Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) (11 page)

She laughed again, her shoulders shaking as she tried to contain it.

“Aye, ‘twas mighty embarrassing. Here I was trying to impress a lass, and I heaved all over the stones to the side of her cottage.”

“Have you seen her since then? Are you attached to someone at your castle?” Her voice cracked a wee bit. “Are you betrothed?”

“Nay,” he shook his head, hoping what he’d heard in her voice was just a touch of jealousy. “I’m not attached or betrothed, ‘twas a while ago, and I do not wish to see her again. I’d be too embarrassed.”

“Why? You could not help it. ‘Twas not apurpose.” She was doing her best to make him feel better, for which he was truly grateful.

“And as long as we’re being bold and honest, ‘struth is, I had to run into the forest to heave again after I left her.”

“Mayhap you drank too much?” Her eyes sparkled, making her face even more stunning, if that were possible.

“Aye, I’ll admit I did. And I’ll admit I have not had much to drink since then.”

She giggled again and said, “Drew, you humor me so.”

Drew watched her laugh and play with her food. What he wouldn’t give to have someone like Lina to look at every morn instead of his parents.

Then he scowled, realizing he’d just given himself a solid reason to marry, and he could come up with no argument against it.

***

Lachlan Burnes had fed his sire as much whisky as he dared—any more, and the man would turn into an abusive mule. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him so impaired.

“Look what you did to your mother. She’s asleep at the table, snoring for all to hear.” He guffawed and slapped Lachlan on the back. “I’ll not holler at you for it. ‘Tis good to see your mother like that. She’s been in such a lather over that sword you found. You found it, ‘tis ours, and we’re to be blessed forever.”

His father’s head tipped from side to side a few times before he settled it on his arms on the table. Muttering something incomprehensible, he closed his eyes and huffed out a deep breath.

He loved how his sire often forgot important facts when he was drinking, such as the fact that Lachlan had lost the sapphire sword. He believed it proved one thing about his father, he really did love his only son. Lachlan smiled at this thought, a warm spot in his heart for his father. It didn’t change what he had planned for the eve, but it did give him a much needed good feeling.

While he couldn’t say the same about his mother, he believed his father did indeed carry special feelings for his son. He just seemed to forget them when his wife was around. Lachlan glanced over his shoulder to be sure that the few who remained in the hall were asleep, all drunk on ale and whisky, and then opened his sporran. He held his palm open and his pet jumped into his hand. He set him on the table and said, “There you go, wee one. ‘Tis plenty around for your dinner.”

Lachlan smiled as he watched his new pet scuttle back and forth across the table. He sniffed the laird before running off in the opposite direction.

Lachlan chuckled, “Me thinks ‘twas a wise move, my pet. ‘Tis never good to make an enemy of my sire, especially when he has been at his drink. The only thing I’ll tell you is ‘tis easy to avoid his fists when he’s drunk. You’ll be too fast for him.”

Lachlan reached for his father’s pocket, but then jumped back when his sire’s head shifted. After waiting a few moments more, he reached into the pocket again and pulled out the purse, which he emptied into his hands. “Och, Da, you had many coins today.” He laughed and made a clucking noise with his tongue.

The wee mouse ran back down the table toward him, his nose wiggling at Lachlan.

When Lachlan held his hand out, the mouse scampered onto it. Lachlan placed him carefully into his sporran again. Then he stood and bowed to his father first and then his mother. “Papa, Mama, this has been a pleasure.”

Lachlan strode out the front door, talking to his pet as he walked. “Mama is finally proud of me. I cannot believe how happy she was to see the sword in my hand. She actually patted me on the back that day, do you remember, wee one? Now she’s in another dither because ‘twas stolen. If I do not locate it in my travels, I’ll be forced to hunt it on my own.”

He strutted through the bailey and the portcullis, noting that it was mostly deserted except for the one guard he waved to on his way by. Once outside, he headed for a small grove of trees behind a big rock. He set his mouse atop the rock and started digging in the dirt behind it.

While he dug, he would lift his head occasionally to explain things to his pet. “You see, we’ll be able to do whatever we wish in the Highlands soon. We’ll have so much coin, I swear ‘twill be more than the King of the Scots.”

