Highland Honor (12 page)

“I am sorry,” she whispered, although she was not quite sure what she was apologizing for.

“Nay, lass.” Nigel pressed his forehead against hers, lightly kissed the end of her nose, and struggled to regain the control he had almost lost. “Ye did nothing wrong. In truth, ye did everything right.” He began to trail kisses down her long, slim neck.

Gisele threaded her fingers into his hair and held him close as he covered her breasts with kisses. “If I did everything right, then why did you stop me? I thought I had hurt you in some manner.”

“There is only so much pleasure a mon can endure, lass.” He kissed her taut stomach and teased her soft skin with brief licks of his tongue. “If I had let ye continue your delightful play I would have been finished, and I didnae want that, nay so quickly.”

Before she could ask him what he meant by finished, she felt the warmth of his mouth between her legs and cried out in shock. Gisele tried to pull away from the intimate kiss, but Nigel gripped her by her hips and stopped her retreat. A heartbeat later, shock was replaced by intense pleasure. She opened to him, welcoming his caress, giving him free reign over her body. She called out to him as she felt her desire reach its height, but he ignored her, and Gisele arched into his kiss as she cried out with the power of her release.

She barely had time to catch her breath before he was restoking her passion. This time when she called out to him, wanting him to share in her pleasure, he returned to her arms. She groaned with delight as he joined their bodies, then gasped with surprise when Nigel suddenly rolled onto his back. He gently urged her to sit up, then moved her body on his, silently showing her what he wanted her to do. Gisele shuddered and quickly took the reins of their lovemaking into her hands. Even as her release ripped through her body, she felt Nigel grasp her more firmly by the hips and hold her tightly against him. He shuddered and moaned her name. She savored the warmth of his release as she collapsed in his arms.

Nigel gave her no time to catch her breath, to really begin to think about what she was doing. Gisele recognized the game he played, and she decided to just let him play it. It was fun to forget all of her worries, to act as if she were completely carefree, able to do whatever she pleased without fear of any consequences. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck when he picked her up and carried her to the pond.

“Can ye swim, lass?” he asked, grinning widely as he stood by the edge of the pond.

“
Oui
, my Nana insisted that I learn the skill,” she replied. Then her eyes widened as she realized why he was asking. “
Non!
” was all she managed to scream as he laughed and tossed her into the water.

She was just bobbing to the surface, prepared to call him every crude name she could think of, when he leapt into the water beside her. Gisele laughed and swam away from him. For a little while they feigned a game of “catch me,” then Gisele allowed him to win it. The grin on his handsome face told her he knew she had.

They made love in the water, then bathed each other. She and Nigel knelt on the bank of the pond and washed all of their clothing, spreading it out on the grass so that the sun could dry it. Then they sprawled face down on the grass themselves, letting the sun warm them even as it dried the water from their skin.

Gisele began to wonder if she had gone mad. It was difficult to believe that she was lying naked next to a man she had only known for two weeks. She smiled faintly. It was difficult to believe that she was lying naked in front of anyone at all. It was shocking and shamefully brazen, but she felt no great urge to slip away and cover herself.

When Nigel idly ran his hand down her back Gisele knew exactly why she was behaving so immodestly. He had shown her the pleasure to be found in lovemaking, and she hungered for it. That delight pushed aside all of her fears and all of her worries. While she was in his arms, her desire hot and wild, she could think of nothing else but the man and how he made her feel. After a year of being surrounded by dark memories, fears, and suspicions, she craved those moments of blind passion. Her greed for something she had feared for so long amazed her. As Nigel pulled her closer, she was pleased to realize that her greed was fully shared.

 

Nigel smiled as he spread a blanket over the sleeping Gisele. She had not stirred since he had risen from her arms and spread out their bedding next to the cold campfire, not even when he had picked her up and carried her to the bed. He left her dagger where she could easily reach it, slipped on his clothes, and walked into the forest.

It was past time he looked around to be certain that they were still safe. He had allowed himself to become completely entranced by Gisele, firmly captivated by her passion. Although it had been satisfying and great fun, it had been somewhat foolish. He had not sensed any encroaching danger, but he was no longer sure that his special gift was working properly, or if he would even have been aware enough to notice if it had tried to warn him.

