The Fox, page 10
Everyone giggled.
Bree placed her hand over Glynis’ hand. “Tell us how he reacted upon finding ye in the cottage.”
“He was furious and threatened to kick down the door. When he entered, he was sopping wet, and I felt horrible. Well, I was actually a bit scared of him, but other than a glare he went directly to the fireplace and undressed. Right there in front of me.”
Everyone gasped and covered their mouths with both hands, except for aunt who shook her head. “Men are so unabashed.”
“What did ye do?” Cait asked, her eyes wide.
Glynis was enjoying telling the story. “I grabbed my cloak and threw it at him.”
The laughter surrounded her, and she had to admit it was comical. “He looked ridiculous wrapped in my cloak while chastising me about my impulsiveness.”
“I wish I could have seen it,” Cait said wiping tears from the corners of her eyes.
Letting out a sigh, Glynis shook her head. “He was right of course. And because of it, he got very sick.”
“He is fine now,” her aunt said. “Caelan has always been that way since a wee lad. Got horribly sick one day and night and then recovers quickly.”
Bree met her eyes. “Ye and he did not fight all night did ye?”
As the heat rushed from her chest to her face, Glynis looked down at her clutched hands. “No, we did not.”
“Oh,” Cait said and burst out laughing. “Ye kissed. Ye kissed,” she repeated.
Bree bit her bottom lip in glee. “Is he a good kisser?”
“I am not speaking about it,” Glynis said her face on fire.
“Tell us,” Cait insisted. “He is so very charming, but a bit aloof. I cannot imagine him naked, wrapped in a cloak, kissing.”
“Leave her be,” her aunt said although she gave Glynis a questioning look. She too wanted to know what happened.
“Very well,” Glynis said. “Aye, we kissed. And yes, he is a very good kisser. That is all I am willing to say on the matter.”
While having a delicious meal at Bree’s home and enjoying the entertainment of two boys she and her husband had adopted, Glynis became more convinced of wishing to live there.
Admittedly, what her aunt had said rang true. She did eventually wish for a family, one like Bree’s away from the busyness of a keep, with only her family in the household.
“Where does Caelan live?” she asked Cait when they walked out to see Bree’s garden.
“He shares a large home with Duncan and Beatrice. It is a beautiful house. However, it is away from the shoreline, which is on purpose as Duncan prefers to be away from views of the sea.”
It was interesting to her that Caelan lived with Duncan and not closer to his mother’s family. But it was something that Cait probably would not know the answer to. Instead, she inhaled a deep breath of salty air and looked down from the hill where the house sat. Below, the view of the village with all its people bustling here and there, preparing for the last needs of the day, made her smile. Past the village, the wide expanse of sea spread as far as the eye could see.
“Can I have a moment with Glynis?” her aunt asked, walking up to them.
“Aye, of course,” Cait replied with a warm smile at Glynis. She’d never met someone so kind and warm. Glynis couldn’t help but smile back.
“What is it, Aunt Mariel?” Glynis asked wrapping an arm around her waist. “Are ye going to try to convince me to return with ye?”
Her aunt met her gaze for a long moment and Glynis knew whatever she was going to say was serious. “What exactly happened between ye and Caelan?”
The bottom dropped from her stomach, and her breath caught. “Nothing. We kissed that is all.”
“When he asked to speak to ye this morning, I could tell something weighed heavy on his mind. I thought perhaps he wanted to chastise ye again. But now I think there is something more.”
“No, not at all. That was it. He is still angry with me for running away. He thinks me childish and I do not blame him one bit.”
Her aunt sighed. “Ye have never been a good liar, Glynis. If more happened between ye, I know Caelan and he will want to take responsibility.”
“I cannot marry him,” Glynis replied. “I will not hold him responsible for something that both of us did of our own free will. It is not fair.”
“What of the consequences?” her aunt asked.
“There will not be any. I am sure of it,” Glynis said and immediately recalled her conversation with Caelan. He’d said he had spilled his seed and it could bring forth a bairn. She pushed it from her mind. “I wish to remain here. Start a life away from all the memories and not be a bother to anyone.”
“Unfortunately, that is not to be for now. Ye will return to the keep and we will wait to see if ye are indeed with child. If ye are, ye will marry Caelan. He will never allow a child of his to grow up fatherless. My husband gave him the Ross last name but never let him forget the circumstance of his birth.”
Glynis squeezed her eyes shut. “I shouldn’t have allowed it to happen. But it was wonderful, Aunt Mariel. So very wonderful.”
Her aunt chuckled. “I am not sure ye should be sharing this with me about my own stepson.”
“I have to tell someone,” Glynis said. “I have never thought such wonder could happen between a man and a woman. I yearn for it to happen again. But I know it should not.”
“It certainly should not,” her aunt said sternly. “Ye and Caelan must remain apart until we know if ye are with child.”
“So, we will return to the keep?” she asked allowing her gaze to travel across the view again. “Or can we remain here and wait?”
Her aunt studied her for a moment and then she too looked to the sea. “We can wait here. When do yer monthly courses usually come?”