The mouse moved over to the side of the rock and watched him pull the heavy bag out of the dirt. Lachlan held it up in front of his friend. “No one ever believed I had a brain in my head, but who is the smart one now, my friend? Hmmm? Look at all the coin we have. I know, it took me a verra long time to accumulate this much, but somehow, I knew ‘twould be necessary someday. First I’ll find the sword, then I’ll marry Avelina Ramsay. All will kiss my feet once that happens.”

He added the new coin to the bag and buried it next to the other full bags. “Won’t be long now, my friend. Just you and me…and Avelina Ramsay.”

Chapter Twelve

Drew awoke to a racket. He’d had a bit of ale, though not as much as he usually imbibed at home, and he and Boyd had decided to sleep on pallets in the hall. In the middle of the night, a pounding noise roused him from a deep sleep, and he noticed a lithe form carrying a satchel bolting down the stairs and heading for the door, a puppy fast at her heels.

“Lina?” He sat up and brushed the sleep from his eyes, hoping he hadn’t really seen Lina running down the stairs, headed out the door. Perhaps he’d enjoyed more ale than he remembered. But nay, it was unmistakably her. He watched as she attempted to open the heavy door three times, failing each time because she only had one free hand to open it. She wouldn’t give up. Finally, she dropped her satchel on the floor and used both hands, bracing herself to pull the door open with all her might. He forced himself up from the pallet and reached her just in time to stop her from running outside.

She whirled around and swung at him with her fists. “Nay, leave me be. Do not touch me.”

Drew guessed she was remembering Lachlan and all he had put her through. Hellfire, but she seemed mighty strong for a lass her size. “Lina, stop. ‘Tis me, Drew. I’ll not hurt you.”

As soon as she recognized his voice, she stopped flailing her arms and leaned into him. Lina gasped for breath, her chest heaving as though she had been in a battle.

“Lina, what is it? What has you so upset? Where are you headed?” He ran his hand down the middle of her back and tucked her head under his chin.

“I must go, please, Drew. Help me. I must go to Gregor.”

“To Gregor? Your brother Quade’s son? Lina, ‘tis the middle of the night and you must have had a bad dream. Come over by the hearth and slow down, just for a moment, please.”

She allowed him to lead her to a bench near the hearth. After he sat down, she moved to sit next to him, but he pulled her onto his lap instead, turning her sideways so she could rest her head on his shoulder. The puppy scampered over and curled up at her feet.

“Is that your puppy, Lina?”

“Aye, but do not concern yourself with her. There are more important concerns at the moment.”

“All right. Tell me, what happened in your dream?”

“I think ‘twas Gavin who came to me first. He begged me to come home. He told me that Gregor is ill, so he needs his Aunt Lina.” Her face dropped into her hands and she let the tears fall freely, flooding her gown. “I have never had such an awful feeling. What would I do if aught happened to him?”

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “But ‘twas just a dream. I’m sure Gregor is fine. We’ll send a messenger to your family in the morn.”

Once her tears slowed, she gripped his forearm and stared at the hearth. “Lily. Lily came to me next. She told me that Gregor needs me, and he will not get better if I am not there. Lily was as gaunt as she used to be when she was a wee bairn. She and Torrian were ill for many years until Brenna came along and discovered the source of their sickness. I have not seen Lily like that in many, many moons.” Her fingers played with his tunic. “What if the dream is real and someone was trying to tell me something? What if Gregor needs me?” She lifted her gaze to his. “I could not bear it if he did, and I did not come.”

Drew did his best to ignore her sweet lips and stay focused on the situation. “Is your brother’s wife not the most renowned healer in the Highlands and part of the Lowlands? You do not trust that she could heal her verra own son?”

“Aye, nay…you do not understand.”

He wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I’m trying my best, Lina. You were asleep, aye? Your dream about your nephew woke you. You dreamed he needed you to get better, but his mother is a skilled healer.” He had to help her see the truth of the situation. God’s teeth, she could not just go running out into the forest in the wee hours of the night searching for her nephew. Especially not given the current situation with the Burneses. “What could you do for him that his mother could not?”