The depth and heat of Gisele's passion had been a surprise to him, albeit a very welcome one. He had never known a woman to be so free and daring in her desire. Gisele was willing to try anything, suffering only the occasional but fortunately brief pinch of modesty. Once her fear had been taken away—at least her fear of any and all men—it was as if she had become curious to know all she had missed.

As soon as he was sure that there were no DeVeaux closing in on them, Nigel went hunting. After having spent most of the day in vigorous lovemaking, he was hungry for something far more filling than bread and cheese. He smiled when he thought that Gisele probably would be, as well. The woman was proving to have a healthy appetite for a great many things.

 

Gisele awoke to the mouthwatering smell of roasting meat. Her stomach growled loudly, she heard Nigel chuckle, and she cursed. Reaching out from under the blanket she retrieved her shirt and braies from the pile of clothing Nigel had set next to her. She knew she was amusing him as she struggled to dress herself beneath her blanket. She could almost feel his grin. He would probably never understand that, although she had spent most of the day romping naked in the glade, the mood had changed. She was not sure she really understood. There was also the fact that she needed to slip into the forest to attend to her personal needs, and she did not want to be away from the camp wearing nothing but her skin.

Even in amongst the thick trees she could still smell the tempting aroma of food. She did what she needed to do as fast as she could and hurried back to the camp, a little annoyed when her haste seemed to further amuse Nigel. Everything appeared to be amusing the man at the moment.

“Your excessive good humor is rapidly putting mine to death,” she said, as she sat down on their bedding, but there was no real anger in her voice.

“'Tis just your hunger that makes ye less than cheerful,” he said even as he divided the rabbit and handed her her share on her plate.

“Such an easy explanation,” she murmured, but said no more as she began to greedily devour her meal, relieved to see Nigel do the same.

The speed with which they finished their hearty meal made Gisele a little ashamed of herself. She cleaned up after the meal, then returned to the campfire to share some wine with Nigel. Sitting there surrounded by beauty, replete with food, wine, and lovemaking, she could almost believe that everything would be all right.

“It has been a very nice day,” she murmured. Then she blushed a little, afraid he would think she referred to the lovemaking alone.

Nigel smiled, put his arm around her slim shoulders, and kissed her on the cheek. “It has been a verra nice day indeed. We are rested, and the horses are rested. Aye, and all of us have been watered and fed weel.”

She sighed. “And so tomorrow we must begin to run again.”

“I fear so, loving. We needed this time, but it isnae wise to remain too long in one place when so many people are looking for you.”

“Mayhap God will smile upon us and give them a sickness in the belly that keeps them squatting in the woods, allowing us a free ride to the port.” She smiled when he laughed.

“That would be a wondrous gift, but I dinnae think we should plan on it.”

“Sadly,
non
. At least we have clean clothes.”

“Aye, and one doesnae realize how much one appreciates that until ye cannae have it. I also miss a soft bed. It has been far too long since I have slept in one.”

“
Oui
, I, too, dearly miss that comfort.”

“There are soft beds at Donncoille,” he whispered against her cheek.

“I look forward to getting there.”

“And verra big beds too.”

Gisele giggled as he gently pushed her down onto the bed. “Should we not rest for the journey?” she asked even as she twined her arms around his neck and tilted her head back to welcome his kisses against her throat.

“The night is still verra young.”

“And you, Sir Nigel, are very greedy.”

“Aye, my sweet French rose, verra greedy indeed.”

She knew she did not have to tell him that she shared his greed. She had more than shown that during the day. Gisele also sensed a touch of desperation in the way she held him. It had been a peaceful respite, a sweet retreat from the world and all its ugliness. She was going to be sorry to see it end, especially since she had no idea what lay ahead. This could well be the last night she would spend in Nigel's strong arms, and she intended to savor every moment.