“Any day now actually,” Glynis said. “Ye will see that nothing came of it.” It was convincing to state the words, and in her mind, Glynis was sure nothing would come of what had transpired between her and Caelan.
The only thing was, that each time she thought of them alone in the cottage, both fully naked and entwined with one another, her body screamed for him. Just picturing Caelan that night, face taut as he made love to her, made it difficult to concentrate or think clearly.
“Oh no,” her aunt said cutting through her musing. “I have a feeling it is best for Caelan to go. Ye and he cannot be allowed any opportunity for what happened to be repeated.”
It was late by the time they returned to the house. Darach announced that he and his men would be returning the next day and that both Glynis and her aunt should pack to go with them.
“I will certainly not be prepared to go tomorrow,” her aunt said giving her son a pointed look.
“Mother, we should speak,” Darach replied, guiding her to Stuart’s study.
“Come Caelan,” her aunt called over her shoulder.
Glynis waited to see if they would call her, but they did not. She huffed in annoyance, especially when Caelan glanced in her direction before following his stepmother and brother.
“I hope he will not insist on ye leaving,” Cait said slipping her arm through Glynis’. Come let us have some peppermint tea and relax.” They walked to the kitchen where Clara and the two cooks already sat talking.
The atmosphere in the kitchen instantly relaxed Glynis. Truth be told, she was certain her aunt would stand her ground, so there was no need to worry.
Chapter Eleven
“It makes little sense for ye and Glynis to remain here,” Caelan argued. “She left once without notice and can do so again at any time.”
“I doubt it will come to that,” his stepmother replied. “She’s learned her lesson about consequences.”
Darach shrugged. “If she is not with child and wishes to remain here, what then?”
“I will write a letter to my brother and ask that he send the necessary support for her to remain. All they wish is the best for her. After the horrendous attack on her and Gavin, I cannot imagine how she feels.”
“If ye are certain Mother, then I leave the decision up to Caelan as to whether ye go or remain.”
His stepmother spoke up immediately, not allowing him an opportunity. “Caelan, ye must go. As soon as I find out either way, I will send a message. I do not trust ye both under the same roof right now.”
“What?” Caelan narrowed his eyes. “What did Glynis say to ye?”
His stepmother pressed her lips together. “I will only say that the way the lass shared what occurred made it obvious she would not hesitate to repeat the experience.”
Darach threw his head back and laughed. “Good on ye, brother.”
When Lady Mariel gave him a stern look Darach fought to keep from chuckling, failing miserably.
“Ye should go as planned, Caelan,” Lady Mariel continued. “I will remain here and keep a keen eye on Glynis. She is sure there is naught to fret about.”
“She also thought one had to be in love to produce a bairn,” Caelan couldn’t help interjecting. “Do not trust her word.”
That night while sleeping, Caelan became aware someone had entered his bedroom. Years of being a trained warrior meant he was always prepared. However this night, Caelan wasn’t sure if it were a real person or a dream.
“Caelan.”
“Caelan.”
“Are ye awake?”
The whispers permeated through the fog of sleep until he realized indeed someone was in his bedchamber. Caelan sat straight up bumping his forehead into another.
“Ouch!” Came the whispered exclamation that echoed what he’d thought at the same time.
“Glynis. What are ye doing? Why are ye here?”
The lass pushed his leg away and plopped onto the bed. “I was thinking. If I were with bairn—which I am not—I still wish to remain here.”
Caelan rubbed his eyes, unable to see in the dark more than her outline. “Glynis, it is not up for discussion. We will marry, and ye will come to live with me in my house. I am responsible for the clan ledgers and therefore must remain close to Darach.”
“Ye do not have to live here with me,” she hissed. “I am informing ye that I will remain here. Ye are not in love with me, therefore it makes little sense for us to live together.
“I want to be a father who is present in my children’s lives.”
“Ye can visit every sennight…or two.”
“If I am married, I wish to have all the privileges that come with it.”
“We can be together every sennight.”
“And if ye become with child more than once, ye will still insist on living apart?”
He couldn’t help enjoying the banter with the annoyingly unpredictable lass.
“I suppose over time, as we grow old, we will wish to live together then. I mean by then we may be in love.”
“Glynis.”
“Caelan.”
“No.”
“No, what?”
“No, I will not allow my wife to live over a day’s ride away from me.”
“Then if for some reason we have to marry, ye will move here.”
Instead of a response, Caelan grabbed her and pulled her to lay on the bed. He was nude as he’d already packed most his clothing, leaving out only what he would wear the next day.
“Why are ye always naked?”
He took her mouth, and immediately fire burned through every inch of his being. The wench would not leave his bed, not for a long while.
The thin fabric of her chemise made it easy to do away with. Caelan took to her breasts, first one, then the other as she clawed at his back and arched up, lifting up to touch her sex to his.
Sliding his hand down her side, he held her hips steady and rubbed his thick hard staff through the folds of her sex.
Immediately he had to cover her mouth as she cried out his name. “Shhh,” he commanded, covering her mouth while continuing to move his hips causing a friction that threatened to undo him.
