Highland Archer Page 4

  He didn’t bother replying. Long ago, he wondered why the hatred from Donall. But as the years went by, he gave up caring. It didn’t matter, it just was. “Where is Arrow, my dog?”

  “He’s here.” She motioned to his dog that lay under the cot. “Hasn’t left your side.”

  The broth was tasty, a few bits of meat in it. He drank it down and held up the bowl to Lora. “More.”

  She eyed him. “Let’s see if it stays down. If it does, I’ll get you something else.”

  Several other guards entered the tent. At once, they noticed the pretty woman, their attention on her. Lora ignored them, looking at Valent instead. “In a few days, you should be able to return to your cottage. For now, your wounds remain raw.”

  “I would rather leave now.” He looked around to find his tunic and then remembered it had been torn from his body. “I need a tunic, is there one about I can wear?”

  One of the guards brought one. “It’s old, but has only a few holes.”

  Lora helped him dress while frowning. Each movement of his arms brought more stinging to his back.

  “Hold it there.” Before he could lower the tunic over it, she went around to his back. “I’ll wipe the blood and add some bandaging to keep it from soaking through your tunic.” He nodded and waited.

  Moments later, with bow and quiver in hand, he headed to his cottage. He walked slowly, barely able to keep from stumbling. Finally, his cottage came in to view, a welcome sight. He pushed the door open and had to blink several times to ensure he was not dreaming. In the middle of the room stood Ariana McLeod.

  Chapter Five

  He looked about ready to faint. Ariana motioned to Lily and they rushed to Valent, taking his arms and guiding him to his bed. “I didn’t think you would be here for a few more days.”

  They helped him lower to the bed and then moved back. When she came with Lily to his home, to bring two new tunics and ointments, she didn’t actually plan to find him. They’d cleaned the small cottage and brought several blankets, dried meat, and cheese.

  Lily went to the fireplace and began to build a fire, while Ariana poured some of the mead they’d brought for him. “We came because I felt I should do something. I feel terrible about what my brother did. The other archer explained what happened. That you tried to save a boy’s life.”

  He remained quiet, his attention on the fireplace. “You should not have come, milady.”

  Her maid went to the table and took the bowl of salve and clean cloths. “You need to remove your tunic so I can apply this salve.”

  There was pleading in his gaze meeting hers. “I cannot do it. It has stuck to my back.”

  “Oh God!” Ariana rushed to him and confirmed that, indeed, it had. “Heat some water Lily. I’ll cut away what I can. The rest we’ll have to soak off.”

  She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Please, lay on your stomach.”

  “No. I ask that you both leave. I will take care of it myself. Thank you for bringing the…items. But I would like to be alone…milady.” He was obviously in pain, could barely speak.

  Of all the stubborn things to say. Ariana wanted to kick him in the leg. Instead, she forced a neutral expression and rounded the bed. She pushed at him and he winced. “Get on your stomach and stop being a stubborn goat.”

  His dog whined and went to hide behind Lily, who stared at them wide eyed.

  “Bring the items, Lily. I don’t have all day.”

  Valent gave up and they helped him lie down. He groaned with each movement, telling of how much pain he was in.

  An hour later, he slept soundly. Lily peered down at him and then to Ariana. They’d covered his back with a thick salve and wrapped his torso. The calming herbs would soothe the wounds and help the pain. Tomorrow, she would send Lily back to remove the binding, wash the salve and reapply it.

  “He seems to be resting soundly, milady.” She gave his dog a piece of bread and chewed on the other half. “I think we should go back before your brother misses ye.”

  “Good idea. Go outside and wait for me. I want to pray over him for a moment.”

  “You are kind, milady.” Lily took the basket and went outside.

  Ariana kneeled at the side of the bed and bowed her head. Once she finished the quick prayer, she brushed the hair back from his face. In slumber, his face relaxed and he took her breath away. “I wish I could know you better, Valent. Be well, my brave archer.” She kissed his brow and stood, tears burning her eyes at how he’d suffered for his good deed.

