Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2) (4 page)

Torrian moved his chair closer to hers, so close she could reach out and touch his face. While she found it odd that he would come this close to her, she decided to allow it. Perhaps she’d been away from others for too long. She was enjoying every minute with the man, and she would not rush him.

“They were so sweet. How I wish Nellie would awaken so she could meet her new friends.” Her voice came out in a nervous whisper.

Torrian rested his hand on the bed and leaned toward her. “I think ‘twill happen soon. She looks much better to me. Her color has improved, and I think staying warm is important for wee ones.”

She locked gazes with him, but her gaze kept returning to one thing—Torrian’s lips.

***

Hell, but the woman was enticing. Why had she come into his life at the exact wrong time?

As soon as he sat beside her, he almost groaned as her womanly scent reached him. Though she’d been inside for a day, she still smelled like a summer forest. Pine and wildflowers came from every pore of her body. The lass was probably way more experienced, which embarrassed him a touch, but he still wanted to taste her sweet lips. The encouraging thing was that she seemed to want it as much as he did.

Just as he was admiring her rosy lips, she brought her gaze up to meet his. He could suddenly see the desire there, so he leaned toward her.

The moment ended as quickly as it started when a little voice called out, “Mama?”

“Nellie? Oh my Nellie? How do you feel?” Heather jumped up from her chair to lift her daughter into her arms.

Torrian could hear in her voice that this was the proof she needed to believe her daughter would get better. She glanced at him, a small moment, but enough to make him feel it was a wee intimacy.

“Mama, I dreamed I had two friends. They were helping me get better and sang a song to me.”

“Och, wee one, ‘twas not a dream. There were two lassies here who would like to be your friends, Jennet and Brigid. They were trying to help you get better. Mayhap they’ll return later.” She gave Nellie a fierce hug before letting her go. “I’ll get you something to drink.”

Torrian held his hand up to stop her. “Allow me.” He moved to the chest and poured water for her into a small cup.

“Mama, I’m hungry. Is there aught to eat here? Where are we? This is the softest bed I’ve ever been on.”

Torrian said, “Why don’t I go find Lady Brenna, and I’ll see what I can find in the kitchens. Mayhap some porridge?”

“Aye, that would be wonderful. My thanks, Torrian.” She gave him a look that said whatever they’d shared was gone, long gone. But he’d find a way to bring it back.

Torrian wanted Heather of Preston. And after what his sire had told him, he was not going to let her go easily without pursuing his feelings. He’d only agreed to meet Davina of Buchan, not marry her. Heather was the first lass who’d affected him this strongly. He had to follow his instincts. He wanted no regrets.

***

After the last meal of the day, Torrian joined his father in front of the hearth, where Logan and Gwyneth sat as well. Brenna had brought dinner up to Heather, and the wee ones were off playing with their dolls. Jennet was directing the other lassies on how to heal their “sick” dolls, and the poor fabric creations were already beset with multiple carefully placed stitches to fix their wounds. The older children were arguing over at the table, Gregor and Gavin verbally sparring with Bethia, Sorcha, Molly, and Maggie.

Lily had stayed in her room, claiming an upset belly. She had the same issue Torrian did—for both of them, a wicked belly was the immediate response to the ingestion of most grains. Oats were the only ones they could eat. Torrian understood that some foods did not set right with them, though they had no idea why, other than their bellies were extra sensitive.

Sometimes their bellies hurt because they gave in to their cravings and paid the price, which is what he suspected had happened with Lily. They were both old enough to understand. He did not think he would see Lily until the morrow, but all of a sudden, she flew down the stairs, headed directly for him. He and Lily had lost their mother before Brenna came along and married their sire. Though the whole family was close, the two of them had a special bond.

She landed on a stool that she pushed into the center of the group with a huff, her expression one of deep concern.

“I hope there is a solid reason for your rudeness, daughter,” Quade said, silencing the rest of the group with his words. He never raised his voice, but they all understood when to heed his words.

Lily peered at her father, her face crumpling with emotion. “Please tell me that what I’ve heard about my brother is wrong.”

Quade quirked his brow at her, waiting for her to continue. “Explain, Lily. I know not what you’ve heard.” He rested his hands on the arms of the chair in which he sat, leaning back.

“About Torrian.”

“What about Torrian?” Quade asked, his calm gaze on Lily.

Torrian thought about intervening, but he decided he’d first wait to see what this was about.

“You’re betrothing my brother to someone in a foreign land? Someone who belongs to a questionable clan? Someone whose clan is threatening to attack many other clans without provocation?”