Nigel frowned and looked around. He could see nothing, but he still felt uneasy, and he moved so that he rode at Gisele's side instead of in front of her. He briefly wished they could return to the glade and steal another day of rest and enjoyment, for one had certainly not been enough for him, especially not if the chase were to begin again so soon. He just wished he could see how, and from what direction.

“Is something amiss?” Gisele asked, wondering why Nigel was no longer leading her but flanking her, his hand resting on his sword.

“I am nay sure,” he replied.

“But you sense some danger, do you not?”

“I do, but I see nothing and hear nothing.”

Gisele looked around, even though she doubted she had keener eyes or could ever see something Nigel could not. “Your instincts have not failed us thus far. I believe it would be wise to heed them now.”

“Aye, then let us ride for those hills to the west. 'Twill be easier to evade pursuit there.”

They had barely kicked their horses into a gallop when half a dozen men rode out of the trees. The cry that went up from their pursuers told Gisele that these were DeVeau men, but she still felt a need to glance back just to be sure. What she saw made her blood run cold. It was the DeVeaux, without any doubt, and this time they had a couple of archers riding with them, men who appeared ready and able to shoot even as they rode. Gisele was about to shout this dire news to Nigel when an arrow whistled by her head. She flattened herself against the neck of her horse and shouted a warning.

Nigel cursed and also bent low in the saddle. This was a new and chilling danger. When it was just swordsmen they faced, being seen and chased had meant little more than the discomfort of a long hard ride, losing them, and hiding. Archers meant it was now deadly to even be seen from a distance, and these men were well within range of their targets.

It was now much more important to reach the hills. There they could seek shelter and—he glanced down at the bow and quiver of arrows hanging from his saddle—have a chance to fight back. There were six of them and Gisele could not fight, but Nigel felt he could hold his own if he could find a position of strength to fight from. If he were fortunate there would be some cowards in the group, men who would readily try to run down two people, but would waver and flee when faced with a hard fight.

He looked at Gisele, pleased to see that she was not only holding steady at his side, but had made herself a very small target. This heated, deadly pursuit told him that they no longer had any secrets from their enemies. The DeVeaux clearly knew that Gisele was not alone, knew who she rode with, knew that she was dressed as a lad, and that they were trying very hard to get to a port. He had guessed some of that bad news, and David had also warned him, but this made it all horrifyingly clear. The DeVeaux were determined not to let Gisele leave France alive. The long miles left to reach a port were going to have to be traveled very cautiously, hiding every step of the way.

Encircling the hills was a thick, dark forest that did not thin out until it nearly touched the rocky base. Nigel felt a hint of relief when they entered it far ahead of their pursuers. The distance he and Gisele had gained had not protected them from the arrows, but it would allow them a few minutes to hide from sight within the trees. He signaled Gisele to ride close behind him. Although he ached to put his body between her and their enemies, he had to lead them, for Gisele had no idea where they were going.

Gisele took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself after the hard gallop. The archers had added a new terror. She was not sure how Nigel could protect them from that. Before today, their biggest fear had been that they would be trapped with no place to run to, no way to even reach their horses. Now it appeared that they were safe only if they stayed miles away from her enemies or remained hidden. This was going to make reaching Scotland a great deal more treacherous.

She trembled, unable to fully hide her fear as she heard their enemies' voices echo in the forest surrounding them. It was hard not to be afraid even though she trusted Nigel to keep her safe. These men wanted them dead.

What had she ever done to deserve this, she thought. A moment later she forcefully shook away that attack of self-pity and the encroaching sense of helplessness. Nigel needed her to be alert to his every move, to any signal he might make. Bemoaning the injustice of it all would not keep them alive.

“Dismount, lass,” Nigel whispered even as he slipped from his saddle.

Although she immediately did as he ordered, she asked in a hushed voice, “We have not lost them, have we?”

“Nay, but we cannae ride up such a steep slope, nay silently.”

Her eyes widened slightly as he led her up a rock strewn hillside. The hills had not looked so rough or steep from a distance. Gisele suddenly wondered where Nigel had led her. This was not the soft, gentle land she had grown up with. When they had a moment to talk, she decided that she would ask the man where they were and where they were going. As long as they found places to be safe, places to hide, she supposed it did not really matter, but she was increasingly curious. It was also somewhat annoying that a Scot knew her land better than she did.

