A Bridge Through Time: Book 1 of The Thistle & Hive Series (12 page)

“I won,” Cailin crowed victoriously.

“I can see that, but I had you beat until my horse came up lame.” Ashley was checking each of the animal’s hooves, searching for stones. She ran her hands down each of his legs, speaking softly to the creature as she looked for anything that might give her a clue to his sudden lameness. “He must have stepped on a rock as we were racing,” she announced.

“You are a wonder, Ashley, lass.” Cailin had dismounted from Cadeyrn and watched her quietly.

“Why’s that?”

“I’ve seen ye do more things in the last few days, than I’ve ever seen any other lass do.”

“I like to think I’m pretty capable.” Ashley straightened up, happy to know Cailin wasn’t intimidated by a woman who could take care of herself.

“Leave yer horse to graze and come with me.” Cailin walked back to Cadeyrn and removed the saddle packs. From one, he removed a second plaid and laid it down on the grass. From the other, he retrieved bread, cheese, wine and some fruit. He’d also saved a sweet cake for them to share, from the supplies he’d been handing out to the children all morning. Cailin placed the food on the plaid he’d lain out and taking Ashley’s hand, motioned for her to sit down. Once Ashley was settled on the ground, Cailin lay down beside her, stretched out on his side. Long legs, clad in deerskin breeches and boots caught her attention, as she brazenly looked him over from head to toe.

Ashley knew Cailin was aware of her perusal and he looked pleased about it. So much for not being an open book.

Ashley watched as Cailin picked up the cheese, cut a slice with his Sgian Dubh and much to her surprise, delicately pressed it to her lips. His fingers brushed gently against her lips and remained a moment longer than was necessary. A thrill ran through her body at the very intimate gesture and she glanced away, suddenly hyperaware of the closeness of the handsome Scotsman. Cailin continued feeding her little pieces of everything, as he fed himself. He handed Ashley the wineskin and she swallowed thirstily, aware he was watching as she drank. When Ashley handed it back to him, the intensity of his gaze caught her off guard. She suddenly felt extremely shy and turned her attention to the view across the field.

“I believe ye owe me a favor, lass. I did win the race, ye ken.”

“I would’ve won…” Ashley began to protest.

“But ye didnae.”

She rolled her eyes at him and laughed. She was enjoying this bantering with Cailin MacBayne, very much.

“Okay. Technically, you won. So what favor do I owe you?” Ashley knew she was in trouble, the second the words left her mouth and Cailin snaked his arm around her waist, drawing her close.

“I’d like the favor of a kiss,” he whispered huskily, his gaze on her lips. “I enjoyed the last one so much; I’ve decided I’d like another.”

Before she could respond, his lips met hers in a gentle kiss and without thinking; she kissed him back, exploring his silky, soft lips. Her hands trembled as she placed them flat against his hard chest. Cailin drew her down to lay beside him on the plaid and wrapped her in his arms, deepening the kiss. The electricity between them built, spreading warmth throughout her entire body. His tongue pressed against the seam of her lips and Ashley yielded to him with a low groan, unable to control her response. A mewl of satisfaction escaped her throat as she sank further and further under Cailin’s spell. She slipped her arms around his neck, and Cailin released her lips for a moment, their eyes met and he pressed his forehead to hers. The mutual want they held for one another needed no words. Cailin kissed his way to her jaw and then trailed his lips down her throat, as Ashley tossed her head back and tried to remember how to breathe. His mouth continued lower down, to where the top of her breasts peeked out from the bodice of her gown, his hands exploring and caressing her curves. Everywhere he touched, Cailin left a burning sensation, as if Ashley’s skin had caught fire. He cupped her breasts in his large hands and Ashley gasped as her nipples pebbled. She ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying the touch of it against her skin and delighted to discover it was as silky as she’d imagined. She buried her nose in his neck, breathing in the scent of him… pine, leather and something else, which was distinctly Cailin. He lifted her chin with a finger, so that he could see into her eyes.

“Ashley, love-” He broke off what he’d been about to say and his lips met hers again, sending her mind and thoughts reeling.

