Highland Legends 04 - Captive Highlander

  CAPTIVE HIGHLANDER

  A Highland Legends Book

  Connie C. Scharon

  Copyright © 2015 Connie Coles Scharon

  All rights reserved.

  Author’s photograph by Seth Scharon

  Cover design by Seth Scharon

  Licensed Photo used:

  Shutterstock 62946298 © Nas Cretivis

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Epilogue

  Other Books By This Author

  Chapter 1

  SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS 1322

  Katie’s hands fluttered over her disguise, the tavern-maid’s soiled dress, the smudges of soot she’d strategically placed to make herself look the part, and the cap hiding most of her hair. Satisfied, she drew her cape tight around her and waited for Keith’s return. She gazed about the crowded tavern.

  The gathering of clans the MacLean held at Dunbocan Castle created a lot of business at The Stagg Inn. It was the only resting place for miles around offering food, drink, and a bed for the night. The aroma of roast lamb and venison wafted through the air. Fire crackled in the massive fireplace that heated the large keeping room. Clusters of clansmen formed in different areas of the tavern based on their station. The groups ranged from smelly and lewd with unruly hair and unkempt clothes to high-spirited and boisterous with cleaner garb. Conversations grew vulgar and ended with loud laughter as one tale topped another. In this place, she could hide in plain sight if the innkeeper went along with Keith’s proposal.

  Rannoch ranted about the missing invitation to Laird MacLean’s assembly. She smiled. The missive bore her father’s name and she had personally taken it from the messenger. As soon as she read it, the idea came to her. Ian Innes would stop at the inn and she would put her plan in motion.

  “The innkeeper took a hefty bribe to look the other way,” Keith said as he slid into the seat across from her. He stared at her, his face stone-solemn. “I fear for yer safety if you insist on carryin’ this through, lass.”

  “’Tis for the good of our people. I canna turn back now,” Katie assured him. She looked at the burly, red-haired man and took his hand giving it a squeeze. He scowled and joined her vigil. Keith’s bushy beard, ice-blue eyes, and bulging muscles made him seem like a threat to those who did not know him, but inside he was caring and kind. She trusted him with her life. Now they both observed the entrance.

  “If Ian Innes doesna come, all is for naught,” Katie said. The door opened and another group of plaid-clad warriors walked into the tavern.

  “We’re in luck, lass. That’s him,” Keith said, pointing to a tall, powerfully-built man who had just entered. “Ian Innes, son and heir to Angus Innes of Cairngorm Castle.”

  Katie sucked in her breath. How could someone she had learned to despise be so attractive? His tawny, shoulder-length hair lit in the glow from the lanterns. Ian had an angular jaw, straight nose, and piercing sapphire-blue eyes. The blue tracing through his plaid enhanced their color. He appeared aware of everything going on around him. His eyes scanned the crowd as he entered. One look told her how difficult it would be to trick him with her deception. Still, she would carry out her plan and entice him into doing what she desired. There was no other choice.

  Keith looked at her and frowned. “I dinna think this is a good idea, lass. Let’s go home.”

  Katie shook her head negatively. “’Tis our only chance. The Innes heir rarely travels alone, or so close to Rannoch Moor. We must take him now.”

  “I dinna like it.”

  “Nor do I, but ‘tis necessary to secure the peace.”

  “Stubborn girl,” Keith muttered under his breath. “I only help you because of your father.”

  “Aye, and you must continue your allegiance to him by finishing what we have started.”

  Keith grimaced. “What we started? More like what you dreamed up.”

  “’Tis a fine plan.”

  “I wilna stay and watch. If you succeed, I’ll be in the barn waitin’ to make sure no harm comes to you.”

  She gifted him with a smile. “Thank you.”

  With one last roll of his eyes, he stood and walked out.

  Katie searched the crowded room to see where Ian Innes had gone. She watched him greet several groups of rival clansmen then take a seat away from the noisy crowd at the bar. She had to act before someone joined him and gave her an audience she didn’t want. Tiny beads of moisture broke out on her brow. Her hand shook when she discarded her cape and pushed a stray strand of hair back under her cap. Breathing deeply, she fought to control her pounding pulse.

  Her mark had settled at a table near the hearth. It was now or never. No telling when another opportunity would present itself. Adjusting her dress to show more than propriety would normally allow, she picked up a tray and headed for his table.

  “Milord, a spot of ale and a bite to eat,” she offered, leaning low to let him get a full view of her gaping bodice.

  His sparkling blue eyes swept over her. “You’re new here.”

  “Aye, Milord,” she murmured, breathless from his heated attention.

  “You dinna look like any barmaid I’ve encountered before,” he commented. Touching her cheek, he ran his hand lightly over it. “Too refined. What’s your name?”

  “Katie, Milord.” Uncomfortable under his scalding touch, she pulled back a little.

  “Fair Katie, you invite me with your display. Please tell me you dinna sell yourself along with the ale.” He grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to the table. With a single finger, he traced down her neck to her cleavage. “Why do you tempt me, lass?”