  * * *

  “The Munro sent a missive asking that you visit,” Donall told her over his goblet at the evening meal three days later. “I can’t think of a good reason why you shouldn’t.”

  Ariana’s stomach lurched. “I can think of many. I will not go.”

  Donall studied her. “Why?”

  “I have other matters to tend to. I’ve already promised to visit our cousins, did you forget?”

  “No I have not, but it is an honor for them to ask you to come. Perhaps the Munro seeks you as a wife for his son.”

  She looked to her brother. Unlike her two other brothers who had auburn hair and green eyes, he had straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes. Donall was pleasant of face, but not handsome. Her other two brothers were both taller than he and broader of shoulder. Of them, Donall favored their mother the most. “Donall, I do not wish to marry again. I prefer to remain here with you and Mother.”

  Until he turned to her, she held her breath. Of course, as the eldest and laird, he could send her away. If he were to insist she go to the Munro’s, Ariana wasn’t sure what she’d do, but one thing she knew for sure—she would not step foot inside the Munro keep.

  Her brother’s gaze was cool, without any kind of brotherly affection. He’d never been close to her; she always mused it was because of their difference in age, he was ten years older. “It’s up to you, of course. The messenger has not been sent back. I will let them know you are predisposed.” Donall peered at her for a moment longer. “We should discuss your plans.”

  “Yes, of course.” This was not the time for the conversation, so she let it drop. Donall soon became distracted and she was grateful. Once the meal was over, she would speak to him in private. She looked to Lily, who stood at the entrance of the room. The maid motioned to the stairs and she nodded. Lily had gone to see Valent. The maid went daily during the middle of the day. She reported that he’d sent her away each time and he was surly and unlikable. Lily had managed to change his dressing twice. Hopefully, he allowed it this day.

  When the meal was over, she made her way up the stairs toward her chamber. Ceardac stood in the hallway. She wondered at his presence. “What brings you here, brother?”

  “Where does your maid go daily? Is it an errand of yours?” Ariana grew tired of men. Always questioning, not giving her any peace.

  “What does it matter to you, Ceardac?”

  He studied her for a moment. “She goes in the direction of the archer’s cottage.”

  “Aye, I know. She asked me to allow her leave to see about the man’s wounds. From what she told me, he was very badly whipped.”

  Ceardac had the decency to flush. “Aye, he brought it on himself. If she has your permission then I have nothing to say on it further.”

  He walked away and she couldn’t help but wonder. Was Ceardac worried that she was interested in Valent? Or was he annoyed that Lily might? Interesting. Lily was a slight, young woman, with wavy, brown hair and pretty. The maid had arrived a young girl and been her companion since. Although they’d grown up together, she’d never noticed any interaction between her and Ceardac.

  Then again, her brothers had been horrible boys and she and Lily spent most of their time avoiding them.

  Chapter Six

  It had been a week since the lashings and Valent could finally move about without the constant reminders of his injuries. He’d bathed in the loch earlier, removing the remainder of the salve from his ba
ck. It was good to be back to normal. Earlier that day, he’d used his bow. A bit sore, but he’d been able to kill a small rabbit for his evening meal.

  Hurt and anger filled him. All his life, he’d been the object of Donall’s scorn. The man hated him and never wasted a moment to show it. Now that Tavish was gone, Valent had no reason to remain, no alliance to anyone in the clan.

  The only one who’d care for him was Tavish. After years of serving the McLeod, he owed them nothing more.

  He sat the small table his mind awhirl. It was obvious that Lady Ariana felt guilty over what her brother had done. She had a kind heart; it had to be the only reason for her sending her maid every day to check on him. Finally, he’d sent the woman away the day prior, telling her he was well enough to return to his duties. She’d not returned that day.