“I do not know.” Her tears started fresh again. “But I must go to him. I
must
. Will you help me, or do I need to find my own way?”

Her audacity stunned him. “Lina, you’re but a wee lass. How could you get yourself to Ramsay land safely?”

She frowned at him, and he changed his direction. “I am not trying to offend you, lass, but there are many rogues out there who would love to find such a pretty lass alone in the woods. Do you understand my meaning? And you must be aware of the discourse with Clan Burnes. You saw how upset they were about the sapphire sword. We have no idea where they are or what their intent is once they left here. ‘Tis not safe for you outside the castle. I promised your brother I’d look after you.”

“Aye.” She looked down at the floor for a moment, then glanced back up at him with flashing eyes. “But you can take me there… I must go. Do you not see? What if aught were to happen to Gregor, I could never forgive myself. I cannot explain, but I must go.”

Drew took one look at her pouty lips and lively eyes and leaned forward to touch his lips to hers. Hell, but she tasted of apples and everything sweet, no matter what time of day. She parted her lips for him and he groaned as he invaded the cavern of her mouth with his tongue, teasing her until she tentatively brought hers out to meet his.

And then he was lost. He tugged her to him, angling his mouth over hers so he could get even closer if possible. He’d wanted to do this in the middle of the courtyard the other eve. It had taken all his self-control not to take her into his arms. His hand cupped her cheek and then his fingers wove through the silky strands of her hair. He would kiss this woman forever if given the choice. Her response to him was so innocent and passionate that it built a fire within him, but he would not take advantage of her vulnerable position right now. He heard someone clearing his throat and guessed it to be Boyd. He ended the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers. “Avelina Ramsay, you know how to drive a man daft. I cannot think clearly with you in my arms.”

She giggled, a sweet sound that made him smile. “Then take me to Gregor. Please, Drew? My brothers will repay you. We must help him.”

Drew stared off into space, thinking of what to do. “All right. We’ll talk to Aedan in the morn. He will send as many guards as he can spare to travel with us. Boyd can accompany us, too.”

“Nay, not in the morn. We must leave
now
. If we wait until morn, it could be too late.”

God’s teeth, but he shouldn’t leave with her now. Still…he had promised Logan Ramsay to watch over her, had he not? Somehow, he knew he was seeing a different Lina. She was changing in front of his eyes from a timid lass to one who was much stronger than he would have guessed possible. “You’ll find a way to go without me if I turn you down. ‘Tis true, is it not?”

She nodded sheepishly. “Please understand, I must do as my heart demands of me. And it’s telling me I must go to Gregor now.”

Boyd stood up and said, “I’ll see what I can find in the kitchens to take with us.”

Lina jumped, clearly surprised the lad was so close to them. Then she blushed and turned away from the newcomer.

He saw her reaction to Boyd, and recalled what she had told him during the feast. Mayhap she would not like it, but Boyd would travel with him. He’d try to get her to understand. “Boyd rides with me everywhere, he’s my best friend,” he explained. “He’s always there to help me. I do naught without him.”

“Naught?” she whispered in his ear and hopped off his lap, giving him a sly smirk over her shoulder. “Come, we must go soon,” she said, heading for the door.

Aye, Lina Ramsay was changing. That smirk could have caused him to pull her back onto his lap and finish what he’d started, but he knew this was not the right time.

While Lina and Boyd had gone to the kitchens to pack food for their journey, Drew had gone to Aedan to inform him of what had transpired. Surprised by his response, Drew followed Aedan down the stairs and listened to his inquiry of Lina. Aedan apparently needed to determine for himself that Lina would act without them, so it was best for them to provide guards for the trip. This was another example of how Aedan Cameron had changed as well. Prior to his marriage, he would not have been pulled out of bed by a headstrong lass. Now he understood that he was responsible for her and acted accordingly—just as Drew had done when he’d been in charge.

His intentions were sound. He reminded himself he was doing exactly what he had promised Logan Ramsay he would do. Wasn’t he?