Quade leaned forward and placed his elbows on his knees to answer Lily. “Nay, I have not betrothed Torrian to anyone yet. Aye, we are visiting a clan not far from here, but it is not in a foreign land, nor is this a clan that has attacked others. Where do you get your information, Lily?”

Tears filled Lily’s eyes. Torrian wished to reach out to her in comfort, but he knew he could not, not with this audience, not with his da sitting so close.

“You’re taking my dearest brother, my dearest friend, away from me. How could you, Papa?” Lily was just over twenty summers, but at present, she appeared closer to ten summers.

“Lily, I have not met Davina yet,” Torrian said softly. “We are not betrothed, but I will meet her. Our king has requested it, and he’s a difficult man to refuse. And agreeing to meet with the lass does not mean that I leave for more than a visit. This is my clan and I’m still heir to the chief. That does not change.”

Her lower lip quivered as she fought back tears. Och, he hated this. Lily was his best friend. Aye, when Loki was around he enjoyed spending time with him, and his other cousins were good company too, but Lily was the one he turned to when he needed to talk with someone. In turn, Lily came to him with any questions she had. She was strong, supportive, and always positive, unlike the traumatized lass in front of him. Her golden curls, usually beautiful, were disheveled.

Once her lip stopped quivering, she swallowed and looked from her aunt to her uncle and then back to her sire. All had silenced in the hall; none of them were used to seeing Lily in such a state. Lily had been the wee lassie with the smile that always lit up the darkest rooms, the giggles that set everyone’s heart to rights. It pained Torrian to see her so upset, and he could tell the others felt the same.

She stared at Uncle Logan. “If you did not work for the crown, this would not be happening. ‘Tis your fault, Uncle, and I will never forgive you for sending my dear brother away.”

The shock on Logan’s face spoke as loud as words. Lily had never spoken to him in such a way.

Then she turned to Aunt Gwyneth. “And I would have expected you to talk him out of this ridiculous idea.”

Gwyneth’s eyes grew wide with shock, but she said naught.

“And you, Papa? You know better than anyone what Torrian means to me. You know how we only survived our illnesses by relying on each other. And you wish to send him away? Anyone who is fortunate enough to be chosen to wed my brother should come
here
. He belongs with us, not in some foolish court, not in some unknown castle, not as a representative of our king who’s meant to smooth things over. He’s an intelligent man who can make his own choices.”

Quade never said a word.

“Grandmama is following every bit of this. I believe she’s watching us from heaven. And I know she does not like what she sees.”

Sobs burst from her as she stood from her stool and ran to the stairway, only to stumble directly into Heather.

The sister he loved stared at the woman for whom he was beginning to form feelings, then made her way around her and raced up the stairs to her chamber.

No one said a word.

Chapter Four

Heather realized it was an uncomfortable moment for the Ramsays—one she’d intruded upon—so she needed to make a quick decision. Stay or run like the wind?

Without pausing, she headed out the front door of the hall, having the sudden need for fresh air. As she pushed against the heavy oak door, the presence of a warm body invaded her senses, and she knew without looking that it was Torrian. She waited until the door closed behind them before she spoke to him over her shoulder. “My apologies if I interrupted something I should not have.”

When she turned around to look at him, Torrian was giving her his usual lazy smile. “You did naught wrong. Have you met my sister before?”

Heather shook her head. “Is she usually this easily upset?”

“Nay, Lily is known for her exuberance, and her behavior is rarely like that. ‘Tis why there was no response to her outburst. If any of my other siblings or cousins had lashed out in such a manner, they would have been advised to hold their tongue, but Lily never complains.”

“I…I heard a bit of what was said. You are leaving?” The night had cooled down a touch, so she pulled her shawl over her shoulders. Torrian moved closer to her, managing to block the cool breeze and warm her from the massive amount of heat that always seemed to surround him. Rather than move away, she leaned into him, close enough for him to nuzzle her hair.

“I do what our king has asked me to do. I am to meet with a lass of another clan to see if we suit.”

“Have you met her before?”

“Nay.” He led her toward a bench, a secluded area under the trees in the outer edge of the courtyard. “I have not. I told my father I would honor the king’s request to meet with her clan, but I have not committed to the betrothal.”

She sighed and stared off into the night, the stars just now visible after the sun had dropped. Somehow, she was not surprised. How foolish of her to think she could form a relationship with a lad who was destined to become chieftain of his clan. Even so, she could not push him away. For the short time they had together, she would enjoy his company in whatever form it took.

“‘Tis terrible the way the nobility and the court forces marriages today. I wish they would not. Would it bother you if you were forced, even if she was nice? I mean, some people you can grow to like, others you get along with from the start, but mayhap you would be missing that spark.”

“I know naught about that spark. I have never experienced it.”