Suddenly Nigel grabbed her reins. She stood quietly as he tethered the horses in a sheltered area. When he took her by the hand and led her higher up into the rocks and wind-contorted trees, she had to bite her lip to keep from asking what his plan was. The fact that he was carrying his bow and arrows told her that he might be thinking of making a stand, and that made her uneasy.

Nigel halted, leaned against a large rock, and then notched an arrow in his bow. When he looked down the hillside, over the rock, Gisele cautiously edged to his side and also looked down. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw the men who were hunting them riding close together amongst the thinning trees at the base of the hill.

“Do you think you can kill all six of them?” she asked softly, not really sympathizing with the men who wished to kill her and Nigel, but a little horrified by the growing toll of lives her quest for freedom was exacting.

“Nay, but I may take one or two down ere the others gather the wit to scatter and hide,” he replied, deciding to aim for the two archers who had put them in such danger.

“And the others?”

“I am praying that they are cowards who will run when they realize we arenae easy game to trap.”

It was not the best plan she had ever heard, but Gisele decided that there was probably no other. As she huddled behind the rock she knew she would be hard pressed to devise another one. She needed to learn to fight, she decided. Her lack of skill had been no problem when all they had done was run and hide, but, now, as they faced six men eager to kill them, it was a dangerous hindrance. It should be two against six, not one. If nothing else, Nigel had no one to guard his back. The best that she could do was to shout a warning.

A scream sounded from below and she closed her eyes. She heard the soft but deadly sound of Nigel releasing a second arrow, heard a second scream, and felt sickened by the relief that swept over her. Reminding herself that it was a matter of kill or be killed only soothed her dismay a little. Death was chilling to see, and these men were also dying unshriven. They had been given no chance to atone for what she expected were a great many sins. It made their deaths doubly troublesome. Gisele knew, however, that deep in her heart she much preferred it to be them rather than her or Nigel.

“Only one coward turned and fled,” Nigel announced even as he let loose another arrow. “Now there are just two,” he said coldly as a scream rose up from below, followed by a great deal of shouting and cursing.

“I fear it sounds as if you have just infuriated the last two,” she murmured.

He smiled as he set down his bow and arrows and reassured himself that his sword and dagger were at the ready. “I mean to do a great deal more than that.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“Hunt them for a change.”

“Nigel,” she protested.

He gave her a quick, hard kiss. “Stay here, lass, and keep your wee dagger at hand. I dinnae think ye will be needing it, but 'tis always wise to be at the ready.”

She cursed as he slipped away before she could offer any argument. Nigel undoubtedly knew what he was doing, but she did not like it. At least when he was by her side she knew exactly how he fared. Now she could only wait and wonder who was going to win. Gisele slipped her dagger from its sheath and prayed that Nigel was as good a fighter as she thought he was.

 

Nigel crept through the rocks. He had decided that it was best if he took the fight away from Gisele. When he heard his foes noisily advancing, he almost smiled. It could prove to be a lot easier than he had thought it would be. Anger drove the men onward, and anger could make them reckless.

When he found the first man, Nigel almost felt guilty. The man was completely unaware of the danger creeping up behind him while he sat on a rock, wiping the sweat from his face. Nigel had to wonder if his unease over cutting a man down from behind was what made him suddenly clumsy. He slipped ever so slightly on a moss-covered rock, and the faint sound he made was enough to alert the man.

As he drew his sword, Nigel was pleased to see that he still held the advantage of surprise. The man moved awkwardly, fumbling as he drew his own sword. The fight was over quickly, but, unfortunately, not quietly. The clash of swords sounded like thunder in the quiet hills, and the man died screaming. Nigel was not surprised to hear the man's companion calling out for him. Neither man had revealed any appreciation for the value of stealth.

Hoping to turn this event to his advantage, Nigel swiftly moved away from the body. The other man's yelling had told him where the man was, as did his noisy approach. What he wanted to do was try to meet him halfway, to catch the fool as he scrambled blindly over the rocks to try to reach his companion.