A loud clap of thunder interrupted them and they both glanced up at the sky, which was rapidly darkening with the approach of a storm. They’d been so enamored of one another; they hadn’t noticed the wind picking up. It appeared it wouldn’t be long before they found themselves stuck in the middle of a downpour.

Cailin reluctantly loosened his hold on Ashley and flashed a brilliant, Hollywood-movie-star-type smile.

“We’d best be gettin’ back.” Cailin stood up, drawing Ashley to her feet and kissed her lips once more. Her legs were a bit wobbly and Ashley was glad when he steadied her against his long, lean frame.

“Come, lass, we must hurry.” He bent and picked up their belongings, wrapped her in his plaid and grabbed her hand as they ran for his horse. He vaulted into the saddle easily and then reached down to lift Ashley up, settling her in front of him. Cailin wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

Ashley wriggled for a couple of seconds, trying to get comfortable and felt the evidence of Cailin’s desire, resting firmly against her bottom. She tried to move away, but Cailin pulled her closer still, chuckling softly.

“Ah, Ashley, love, do ye ken what ye do to me?” His warm breath tickled her ear when he spoke.

“It would be hard not to,” she giggled shyly.

He kissed her neck and moved Cadeyrn forward. They trotted to where Ashley’s horse grazed and Cailin reached out and grabbed the reins.

“Ye need a name fer yer horse, lass.”

“Technically, he’s not my horse, I just borrowed him.”

“Aye. I ken that, but yer not going to bring him back are ye? So I think ye should name him.”

Ashley considered Cailin’s words. It was certainly true; she wouldn’t be returning the horse to Thomas, so it would make sense to give him a name if she intended to continue riding him.
At least, until she returned to her own century,
she reminded herself firmly. “I’ll have to think about it.”

*****

Cailin started the journey taking them home. He loved holding Ashley in his arms, but he wasn’t sure if he’d make it back to the castle in once piece, not with her backside rubbing up against him in the most pleasurable way imaginable. He hadn’t wanted to stop kissing her and would likely have taken it much further if they hadn’t been interrupted by the impending storm. Much further than he should. She was a lady, and it was his sworn duty to protect her, even from himself. No matter what his body was telling him, Cailin was determined to treat her with the respect she deserved.

“How about Destiny?” The object of his thoughts suddenly announced.

He was so preoccupied with the discomfort of his painfully tight breeches, that it took almost a minute for Cailin to realize she was talking to him.

“Destiny?” he repeated blankly.

“Yeah, because I think perhaps it was my destiny to be here, on this adventure with you.”

“‘Tis a good name,” Cailin agreed.

“Then Destiny he’ll be from now on.” Ashley sighed contentedly and Cailin was equally dismayed and delighted when she nestled back further into his arms.

Cailin knew Ashley was very aware of the effect she was having on him, and it became obvious soon afterwards that the lass had decided to have some fun with it. It began with Ashley occasionally wiggling around, resettling herself in the saddle. Cailin would growl deep in his chest every time, and she’d apologize profusely and wiggle again, causing him even more misery.

“Lass, could ye possibly stop with yer wrigglin’ and sit still,” Cailin pleaded after the tenth ‘adjustment’.

“Oh, I’m sorry, am I bothering you? I’m just not used to riding in tandem like this.” She tried, unsuccessfully, to hide her smile from his view.

“Aye, ye be botherin’ me, and if ye dinnae stop, I’ll nae be responsible for what happens.”

Ashley batted her eyelashes at him and managed to look as innocent as a newborn babe.

Cailin huffed out a frustrated breath and dug his heels into Cadeyrn’s flanks. “We dinnae have far to go, and I think for your sake, lass, the sooner I get off this cursed horse the better,” he grumbled.

The sound of Ashley’s delighted laughter could be heard across the fields, even as the wind picked up around them.

NINETEEN

Lightning flashed in the distance, followed closely by the rumbling of thunder. Ashley buried her head in Cailin’s chest and he tightened his hold on her. She’d always been afraid of thunder and lightning, ever since childhood. When she was a little girl, her mother would reassure her, saying it was just the angels bowling in heaven. While the image captured her imagination, she still couldn’t help but be scared during a storm.

