Borderland Bride (11 page)

Isabel hesitated. “Nay, nay I have not.”

“Well, let us get ye dressed in all yer finery. No doubt there will be much celebrating tonight. Lord knows, the master needs little encouragement to bring out the wine and dance with a beautiful lady.”

Isabel grinned, but it was not the thought of dancing with Dominic that warmed her heart. It was Jake. Oh, how she could not wait to see him again. Tonight she would take true pleasure in dressing up, for it would be all for him.

“Not the red, ye say?”

“Aye, no red, Winnie. And no more tight braids,” she told her firmly.

“But, milady—”

Isabel couldn’t hold back a laugh when she saw Winnie’s astonished face. “No more braids, Winnie.”

~* * *~

The smell of roasted meats and warm bread wafted through the courtyard as Isabel stepped across the frostbitten ground. Winnie panted as she grabbed at Isabel’s skirts and hurried along behind her.

The sky was an inky black, virtually clear of cloud and the crescent moon lit one side of the keep. It seemed more vast and grand than ever before, with its round towers and wide upper windows, and infinitely more beautiful, set amongst the empty moors.

A watchman pushed open the hall door, giving her an appreciative look as she glided past.

“Eyes front.” Isabel heard Winnie snap.

Studying the Great Hall, Isabel realised Winnie had guessed right. Dominic had indeed used the return of her voice as an excuse to celebrate. Though mealtimes were no simple fare usually, it was clear Dominic had extra supplies brought out for the occasion and many fine pastries and meats adorned the tables.

Shaking her head, she wondered how it was the servants had managed such a feat in so short a time. Winnie had left her chambers to inform the lords of her news but a few hours ago. Her gaze settled on Jake, who had risen from the table as she had entered. Dominic stood beside him, but Isabel could barely draw her eyes away long enough to acknowledge the dip of his head.

Her skin tingled as Jake’s eyes trailed a path over her body before lingering on her face. A glint was just visible and she felt her cheeks heat as a smile played over her lips. His gaze followed her as she came up to the main table and the memory of his hot caresses teased at her.

Dominic pulled back her chair and she murmured her thanks.

“So you’ve got your voice back, lass? ‘Tis good news. I pray you’ll not be chatting incessantly now,” he told her with a grin.

“Oh, aye, Dominic. You’ll not be able to shut me up easily.”

He expelled an exaggerated groan as they all sat and Isabel snuck a peek at Jake. He merely grinned with a shake of his head. Isabel considered all the other times they had sat together and how tense Jake had seemed. Had he suffered jealousy this whole time? She acknowledged it should not, but the thought of his jealousy warmed her.

Wine and ale flowed freely and Isabel indulged in enough to make her feel warm and merry. She gave a little sigh as the two tables that ran down the length of the hall were folded away to make way for dancers. Never before had she felt so at home.

Dominic approached her and offered her his hand. “Will you join me in a dance, my lady?”

“I will, my lord.”

Taking his hand and allowing Dominic to lead her to middle of the hall, Isabel smiled as much of the household joined them. The minstrels struck up a tune and they were soon dancing to a lively song.

Twirling and jumping, Isabel danced until she could breathe no more. Thanking Dominic, she retreated to her chair on the dais.

Jake eyed her with a grin. “You are a fine dancer, lass. I’d hoped you would save some of your energy for a dance with me.”

“You dance?”

“Only when forced, but for you I’d happily suffer the humiliation.”

Isabel swiped at his arm. “It would be no humiliation dancing with me!”

“Aye, you are right but I’d have a hard time controlling myself. That would be humiliation enough.”

Blushing, she twisted her lips. “May I remind you that you’re the one who would not stay? You’d have no need to control yourself if you had.”

“Lass, ‘tis damn near impossible to control myself around you normally, let alone when you’re stood in naught but a bed sheet. Be grateful that I have more sense than you do.”

“You’re too honourable for your own good, Jake of Thornewall. There are few men who would have said nay.”

“Did I wound your feminine pride?” he asked with a grin.

“Ha, you know me better than that.”

“Aye, I do,” he admitted. “We have much to talk of, you and I.”