***

Lina rode in front of Drew with Abby nestled in her lap. Aedan had insisted on sending five guards in addition to Boyd and Drew, so they were well protected. It usually took just under two days to travel from Cameron land to Ramsay land. At the verra last minute, Abby had bounded out behind them, and Lina had insisted on bringing the small pup along.

Leaving in the early morn had been a wise decision, as they had not run into anyone on the path. Lina, feeling quite comfortable in Drew’s arms, leaned against him and fell fast asleep. At one point, she awoke only to realize she was about to drool all down his arm, but he just grinned at her.

A few moments later, he leaned in and whispered, “I’d have been happy to taste that. No need to be shy around me, lass.”

Lina blushed a deeper red, but she did not try and answer him. There were too many other men in their vicinity, and though she could easily talk with Drew, she found she was still shy around other men.

The dream about Gregor had taken her mind off her need to find a husband, but in the daylight, the memory of her newly assigned quest returned to her. She had stuffed the sapphire sword in her satchel just in case, but in case of what, she did not know. A part of her feared she was not ready for marriage. Those two lads had handled her so crudely…

But then memories of Drew’s lips on hers invaded her mind. She had enjoyed their time together in the courtyard, and always enjoyed being in his arms. She reached up and touched her fingers to her lips, and as if he could read her mind, he whispered in her ear, “I have sweet memories, too, lass.”

She ignored him and rearranged her bottom in the saddle since it was getting a little sore, but then he leaned down again, his heated breath warming her to her core. “And those wee moves will only send waves of temptation through me.”

She didn’t know what he meant at all, but did not dare to ask. Sending waves of temptation through him was a good thing, she hoped. She peered over her shoulder at him, and the heavy-lidded gaze he gave her confirmed as much. Drew was a handsome lad, more so than any other lad she had met. His beard was a wee bit rough, but the angle of his jaw enticed her, making her want to use her fingers to trace the lines of his face down to his lips and then kiss him in her own way.

Everything about him puzzled her. When had she ever wished to touch a lad’s face? Never before to her recollection, but Drew called to her—particularly to her sense of touch, something she hadn’t paid much attention to before. She wished to touch him everywhere, to feel the heat of his skin under her fingertips, and she wanted Drew to touch her everywhere, as well. She shivered and tucked in closer to his heat. Drew ran his hand down her arm, causing her to shiver again.

“Are you cold, lass?”

She shook her head, but did not speak. Her tongue still felt stuck in her mouth, though she knew she would have been able to speak without hesitation had it only been her and Drew present.

One step at a time.

***

After a full day of being tortured by Lina’s round bottom pressed so close to him, he was certain to be sainted. Even her scent roused his desire. He’d gone back and forth between having a hard on and not, depending on how she rubbed against him, which had caused him a considerable amount of pain at times.

But other than the pain of the unwanted erection, he had to admit he quite liked having Lina in front of him on the horse. She was so soft and sweet.

“Tell me what it was like growing up with so many siblings,” he said once she had awakened.

“Well, Quade was the eldest, but Logan was the bossiest. He was always telling everyone else what to do. But he is still like that today. Micheil was always the most agreeable. He rarely argued with our brothers.”

“So how long have you been afraid to talk to lads?” He whispered in her ear to be sure no one could overhear, wanting to be sensitive about her feelings.

She sighed. “I’m not really sure. ‘Struth is my brothers protected me so well I was rarely around strange lads when I was younger. The only ones I recall are the Grants, but I was around them so much, I was never afraid. And there was the time Jennie and I ran into you and Aedan in the forest.” She shrugged her shoulders and peeked at him over her shoulder, a sly grin on his face.

Drew laughed. “How could I forget such a moment? Jennie sent her arrow straight into Aedan’s arse. What a fine shot she was.”

“I do not think Jennie has used a bow since then. We were practicing for a competition, but after that experience, she refused to participate.”

“I haven’t seen Aedan that upset since then. ‘Twas destiny, for certes. I like to tease him about it every now and again. He swears to put an arrow in my arse every time I mention it.”

“So you and Aedan were the only ones outside of my brothers and cousins. I was not allowed to chat with the lads in the clan much, only the stable lads and they are much younger.”