She hadn’t either, but she’d heard of it. How she wished there was truth to the statement. She shivered, so Torrian wrapped his arm around her shoulders to pull her to him. The oddest thing was she did not mind at all. This man was someone she trusted, without a doubt. She knew little about him, but of that much she was certain.

He continued. “Have you been in love? Did you love Nellie’s sire? Forgive me if I pry too much.”

She shrugged. “I do not mind your questions. I have never been in love. At one time, I thought I might be, but nay. Everything changed. ‘Tis why I fear for you. Sometimes you think you know someone, but it turns out you do not know them at all. I think women especially can put on pretenses to get what they want. Mayhap your sister has that same fear.”

“You need not fear for me. I can handle myself, and I simply need to assure Lily I will always be here for her. I do not plan on leaving my clan for anyone. If that is what this girl wishes, she’s come to the wrong man. I was brought up believing that I would be the one to lead Clan Ramsay one day when my sire is unable. That has not changed, and I am excited about facing that challenge someday. Aye, I will travel to meet her, but then she will be expected to come here. I will lead my clan someday.”

She peeked up at him only to find an intense pair of green eyes locked on hers. This man was so handsome it took her breath away, though she knew better than to base her opinion of someone on looks alone. This was different. Torrian was different. Anyone that had that much compassion for his sister had to be a good person. She enjoyed the fact that he was always calm and steady, not prone to fits of anger. She didn’t look away, instead choosing to stare at his lips, wondering…

His lips met hers—warm, soft, persistent. He pulled back as if to see if she would push him away, but instead she parted her lips to invite him back for more. She wanted to see how different this felt with him—with a man she truly wanted. Did that make her a bad person?

He leaned down and devoured her lips, teasing her with his tongue. He tasted of ale, but warm and delicious. She dueled with him as he angled his mouth over hers. Wanting him closer, she wrapped her arms around his neck, tugging him to her to absorb his heat and everything about him.

But it ended as quickly as it started, leaving her in a daze. He stood and spoke to two guards who’d just come upon them, but she didn’t pay attention to what was said.

“How did you know? I never heard them approach.” She stared at the departing guards as if they were apparitions.

He sat down next to her again, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back against him so he could whisper in her ear. “Is it not my job to protect you? To make sure I know of aught that goes on around us? I’d be a failure as a Highlander if I did not. At least, ‘tis what my sire and my uncles have taught me.”

She had to admit she liked everything he’d just said. Satisfied with her instincts, she replied, “Aye, you did a fine job.”

He chuckled, bringing his lips close to her ear. “Did I, lass? Do you approve?”

She giggled, astounded at the sound that came from her own lips, having not giggled in a very long time. “Aye, I do approve.”

He held his hand out to her and said, “Come with me. I have something special I’d love to share with you.”

She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his.

“I was worried for a moment. I thought you were about to turn me down.” He grinned as he clasped her hand. “You trust me, do you not?”

She glanced up at the tall Highlander next to her, her gaze locking on his. The smile on his face, so genuine and handsome, warmed her. “Aye, I trust you.”

He squeezed her hand and they walked in a comfortable silence toward the stables. Once there, he opened the door and stood back for her to enter ahead of him. “Gus? You have visitors for the pups.”

Not long after, the Ramsays’ stable master limped into view. “Aye? Well, the pups will be happy to see you.” Gus pivoted and led them back to a stall that appeared to be empty but for a soft mound of straw in the corner and a crate.

Then she noticed the Scottish Deerhound who dragged herself out from behind the crate to lumber over to Torrian. Pups? Had he said pups? How she’d wanted for a dog to protect them out in the wilderness. Her gaze darted around the room until she settled on the corner near the crate.

“Come along, no one will harm you.” Torrian leaned over and held his hand out toward the small, fuzzy dogs. As they scampered toward him, he explained, “These two wild ones are Bram and Birk, and the one quivering behind them is my wee lassie, Bretta. Do you like dogs?”

“Oh, I love dogs, especially puppies. May I pet them? Will their mama allow me?”

“Of course she will.” Torrian found a spot in the straw for Heather, helped her to sit, then sat on the stone and leaned against the wall. Gertie settled her head on his lap while he rubbed her behind the ear. “Gertie is getting older, aren’t you, Gertie?” The dog glanced up at him, clearly entranced by her master.

“Have you always loved dogs?” Heather reached down to pet Birk and Bram, who were swatting at each other with their paws, competing for her attention. “These two are characters, aren’t they?” She giggled as Birk leaped onto her lap, then turned around to face his brother as if to boast of an achievement. “They are so cute, Torrian. How could you not love them?”

