“Training with the soldiers?”
“Aye, that’s my sentiments. He also related that she has made admirable progress in learning her duties as a lady and providing for her clan. What she lacks is another female’s perspective on her accomplishments, someone who can provide insight on how to handle a few rebellious incidents and reinforce her overall confidence. And as I have told Dunlop over and over again, that is not enough reason to risk my family traveling into a hostile environment.”
“Then why is Dunlop forcing the issue?”
“Because Colin told him to. My brother knew exactly what my reaction would be. But what he failed to realize was that on this matter I will not relent. Colin will just have to fare on his own.”
With the whole story finally revealed, Laurel sat for several moments thinking. The solution was obvious, but she would have to use some of those devious ploys she had just told Aileen were not her style. Only for my family, she rationalized to herself.
Clapping her hands on her legs, Laurel rose and walked over to the basin to wash her face. “Well, you are certainly right about the twins,” she began offhandedly. “They are not leaving the safety of their home. I will have to see if Brighid is available to look after them while we are gone.”
Conor felt his temper start to slip again. “No, Laurel, I won’t discuss it. You are not going. I forbid it.”
Laurel visibly bristled. She patted her face dry and gave him her most withering stare as she returned to his side. “It would be wise not to dictate what I can and cannot do. If I recall, this approach has not worked well for you in the past.”
Conor found himself mesmerized by her swirling deep blue and gray eyes, flashing with indignation. Lord, he loved her. “Threatening me has not worked in your favor either, love,” he lightly countered.
Laurel exhaled and let him maneuver her between his legs. “You’re insufferable when you are right,” she retorted, gently slapping his shoulder.
Conor smiled. She had called him insufferable. Her strange pet endearment indicated she was not going to fight him about staying in the Highlands. He had won.
Laurel took a step back and slowly unlaced her wrap, throwing it on the chair nearest to her. Her thin chemise did little to shield her body from his view. The scooped neck hinted at the pale skin it covered, her hidden breasts rising up and down with each breath.
Conor moved to stretch out on the feather mattress as he felt himself harden. Just looking at her gave him intense pleasure.
Laurel moved slowly to the edge of the bed. Conor watched her chemise fall to her waist and then to the floor. She threw her hair back over her shoulder, revealing the soft, vulnerable curve of her neck. God help him, she was driving him to distraction.
Laurel slipped underneath the covers and moved to his side. “Conor, it will be very hard leaving the twins. I don’t think we should be gone for more than a few weeks. Four at the most.”
Conor pulled back from the soul-searing kiss he was about to plant on her lips. “You are not going, Laurel.”
Reaching up, she stroked her fingers lightly through his dark hair. Then turned to fluff the pillow and snuggle closer to him. “I’m too tired to pack this evening. Glynis can help me get ready in the morning. Oh, and I will need some time to discuss the twins with Brighid. I think I can probably be ready after the noon meal,” she finished, reaching up to place small kisses along his chin and lips.
“Laurel…” Conor began, pulling her shoulder so that she faced him once again.
Undaunted, Laurel asked, “Is it possible for Finn to stay behind? Since you will be with me, I would like him as well as your brothers to remain here with the twins until we return.”
“I told you—”
Laurel put a finger against his lips. “And I was thinking, if there is time, I would like to stop by your favorite spot—remember the one you showed me near Stirling Castle?”
Conor did remember. He remembered everything about the trip where he rescued and fell in love with her on his journey home. Part of which included a quick stop at one of his favorite respites. They had not made love there, but he had mentally vowed never to miss the opportunity ever again.
All he could do was nod as the mental vision of her naked on the private cliff danced in his mind.
Laurel beamed him a mischievous smile. “And I thought this time, we can do more than just look at the view….”
Conor swore to convince her to stay home in the morning as he rolled her beneath him and began to press hot kisses down the column of her neck. Reaching her ear, he described in erotic detail what he intended to do to her. Laurel moaned and moved closer, and Conor knew that at last the conversation was over and his original plans for the evening had begun.
Chapter Fourteen
Conor waited patiently for Laurel to join him. Riding on the gray stallion he had acquired for her two years ago, she approached him still smiling the same grin he had put on her face the day before.
They had stopped at the vista he had found as a guardsman many years ago. One could sit forever and stare at the sky caressing the earth and sea. Two days ago, they had enjoyed it in sensual and fulfilling ways that made Conor contemplate turning their unexpected trip into an annual occurrence.
“Is that Lochlen?” Laurel asked, arriving at Conor’s side.
They were on a small crest, but it provided a good view of the castle, its walls, and the gently sloping land stretching around it.
“Aye,” Conor replied. “We’ve been on Colin’s land for over two hours.”
Laurel nodded, glad they were close. The small group had moved slowly, and Conor was showing no signs of being in a hurry to see his brother. Laurel, however, was more than ready to arrive at their destination. She didn’t mind sleeping outside for a day or two, but after a week, she was ready to enjoy a bath and a real bed.
Seamus, one of Conor’s elite guards, guided his horse next to Conor’s and pointed. “Someone approaches. And they ride hard.”
Conor recognized Colin along with two dozen men. Dunlop must also have seen his laird and ridden out to greet him. Signaling for Laurel to follow, Conor moved to meet his brother at an unhurried pace. He could see both the joy and relief in Colin’s expression when he saw Laurel.
“Conor! Laurel! You came! I am both surprised and comforted. I gave Dunlop orders to be persistent, but I must admit I was prepared for your refusal.”
Conor pinched his brows together and beamed an icy look at his brother. “I did not agree. In fact, I am completely against the idea. And as soon as you and I are alone, you will learn exactly how displeased I am that you would even ask Laurel to put herself in danger.”
Laurel nudged her mount forward, interrupting Conor’s glare. “Lord, Conor, the way you are talking right now your brother would never believe me if I told him that only yesterday you were thinking we should come and visit every year.”
Conor opened and then closed his mouth, shifting his heated gaze from Colin to Laurel. She shrugged, completely unconcerned.
Colin watched the interchange, appreciating the chemistry and friendship Conor and Laurel shared. Last summer, he had traveled to see the first of the next generation of McTiernays. He had not been around such affectionate banter since their parents had been alive and he found his brother’s lighthearted and often passionate exchanges with his wife very uncomfortable. He had not admitted it at the time, but he had been desirous of what they shared. Deep inside he knew that only relationships built with honesty, passion, and trust could endure. Friendship and admiration were not enough.
Laurel ignored Conor’s open rudeness and addressed Colin. “I am so pleased you invited me. It has been some time since I have been in the Borders. Magnificent country.”