  At the sounds of shuffling outside the door, Valent strained to listen to what it could be. It was too late for the maid to come see about him. Perhaps another of the archers was stopping by. The knocks were soft and rapid.

  When he opened the door, a hooded figure holding a basket stood before him. With one hand she pushed the hood off to reveal a beautiful face.

  “Lady Ariana. What are you doing out in the dark? Are ye in trouble?” Valent looked past her only to see a horse tethered to a tree, nothing else.

  “Nay. I came to see you. Brought you something to eat.” She looked past him, awaiting his invitation to enter.

  Valent stepped back. He stood rigid at the doorway. Now that he wasn’t beaten and bleeding, her attention would not be diverted from his humble home. The lack of rugs on the floor, simple furniture and drafty walls suddenly made him uncomfortable.

  She moved to the center of the room and placed the basket on the table. “It seems I am too late. You have already eaten.” Like a flower in the center of a patch of weeds, she stood out in her fine dress, the plush cape falling from her shoulders.

  “I thank ye for it.” Feeling daft for not inviting her to sit. He closed the door and went to the table to pull out a chair. “Please, sit milady.”

  Her eyes, the color of the rich, autumn leaves took him in, the corner of her lips lifted. “I make you uncomfortable. I should not have come.”

  She smelled of fresh meadow and he inhaled deeply before answering. Yes, she made him uncomfortable. The stark difference between them too tangible to ignore while, at the same time, he would rather be lashed again than have her leave so soon. “I am wondering why ye take so much interest in me. I am but an archer in your brother’s service. You are a lady who should not lower herself to be here.”

  Instead of sitting, she removed her cape and laid it across the back of the chair. The soft fabric fell over his hand and he looked to it only to be startled when her hand cupped his face. “Valent. You are a brave, strong man. I am but a woman who wishes to know you better. Whether we are lady and archer is secondary.”

  He swallowed at the feel of her soft hand on his skin. “In this room right now, yes, we are a man and a woman. Out there…” he motioned toward the door, “things are very different.”

  “Then let’s remain in here for now. As a man and a woman.” Ariana closed the distance between them and ran her hands up his arms. “Will you allow it?”

  The question in her eyes made it impossible to not react. Valent cupped her face and lowered his own. When their mouths met, he was not gentle like the time before. Tonight he wanted to remind her who he really was. A man with emotions, needs, and if she allowed him, he would take her fully. Whether a folly of a woman who had everything easy or truly caring for him, either way he was going to plummet into the experience.

  She let out a soft moan and parted her lips. Valent plunged forward, his tongue delving into her mouth while he untied the fastenings of her dress. There would not be any procrastination. Ariana came to him without pretense.

  * * *

  When Valent slid her dress past her shoulders, the warmth of his mouth on Ariana’s neck immediately overtook the coolness of the cottage. His lips traveled to her shoulder while at the same time he palmed her breast with one large hand. With the other, he pushed her dress past her hips.

  She ran her hands under his tunic and almost wept at the feel of his hard chest and rippling stomach. The contradiction of the smoothness of his skin over the taut muscles was intoxicating and she lifted the hem and watched in fascination as he pulled the tunic over his head.

  Ariana waited for what he’d do next. His gaze fell over her. The beautiful gray eyes darkening when looking at her breasts and then traveling downward to between her legs. “Open your legs for me, Ariana.” The husky command took her by surprise. She complied and waited to see what he would do.

  He unfastened his britches and pushed them down. Valent was magnificent. With slender hips and long muscular legs, he was built to be a warrior. His thick sex jutted up from the juncture between them, a heavy patch of dark hair above it.

  Closing the distance between them, he lowered to the floor and pressed his mouth onto her stomach while his hands slid down her legs and back up to the inside of her thighs.

  Never had anyone explored her like he did. His lips traveled across her body pressing kisses to each place. When his lips moved to her sex, she trembled in anticipation. “Oh!” She placed both hands on his shoulders to steady herself.

