Slouched in the padded armchair in his chamber, Duncan took a long swig of the ale from his tankard, the drink doing naught to dull his endless pain. Legs stretched out and crossed at the ankle before the fire, the night sky beyond his window haunted him. With the passing of each day this past month, he’d joined his men as they sailed alongside the length and breadth of his land in their attempt to halt the MacDonald in his raids and attacks, their last battle a deadly one fought right here on Loch Carron. Now though, with the MacDonald retreating back to Skye, he sorely hoped for a small reprieve from the warring.
“My laird.” A knock rattled his door. “’Tis Ivor. You have a visitor, well actually you have five visitors, but only one wishes to speak with you right this very moment.”
“I’ve no wish to greet new arrivals this night, but by all means ensure they have a pallet to sleep on in the great hall and I’ll talk to them in the morn.” Behind him, his door swung open and he growled under his breath then shoved to his feet. “I said—”
Ivor didn’t stand there, only a hallucination of his wife.
“Ella?” He dropped his tankard and it crashed to the floor, ale splashing the hearth and flames and making the fire sizzle. Thoughts of this woman had plagued him every waking hour since he’d left her, and now she appeared exactly as he’d envisioned her, dressed in lad’s clothing, her cheeks and nose pink and her hair bundled up under a black woolen cap. She was his every dream come true.
“Aye, ’tis me, and you look terrible.” She pulled thick fur gloves off her hands and stuffed them into the pocket of her black cloak.
“Are you really here?”
“I am.” She searched his gaze, the gold flecks at the edge of her brown eyes flickering in the firelight.
“You shouldnae be here. Danger lurks if you’re seen with me.” He had to send her right back out and away.
“Mama and Ethan came with me, Grandpa and Grandma too, all disguised. We sailed from Skye, will leave while ’tis still dark as well, but I needed to speak to you this night and it cannae wait.”
“Then speak, and make it quick.”
“I still hate you.” Her bottom lip wobbled. “So much it hurts.”
“I still love you, so much it hurts.” He shoved his hands behind his back to keep from reaching for her. “Was there aught else you wished to say?”
“Aye, I love you too.”
“I know.” He moved not an inch, even though all he wanted to do was sweep her up in his arms and toss her onto his four-poster bed so close behind her.
“Ivor informed me that you’ve successfully chased the MacDonald back to Dunscaith. That is news I had no’ heard.”
“For now, although I dinnae doubt he will return again afore too long.”
“He isnae one to forgive and forget easily.” She pulled the cap from her head and her long brown tresses cascaded down to her waist, the odd golden strand shimmering within the silky mass. Swaying a touch, she shrugged out of her cloak and laid it over the back of his armchair. “’Tis warm in here.”
“You’re making yourself rather at home in my chamber. If you’ve said all you need to, then I want you to leave.” Sending her away before he lost his resolve not to, hammered at him. Aye, maintaining her safety and protection was all that mattered and having her here at Ardan House wasn’t acceptable. She’d surely placed her life in danger simply by coming here. Now, he needed to send her away, immediately.
“There is more I need to say.” She closed her eyes then opened them again, wobbled and leaned against the back of his armchair. “I’m sorry. I’ve eaten little this day and what I do consume does no’ always stay put.”
“Then sit for a moment.” He aided her to his bed and she eased down on the edge while he paced before her. “I can send for a tray if you like.”
“Nay, I’ll eat with my kin at the tavern. Mama longs to visit Mary and William and we shall do so afore returning to Skye.”
“The MacDonald must never know you’ve set foot on my land. You must take care while at the tavern as well.” He halted before her, lowered to his knees and swept a lock of her silky brown hair back from her face. Hell, he longed to touch more of her.
“The MacDonald is far away right now.” Such need flared within her gaze, likely the same need that flared within his. “I’ve missed you, more than my heart can stand. Have you been well?”
“As well as can be.”
“You’ve no’ taken any injuries during your battles with the MacDonald?” She cupped his cheeks, stroked her fingers slowly back and forth along his jaw.
“Only the odd nick.” He covered her hands with his, reveled in the sensation of her soft touch. “Dinnae forget that I hold the battle skill, Ella. That gives me far more strength than one man usually holds.”
“I’ve seen that strength and skill for myself.” She leaned closer, pressed her forehead to his, her mouth a mere breath away. “Would you kiss me?”
“That is one tempting offer, but one I’ll have to decline.”
“Please, just one kiss.” She licked his lower lip and he released a low rumble.
“Damn it, woman.”