“I cannot take ye fully,” he whispered in her ear while sliding his finger into her, teasing the nub between her folds with his thumb. “I wish I could. Ye feel so wet and inviting.”
Glynis moaned pulling his face down to hers and kissing him with inexperienced but enticing passion.
Placing himself over her, once again he slid up and down, his staff so hard he could barely breathe.
When she clawed at his bottom, urging him forward, he was unable to deny her. Caelan lost to the pull of want, adjusted, and plunged into her hot wetness. Both gasped at the wonderful feeling that exploded around them.
“Ah!” Caelan exclaimed when he began moving faster and harder. He drove in fully before pulling out and thrusting again.
When she shuddered in completion, he felt his entire body tighten with the threat of his own desire overcoming him, and using all the willpower he could muster, Caelan withdrew and spilled onto the bedding.
“Oh, no,” Glynis whispered. “Did ye do that thing again?”
Caelan could barely breathe, as waves of the aftermath worked through him.
“What?” He collapsed over her, unable to move, his body plaint.
“The thing that could cause bairns.”
“No.” He wasn’t in the state to explain to her. Instead, he covered her mouth with his, taking all she had left to give.
When he woke the following morning, the bed was empty. However, her scent remained. All over him.
“Good morning,” his aunt said in greeting when he walked into the kitchen. “Ye are the last one to rise. Darach was about to send someone to wake ye.”
“Where is he?”
“Outside. He and Stuart are having one last walk about before ye leave.” His stepmother poured hot water into a cup and placed a twisted bundle of tea leaves in cheesecloth into it. “I wish ye would have brought more,” she told him.
“I will ask Artair to check with the merchant ships when he travels north. There could be some that carry black tea,” he drank the dark bitter beverage.
While buttering his bread, he peered to the dining room. “Where is Glynis?”
“She went to her bedchamber after breaking her fast. Seemed a bit somber this morning. Ye should speak to her before leaving. Ensure the lass all will be well. She needs to hear it from ye.”
Caelan let out a breath avoiding his stepmother’s gaze. “I will.”
After eating, he went to gather his trunk and scabbard. He loaded the items onto a wagon and then went to the stables to find his horse.
The steed pawed at the dirt, seeming to know they were to travel. Caelan rubbed his hand down the animal’s nose. “We are about to go home.”
“I will saddle him, Mister Caelan. Is there anything else ye need?” a lanky man asked approaching.
“Ensure he eats his fill of oats and has plenty of water,” Caelan replied.
Once he was assured his instructions would be followed, he turned toward the house. Glynis stood outside the kitchen door looking toward him.
When he approached her face pinkened. “Good morning,” she murmured. “Ye are leaving?”
“Aye. It is best that I do since we cannot seem to keep from one another.”
She leaned forward. “I wished to talk. Not for what happened to happen.”
“Ye seemed to want it when it was happening.”
“Be that as it may, we did not come to an understanding.” She glanced around to ensure no one heard. “And aye, it was very nice.”
“Nice,” he cocked a brow. “Glynis, we will wait to find out whether ye are with child or not. If ye are, we will marry immediately. If ye are not…” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “I still insist on marrying. However, we can wait until a time when both yer family and mine can be in attendance.”
Her eyes widened and she pulled her hand away from his, albeit slowly. “Ye, insist we marry?”
“Aye, I do.”
“Oh.” She frowned and bit her bottom lip. “I suppose I am not opposed. However, I insist that I will live here.”
Caelan closed his eyes and slowly blew out a breath. “No.”
“I like it here.”
“Ye can visit.”
“Or ye can visit me.”
“Stop being so stubborn.”
“Am I the one who is unbending?”
“I would describe ye as the one being more selfish.”
“I am not.” Glynis glared up at him.
“Ensure to let me know as soon as ye are sure. Either way.” He leaned forward and planted a kiss on her parted lips. “I await the message.”
With that, he turned away and walked into the kitchen to bid his stepmother and Cait farewell.
The ride back to Keep Ross went fast. Probably because the entire time Caelan thought about Glynis and hating that he’d not see her every day. Was it that he had fallen in love with the willful lass? The last thing he needed in his life was disorder and Glynis was not someone who would ever conform.
He had the feeling no matter what he decided or stated, she’d always argue the point. His lips curved at her odd acceptance of his marriage proposal. Only she could affect him in such a way that he’d proposed most informally.
“I suppose I am not opposed.” He chuckled at remembering her reply.
“Caelan!” Artair called out while guiding his large warhorse toward him. “Did ye see that?”
He hated admitting to having his head in the clouds but when it came to danger, he was not about to lie. “I was not paying attention. What is it?”
“I thought I heard voices.”
He and Artair had gone ahead of the others as scouts. Admittedly, it was probably the wrong job for him at the moment.
“Aye, I can hear them,” he said looking toward the woods. “Women.”
They guided the horses slowly in the direction of the voices, stopping when able to see a flowing creek.
On the shore and in the shallow water, a trio of women were bathing. Not too far away, several men and a few bairns were in a camp they had set up.
“Travelers,” Artair said. “Should be harmless.”