  “Milord, ‘tis just that I need the money. I… I would be grateful for your generosity… if I please you,” she stammered.

  He smiled at her. “You please me,” he said softly. “If that is your desire, I am interested.” With a sigh, he stopped touching her, released her wrist, and settled back in his chair. “Some ale and lamb stew first if you dinna mind.” His eyes moved over her again. “Get my food and then we’ll talk, lass.”

  Nodding, she went off to the kitchen to get his order collapsing back against the wall when she was out of sight. Nothing had prepared her for this. Her breast still burned where his single finger touched her. What madness. Had she expected it to be easy? You can do this she told herself. Just breathe. Keith will be there to keep him from you.

  In control again, Katie dodged the beady-eyed innkeeper as she hollowed out a bread bowl for the stew. He did not heed her actions thanks to Keith’s payment. The busy tavern gave the man no time to dwell on her purpose. With stew and ale in hand, she headed back to Ian’s table. The look Ian gave her when she returned made her blanch. She put down the food. He pulled out a chair beside him and looked at her expectantly. Biting her lip,
she sat.

  “You’ll be gettin’ me fired if you dinna let me do my work. I’ll come back as soon as yer done yer meal,” she petitioned.

  He shook his head. “You’ll stay now. We need to talk.”

  Drawing a deep breath, she tried to be calm. “What do you want to talk about, Milord?”

  “You’re new at this,” Ian commented. He looked her over and let his gaze linger on the swell of her breasts above the low-cut, raggedy dress.

  She covered herself.

  He let out a short laugh. “Very new… am I your first customer?”

  “I told you, I need the money, Milord. If you dinna want me, I’m sure I can find another who is willin’.” She went to rise, but he waved her back to her seat.

  “How much?”

  How much? How much did whores charge for a tumble? She had no idea. “Ten pounds sterling,” she said.

  He burst out laughing. “I didna take you for a high-priced whore. They dinna ask so much in the king’s court.”

  She had blundered, now what? “I’m pure, Milord. No other has had me.”

  His face grew dark and foreboding. “You would sell your virginity?”

  “My innocence is all I have to sell, Milord.” His jaw grew taut. Fire burned in his eyes. Katie twisted in her chair. This devilry would send her straight to hell.

  “Tell me, Katie, why do you need the money?” he rasped.

  “My father is ill and I need the money to help him.”

  “And did your father tell you to sell yourself to get the money?”

  “Nay, Milord, he doesna ken what I am about.”

  It felt like Ian hadn’t heard her. He pulled the lamb stew closer and began eating, washing it down with the occasional sip of ale.

  “If yer not interested, Milord, I’ll move on.” She shouldn’t have spoken, but the terrible silence drove her to a nervous frenzy.

  He grabbed her arm and held her in place. “I already told you I am interested,” he said. “Sit while I finish. Then we’ll go to my room.”

  “Yer room? The inn is full, Milord.”

  “I paid in advance to secure a room.”

  “I thought in the barn, Milord. I didna ken you had a room. Surely you dinna want your bed soiled with the likes of me.”

  He gave her an inquisitive look. “The barn? You would give away your innocence for ten pounds sterling… and in a stable to boot.” Ian moved his hand into her lap and stroked her thigh. Her body trembled from his touch. She bit her lip hard to keep from bolting from the table. “We’ll use the comfort of my room to conduct this business. I dinna care if you soil the sheeting with your virgin’s blood.”

  An alarm went off inside her head. There would be blood…. Her mother’s early death left her ill-educated on the goings on between men and women. Her shock must have shown on her face. He leaned closer and planted a chaste kiss on her cheek.

  “Dinna be afraid, Katie. ‘Twill not hurt much.”

  “Very well, Milord,” she said with more confidence than she felt. She had him where she wanted him, sort of, but Keith waited in the stable. Ian Innes mopped up the remains of the lamb stew and finished his ale.

  Smiling at her, he grabbed her chin with his hand, and forced her to look into his eyes. “For ten pounds sterling, I will expect to keep you all night… perchance a week. However long it takes me to tire of you.” He leaned back in his chair. “What do you think of that, virgin Katie?”

  “I… I dinna ken,” she said. Katie could feel her face flush. He grinned at her.

  “I generally dinna pay for it,” he said casually. “I dinna need to, but you have stirred my interest and I wilna let some other sot from the tavern fill your need.” He made a show of looking around the room. “In truth, I doubt there are any here willing to pay your price.” Standing, he took her hand. “Come, I’m eager to test your reserve.”

  When she stood next to him her head barely came to the top of his shoulder. Suddenly his arm wrapped around her waist. Ian leaned down. She could feel his hot breath in her ear. “I’ll be gentle with you,” he whispered. He paused as if to let this sink in. “At least, at first,” he added.

  Katie jumped at the remark and he laughed, pulling her along with him up the steps to the rooms above the tavern. She ransacked her mind for some idea on how to get him where she wanted him. Without Keith, Ian Innes might take what she had offered. Her heart pounded in her chest. If she cried out or fought him, her plan went awry.