“We are talking now.”

“Ack, you are a wicked lass. Mayhap I will begin to regret the return of your voice. You were easier to handle when you were mute.”

Isabel scowled at him and endeavoured to stop her lips from twitching. “You could silence me.”

Jake leaned in, his eyes darkening. “Oh, how might I do that?”

“With a kiss.”

He let out a heavy sigh. “Would that I could, but I have dishonoured you enough this day. Nay, I will have to tolerate your sharp tongue for the evening. But on the morrow…” he took her hand and brushed his thumb across her knuckles, “On the morrow we will talk.”

“And kiss?”

“And kiss.”

Isabel laughed and studied Jake for a moment. The lines of his brow were softer, the burden upon his shoulders seemed lighter. The real Jake was revealing himself to her. The one that she knew was hiding under the scowls and awkward manners. Her own heart felt lighter. For once, she was in control of her life. Her father could not tell her what to do, no man could. She knew what she wanted.

She wanted Jake.

What did he want to talk of on the morrow? Her heart gave a bounce. Could she believe he intended to…? She shook away the thought. Mayhap he would, he had spoken of honour, but there was no sense in waiting on hope. Not yet anyway, first she had to tell him all.

Isabel glanced over at Jake again. He would understand, she was sure of it.

~* * *~

There it was again. The flicker of uncertainty. Jake surreptitiously rubbed at her hand in an attempt to convey his intentions. He was of a mind to make things clear this instant but there were things he still needed to know.

Like where she came from. And why this wilful, beautiful maiden had ended up on her own and in his arms.

The minstrels finished a lively tune and began a slow, haunting song, one of love lost and found. Jake’s lips quirked. Hell, it couldn’t get much more appropriate.

“Will you not dance with me, my lady? If you can bear it, that is.”

Isabel’s eyes lit and it took all his strength not to grab her and take her where she stood.

“Aye, my lord. I think I may well be able to bear it.”

Dominic winked as he grabbed a curvaceous lass for a dance and Jake gave him a warning scowl. Dominic was too far into his cups already and he was flirting with every visiting noble woman in the keep. One day Dominic’s rakish ways were bound to get him in trouble.

The sound of the lute filled the air as Jake settled next to Isabel, her hand resting lightly on his. They parted slowly before coming back together, her hand brushing across his chest as she passed in front of him, a light, teasing look in her gaze. Jake was aware there were other dancers on the floor but for the life of him, he could not tell where they were.

Isabel crossed behind him, her hand passing from one of his to the other as he brought her around. He twirled her slowly, watching the parting of her lips as her eyes connected with his. He pulled in a long breath. The air between the seemed thick and impenetrable. He needed to push through it, to bury himself in her soft embrace.

Breezing past him once more, her scent teased at him as her skirts rustled. Dressed in a green silk gown with her hair tumbling over her shoulders, Jake was certain there was no woman more beautiful.

The song ended, Isabel dipping slowly as he bowed and he led her back to her seat, his body tense with desire. They both sat quietly for a moment, their gaze following the movements of the dancers.

“Will you tell me about yourself now, Isabel?”

She blinked at him. “There is naught to tell. You know me.”

“I know you, but I know naught about you. Where do you come from? You are from the south, that much is clear.”

She frowned.

“Your accent gives you away, lass.”

“Aye, I’m from the south,” she admitted reluctantly.

“And what of your family?”

“Jake, can we not…I will tell you all, I promise. Just not this night. I would not see it ruined.”

Considering her for a moment, he nodded. He did not wish to see her saddened. Whatever had happened to her family must have been grave indeed for her to end up in the borderlands alone.

He grinned. “As long as you do not have an angry husband waiting for you at home.”

Her expression flickered but the emotion was gone before he could place it and she chuckled.

“Nay, no angry husband.” She glanced around at the dancers, who were steadily becoming more rowdy. “I am tired. Will you not escort me to my chambers?”

Searching for Dominic, he found him surrounded by lasses. Aye, he would not note their absence.

“As you will.”