Staring down at Gertie’s head, almost as if embarrassed, he said, “When I was young, Gertie’s grandsire helped me learn how to walk.”

She had been petting Birk, but her hand stopped mid-stroke. It was the last thing she had expected him to say to her. What man liked to admit to a weakness? And yet Torrian had not hesitated. “You needed help walking?”

“Aye. ‘Twas a childhood illness. Once I was healed, Growley, Gertie’s grandsire, helped restore me to a normal life. He was the perfect height for me to hang onto his fur so he could right me whenever I started to topple. I loved that dog like no other.”

Heather watched him as he continued to pet Gertie, his affection for the dog apparent in the way he handled her. His gentleness and his honesty were weaving a snare around her heart. She knew it might not be safe to care for him, but she felt powerless to stop herself. “Part of me aches for what you endured, but I am glad that you had such a powerful friend as a child. Nellie has not been so lucky. Mayhap ‘tis time for us to leave the cave.”

“You are the only one who can make that decision. Do not feel sorry for me. The trials I’ve endured have only made me stronger.”

She continued to lavish attention on Bram and Birk while wee Bretta made her way over to Torrian. The pup plopped down next to his leg, almost as if waiting for something. Heather was amazed when Torrian reached for Bretta and tucked her into the elbow of his arm, much as a woman would do with a wee bairn.

“Bretta was the runt of the litter, but I refused to give up on her. She just needs my warmth. She hasn’t grown as fast as her brothers.”

The wee pup closed her eyes with a sigh, content to be cuddled in her master’s arms.

“Who taught you how to train the dogs?”

“No one. My stepmother often offers advice, but it does not take much to train them.”

“Nay?” She was surprised that he didn’t seem to consider it a chore.

“All it takes is love and a little patience.” He rubbed Gertie’s ear as he continued to cuddle wee Bretta. “Dogs love you unconditionally and do not expect much. They are also great listeners, or so I’ve found.” He winked and gave her a lopsided grin.

And that was all it took for Heather to lose an even bigger piece of her heart to Torrian Ramsay. It was too early to know, but somehow she did anyway. If there was ever going to be another man in her world, she wanted it to be
him
.

But did she stand a chance against a lass of noble blood?

“Torrian, may I ask you a question?”

“Of course, I’ll answer if I can.”

She knew she had no business asking, but she had to ask. “Who is the lady you are visiting?”

“Davina of Buchan. Do you know aught about her?”

Heather’s stomach plummeted at the name she’d dreaded hearing. Her past threatened to rear its ugly head, for sure. “Nay, I’ve never met her, but I’ve heard she is a beauty.” How could she compete with a beautiful lass of noble blood?

“Heather,” he said, staring into her eyes. “Beauty is in the heart, not in the face. I’ve known many stunning women who are cold as a winter loch on the inside. I am only making this trip to satisfy my sire and my king. I will meet her, but I do not expect we shall suit. I will fight for the right to choose my own wife.”

But experience had taught Heather how difficult the nobility could be—they expected their every desire to be met. Could Torrian stand up to the Buchans?

Only time would tell.

***

Torrian couldn’t deny the irony of his situation. He had finally found someone who lived with his clan—almost—and he was leaving to consider marriage to another.

“I probably should get back, Torrian,” Heather said. “I’d like to check on Nellie.”

Torrian said, “Of course. I’ll help you.” He returned Bretta to her crate and held his hand out for Heather. He couldn’t resist pulling her close after he tugged her up. He just wanted to catch her enticing scent one more time.

“May I ask you a question?” He nuzzled her golden hair as he spoke.

“Aye, though I do not promise to answer.”

Torrian considered several questions, but decided she would tell him what he needed to know about her past when she was ready. So he asked the most important question, because if her answer was nay, he would not be able to pursue her. This was the irrevocable question. “Would you consider living somewhere other than the cave, permanently? With your daughter, of course.”

She turned to gaze up at him, taking a moment to think about her response, and then said, “Aye, for the right person and the right reasons, I would. With my daughter, of course.”

The door opened and Brenna’s voice echoed through the night air. “Heather?”

Heather rushed over to Brenna. “Nellie? Is she all right?”

“Aye. She’s just awakened and is looking for you. I thought she would sleep through the night, but this proves she’s getting better.” Having delivered her missive, Brenna spun around and left, almost as if she wished to give them more time together.

Torrian knew his stepmother well—she had done that intentionally.

“Sorry, but I must go.”

“Please, go to your daughter. I’ll see you back to the keep.” Torrian rubbed her arm as he escorted her through the bailey and to the door. Right before they went up the steps to the great hall, he stopped her. “My thanks, Heather.”