  They were at the door to the room. He opened it and led her inside. Shedding his sword and scabbard, he came close and pushed her up against the wall. His hands explored her. Everywhere he touched, she came alive with feeling: her shoulders, her breasts, and her hips. Could he feel the excited tremors running through her? No one had ever taken such liberties with her body.

  Stepping back, he studied her. “You’re just going to stand there and let this happen?” Moving closer again, he grazed her lips with his. “Sweet Katie, you can only give this once.”

  Katie drew a ragged breath. Tears streaked down her face. “I must save my father, Milord. I have nothing else to sell. I suggested the stable because I left my tiny sister waiting there. I fear for her safety if I dinna return soon.”

  Ian arched his brow as he stared at her. “You would have a child watch me take you?”

  “Nay, Milord, I put her in the tack room. Now anyone could come upon her. Please, come to the stable with me.”

  He shoved her against the wall and pressed his hard body to hers. “Who are you really, virgin Katie? Not who you say you are, I’ll wager. Are you an English spy out to learn what occurred in the gathering of clans or is it something simpler? Do you have a partner waiting in the barn to kill me for my purse?”

  Gasping for air, Katie felt his lips on her neck. He ripped off the cap and set loose her hair in a cascade across her shoulders. “The most bewitching shade of red-gold hair I’ve ever seen.” He waited for some response, but she gave none. “Still not talking,” he said. “Let’s see if I can help you find your voice.” He grabbed her dress, pulled it off her shoulder, and ran his hand over her bare breast.

  Katie let out an involuntary whimper as heat traveled to the heart of her. This was her chance. He seemed enamored with touching her flesh. If she could just concentrate, find a way to disable him. Katie recoiled when his fingers teased her nipple to a tight peak. Concentrate, but she couldn’t suppress a gasp as he continued his heated attention.

  He smiled down at her. “Does it feel good, virgin Katie?”

  She couldn’t answer. It would come out as a breathless moan and the look on his face told her he knew how much his touch affected her. Would this make him careless? It did.

  He took a step and his thighs parted just enough. With her leg positioned perfectly, she could fell him with a swift blow. Grabbing him by the hair, she drove her knee upward with all the power she could muster. The mighty warrior released her and doubled over holding himself. Katie shoved him back, ran into the hall, and down the back stairs. It would take time for him to recover enough to give chase. Now he would come after her in anger and Keith would be waiting.

  Chapter 2

  The flashes of light that accompanied the pain finally subsided. The little wench endangered his future progeny with her well-placed blow. Somehow, she caught him in just the right spot to disable him temporarily. If he hadn’t been so spellbound with her perfect flesh, she wouldn’t have gotten the best of him. With a groan, he straightened up and checked himself with his hand. Was all still functional?

  Ian intended to teach her a lesson about such foolish behavior. She deserved nothing less. Why was she so frantic to offer her innocence for money? Surely, her father’s illness could not be so grave as to compel her actions. Perchance she was not as innocent as she seemed. Something about her reaction to his touch made him think she had never experienced such things before.

  He strapped on his sword and made his way down the stairs. His tarse still throbbed
from her driving blow. He knew he’d find her in the barn. Who else waited there?

  Ian stepped outside and drank in the crisp, clear, night air. He walked to the barn. The aged, hewn timbers held the sturdy building in place. Moonlight cast an eerie light over the whole structure. Large and spacious, the innkeeper’s barn easily met all patrons’ needs.

  The front door of the barn stood ajar. He wasn’t foolish enough to go barreling through there. Ian went around the side and made his way to the rear of the building. Another door in the back gave him a different entrance. He tested the hinges. Not much squeak. Easing it open just enough to step inside, he let his eyes adjust to the darkness. A lantern lit a carriage bay near the front.

  Katie’s insistence on the barn made him think her act far from random. He’d bet she knew his name. She was either a spy or a thief, and now he would find out which.

  Virgin Katie came out of the lit area and peered at the open door at the front of the barn. Treacherous girl, what trap was she setting? Stepping quickly to the door, she glanced out, then turned, and sighed. Her golden hair shone with red highlights in the glow from the lantern. God, she was a beauty definitely not the typical tavern maid.

  She walked into the dimly lit bay and disappeared behind the petition that blocked his view. He stood listening for any conversation between her and some co-conspirator. None came. The silence enticed him to have her once again in his grasp. He wanted to feel her soft curves. Give her a little scare before he helped her out of whatever trouble caused her to consider selling herself to him. A little voice in the back of his head cautioned him. Katie lied. Discerning the truth in this maze might prove his undoing.

  Despite every inner warning, he made his way closer to the carriage bay. Nothing—no noise, could it be she told the truth and only wished to care for a tiny sibling? He had to pass right by the tack room. He’d check her story. Cracks in the aging lumber allowed a glance inside. A single candle illuminated the space.

  Sure enough, a small girl lay curled in a ball of blankets. Ian moved carefully as he approached the entrance to the carriage bay. He looked around the corner and saw Katie sitting on the end of a wagon her beautiful face drawn into a frown. If someone else waited in the room, he couldn’t see them.