed them to the doorway. It was difficult to keep from touching him in return.

It was heavenly when he pulled her closer as they went through the doorway, tucking her against his side.

Nala almost closed her eyes, but the brightness of the day outside brought her reason back and she stepped away.