  Valent looked up at her and smiled. “You are beautiful.” He straightened to full height and she fell against him, needing to touch as much of him as possible.

  “Look at me.” He lifted her chin. “Think on what is about to happen between us. If you chose to walk out I understand.”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “Nay. I want you in my bed more than life.” He took her hand and guided it to his hardness.

  Ariana curled her fingers around it and slid her hand to the base and back to its tip. The skin was velvety as silk surrounding the hardness. He gasped and her lips curved. “Take me to your bed, Valent.”

  He pulled her against him and took her mouth with a hunger that astounded her. She suckled at his tongue and tentative to touch his back, she held his waist and slid her hands around to his taut bottom pulling him tenderly against her.

  Valent smiled against her mouth. “I am not a boy. You don’t have to be gentle. My back no longer hurts.”

  He lowered her onto the bed and looked down at her. “I will never forget this night.”

  Unable to wait for him any longer, she held her arms to him. “Come to me now. I need you over me.”

  There was a flicker of something in his expression and she worried for a moment he’d not comply, but he moved over her and took her mouth again. His lips traveled from her lips to her neck. The roughness of his hands over her skin created a delicious friction when he spread her legs and settled between them. He slid his hands under her and lifted her, pressing against her, his thickness sliding between her folds. Ariana dug her fingers into his shoulders and lifted to kiss his throat. The strong-corded muscles of his neck made for a perfect place to nip and lick.

  He was a forbidden fruit and tasted of earth and danger. So many things to pull them apart, too many differences between them, but in the moment, Ariana realized she was in love with Valent. The realization did not surprise her as much as it enriched the fact that he was about to be her lover.

  Valent’s sex nudged at her entrance and Ariana looked into his eyes. He was beautiful, his sensuous lips parted as he looked down to where he guided himself into her. His locks fell forward curtaining his handsome face.

  She inhaled sharply at the intrusion when he finally drove into her body. The thickness both welcome and enticing. Ariana wrapped her legs about his waist as he pulled out and thrust back in.

  “Love me, Valent.” The words came from her heart, but she knew he would think it meant only her body.

  His lips curved and his darkened eyes raked her face. “Ye are so beautiful.” He closed his eyes and thrust into her, then pulled out almost completely before dr
iving back in. The motions continued while Ariana clung to his shoulders, her nails digging into this skin.

  “More,” she cried out. “I want more of you.”

  He took her mouth and pushed his tongue in, while his hand slid under her buttocks and he lifted her and drove in deeper, taking all of her.

  The sounds of their lovemaking intermingled with the flickering of the flames in the hearth and the sounds of the night outside. A more beautiful night she would be pressed to remember.

  * * *

  An hour later, Valent helped her dress. He was subdued, but attentive, kissing her shoulder as he fastened her bodice about her. She cupped his face. “Thank you for such a precious gift.”

  When he smiled, her heart melted. “I am honored that you found me…”

  “Stop. We made an agreement. In here, we are but a man and a woman. You are more deserving than any man I know. You are kind and brave and very strong.”

  She giggled when he took her by the hips and pulled her forward. “Is that what you will think upon after this night?”

  “No.” She kissed his jaw. “I will think of how wonderful you made me feel. And you?”

  “I will think of how soft your skin is. How beautiful you look when lost in passion.”

  He ushered her to the door and helped her atop her horse. He rode beside her as far as the edge of the woods and then whistled to his dog. “He will accompany you to the keep. Once you are there, just say go and he will return home.”

  They locked gazes and Ariana wanted to beg him to run away with her, but instead, she only smiled. “Goodnight.”

  “Where have you been sister?” Donall stood just inside the great room, his face hidden by the dimness. “I saw you ride from the woods’ edge with a dog as your companion.”

  Her heart hammered hard against her chest. She looked to her basket. “I went to hunt for night blooms.”

  “Alone?” He grasped her arm none too gently and she stumbled forward. “I do not believe you.” His eyes pinned her and she could see only darkness.