They stepped outside and Isabel paused, drawing in a deep breath. She grabbed his hand and dragged him past the chapel and into the outer ward. Jake stared up at the flickering torches on the curtain wall and then back to the woman who held his heart.

“What are you doing, lass?”

Isabel grinned mischievously and dragged him further round until they were at the rear of the keep. Sounds of revelry echoed into the night as she tugged him towards the shadows.

Pressing herself against the stone, Isabel gazed up at him, her features just visible in the cold illumination of the night. His heart juddered as she coaxed him forward, urging him to press himself into her.

His legs moved of their own accord until his body aligned with her sweet, slender curves. Jake hardened instantly and Isabel gasped, informing him that it had not passed her notice. With a muttered curse, he descended upon her, capturing her lips beneath his.

Jake could feel her tremble as he brought his hands around her waist. He tasted her with fervour as her tongue played provocatively against his and she gave out little whimpers, causing his chest to constrict. 

Desperate hunger pitched through him and he seized her hips as he pushed against her. Her hands twisted and twined forcefully in his hair and his breath hissed through his teeth as she thrust her breasts against him.

A clatter sounded above them and they both froze as Jake twisted to see one of the watchmen making his way across the wall.

Pressing his lips to her ear, he whispered, “Shhh.” as he covered her body with his and pinned her back against the wall.

The watchman strode by and they both sagged.

“I cannot control myself around you, lass. You need to go to bed before I do something I regret.”

“Why would you regret it?” Isabel asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes as her fingers played over the taut skin of his arm.

“Do not tempt me. I’ll not dishonour you again.”

“You do not dishonour me, Jake.”

“I made a vow…” He reached to stroke his hand over her shoulder but dropped it and clenched his fist by his side. “On the morrow…”

Isabel shoved playfully at his chest and threw her hands up as she slipped past him. “Lord, all this talk of the morrow!” She paused and tilted her head, studying him. “To bed it is then. Alone.”

Trying to ignore the stab of disappointment that arced through him, he followed after her swaying hips. Damn woman was going to be the death of him.

Jake scowled as they reached the bottom of the stairs. He had travelled up and down these steps many a time recently and not thought twice about it, but now it seemed inappropriate. His loins stirred.
Very inappropriate
. He darted a look around to see if anyone had spotted them.

“Jake, no one will notice. Besides, you have spent time enough in my chambers recently.”

“You are a wicked lass. I’ll escort you to your chambers but naught more.”

Isabel gazed up at him from under her lashes and tilted her lips. “If you say so, my lord.”

Following her up, Jake eyed her bottom as she sashayed up the steps. Biting back a groan, he focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

Isabel pushed the door open and stepped inside while Jake remained on the threshold, his muscles bunched with restraint.

Facing him, Isabel swept her gaze over his tense body, her lips curving upwards. “You are a stubborn man, Jake of Thornewall.”

“Aye, just as you are a stubborn lassie but I will not be swayed from this. I will do right by you, Isabel.”

A crease marred her forehead as she released a barely perceivable sigh. “I wish to do right by you too. Will you remember that? Whatever happens?”

He gave a bemused laugh. “There is little you could do wrong, lass.”

She didn’t answer. Instead, a tenuous look filled her blue eyes as she came up onto her tiptoes and skimmed a kiss across his lips.

“Good night,” she murmured against his mouth.

With a gulp, Jake drew back. He studied her expression carefully but Isabel gave nothing away. It struck him as odd that he couldn’t read her. “Until the morrow then.”

Chapter Seven

Observing Jake as he sparred with some of the soldiers in the bailey, Isabel’s body heated. For a large man, he moved with a surprising amount of grace but he was ruthless and cut his opponents down with ease. She did not envy any man who came across him in the battlefield. He was the perfect solider.

The perfect man.

He flicked a glance at her and gave her a grin as he pushed back his opponent with his wooden waster. A shudder ran through her as she eyed his bulging arms.
Her lover’s arms.

Isabel covered her mouth with her hand in an attempt to conceal the slow, satisfied smile that spread across her face.

When they had finished weapons practice, Jake strode over to her, wiping his forehead on his shirtsleeve as he approached. Her stomach churned. She would have to tell him. Today.