This one was not going to be as easy to cut down, Nigel decided when he finally saw the man. He was not moving over the hills with any grace, but he had his sword at the ready and was very watchful. Nigel waited until the man reached a particularly awkward spot, one where a defense would be difficult, and confronted him.

“Ah, the bastard Scot who now runs with that murdering she-wolf,” the man snarled in French as, sword held firmly, he tried to sidle along onto a better footing. “Where is the little bitch?”

“Where you shall never find her,” Nigel replied in French, carefully trying to judge the shorter, heavier man's strengths.

“So, swine, you try to keep the bounty for yourself.”

“You would believe that. After all, what man would not covet such a heavy purse?”

Gisele clapped her hand over her mouth to smother her gasp. She crouched behind a nearby rock and heartily cursed herself for not staying where Nigel had left her. The moment she had heard a man scream she had been unable to just sit and wait to find out Nigel's fate. Now, instead of waiting in fretful ignorance, she heard him speak of the bounty on her head in a way that left her wondering all over again if she could really trust him. She tried to ease her hurt by telling herself that it was nothing but an empty taunt tossed out by a man preparing to fight to the death, but that only helped a little. Betrayal after betrayal had finally taught her to be cautious, and although Nigel's remark may have been no more than a sardonic reply to an enemy's accusation, she knew it would be wise to remember it.

She peered over the rock just in time to see the DeVeau man lunge at Nigel. A part of her wanted desperately to close her eyes and just pray, but she forced herself to watch. Nigel might need her help, she thought as she held her dagger tightly in her small hand. He might have just shaken the trust she had begun to have in him in one careless statement, but she certainly did not want to see him hurt.

When Nigel cut the man down she felt little more than relief. As Nigel wiped his sword on the dead man's jupon, Gisele wondered if she could sneak away without him hearing or seeing her. Then she saw movement at Nigel's back and she forgot all need to hide, standing up and crying out a warning.

Nigel spun around just in time to stop the attacker from stabbing him in the back. “So, the coward returns,” he said, as he struggled to stand up and gain a more solid footing.

“No coward, fool, but a wise man.”

“It is wise to come back here to die?”

“Not to die, but to gain all of the bounty for myself. I had hoped that one of those fools would kill you or at least hobble you, but they were always poor fighters. Clumsy and inept. Where is the girl?”

“Somewhere where you will never find her,” Nigel replied, pleased that the man had not yet seen her and praying that Gisele would have the sense to run and hide. He knew she was near, that she had been the one who had warned him.

“I do not think it will be too hard to find the murdering whore. I heard her warn you, so she must be close at hand.”

Nigel slashed at the man with his sword, hoping to make the man retreat a little and allow him a chance to move into a better fighting position. This DeVeau hound proved much smarter than the others, however, simply avoiding the strike and keeping Nigel firmly trapped on an uneven ground with a dead body in his way. He was cornered, and he knew it. So did his enemy.

Swiftly reviewing all of the actions he could take, Nigel decided he really had only one, to abruptly attack. It might at least give him the advantage of surprise long enough for him to move out of the trap he was in. If he stayed where he was they would just thrust and parry until he finally lost his footing and was vulnerable to a death stroke. Yelling his clan's battle cry he lunged at his foe, hoping to move the man out of the way by the sheer force of his charge.

It failed. Nigel cursed as the man met his charge squarely, holding him in place. For a moment they fought fiercely, the DeVeau man trying to keep him right where he was and Nigel trying to cut him out of his way. Then what Nigel had feared all along finally happened. Nigel stumbled as a hard lunge by the DeVeau man caused him to back up against the body of the man he had killed earlier. His foe took quick advantage, and Nigel swore in pain as the man's sword cut a deep gash in his side. He blocked the man's next strike, but that sharp move caused him to fall, his sword spinning out of his hand. He sprawled on top of the dead body and stared up at the DeVeau man, who grinned widely as he held the point of his sword against Nigel's heart. Nigel's only clear thought was a prayer that Gisele did not pay too dearly for his failure to protect her.