“Wheesht, lass, dinnae fash. We’re home now,” Cailin announced, as he galloped the last few hundred yards towards the castle.

Ashley looked up from his chest, in time to see the gates of Breaghacraig opening for them.

The boys ran outside from the stables, ready to relieve the couple of their horses. Cailin jumped down from the saddle and helped Ashley to the ground. He instructed the boys on how to tend to Destiny, as Ashley’s horse was limping quite badly. Satisfied the horse was in good hands, Cailin wrapped an arm around Ashley and hurried her inside.

*****

Irene greeted them at the castle doors, as the first drops of rain let loose from the sky.

“Ye’ve made it back just in time. Ashley, yer shaking with cold. Come, sit by the fire, and warm yerself.”

The wind howled outside and rain pelted the stone fortress. The world could be falling apart out there, Ashley thought, but she felt safe as long as Cailin was nearby.

“Ashley, have some Uisge Beatha.” Irene handed her a cup of amber liquid and Ashley studied it covertly for a second or two, before sniffing the liquid surreptitiously. She sipped it and a smile lit her face. It was whiskey.

Irene handed a second cup to Cailin. “All is well to the north?” she queried.

“Aye,” Cailin agreed, draining his cup quickly.

“Robert and Cormac will be back soon, I hope,” Irene said, watching the doorway anxiously.

“The weather will nae keep them away. They’ve ridden in worse,” Cailin reassured his sister.

Cailin’s eyes met Ashley’s and held as she sipped her drink. Ashley silently cursed the storm that had forced their return, even though it was probably a blessing in disguise. She really shouldn’t let the attraction they had for each other go any further. After all, she couldn’t stay. It was that simple. Or was it?

The door banged open a few minutes later, and a drenched Cormac and Robert sloshed into the room. Irene rushed to relieve them of their wet cloaks. She placed them near the fire to dry and then handed Robert and Cormac mugs of Uisge. The two men huddled by the fire and quietly sipped their drinks, steam rising from their sodden clothing.

Robert was the first to speak. “We found evidence that Sir Richard has been on our lands,” he stated grimly.

“Aye. Cian and Kate’s cottage was burned to the ground and the two were left for dead,” Cormac muttered darkly. “They managed to escape into the woods without being noticed by Sir Richard’s men. We’ve brought them back to safety with us.”

“They’ll be staying here until it’s safe for them to return home. Kate was badly beaten, and will need some tendin’ from Ann. Cian’s injuries were nae as bad, but he needs tendin’ as well. I’ve had Helene settle them into the solar above the great hall,” Robert added.

“I’ll find Ann and arrange for some warm food and hot water for bathing,” Irene announced, heading towards the door.

“Can I help, Irene?” Ashley offered.

“Nay, lass, ye stay there by the fire. I have all the help I need.” With that, Irene hurried out of the room, calling out to servants as she left.

*****

Ashley stared wide-eyed, from one man to the next, trying to comprehend such an attack on innocent people. Finding her voice, she asked, “What about Finn and Heather, will they be attacked?” She couldn’t bear it, if anything happened to that sweet little family.

“We’re ordering our tenants in to the outer bailey, until we can run Sir Richard off. ‘Twill be crowded, but if need be, we can get everyone through the gates in a hurry. We’ve lookouts posted along our borders. They’ll alert us to any danger.”

Did ye see Donal and Fergus, Robert?” Cailin was frowning, obviously concerned for his men.

Robert nodded, pouring himself another mug of Uisge. “Aye, we met with them at the burnt-out cottage. They’d been following Sir Richard and saw what happened. They knew there was naught they could do tae stop the attack. Two against twenty are nae good odds, but they bided their time and were able to help Cian and Kate to safety. We arrived shortly afterwards, and Donal believes the men they followed were nae the only ones Sir Richard has about. They saw messengers being dispatched in three different directions. So, there may be as many as eighty to a hundred men approaching us, from all sides. I’ve sent more men out to search for evidence of these elusive bastards. But until we know for sure how many we’re dealing with, keeping the clan close is best.”

Cailin paced back and forth, deep in thought. “We have enough men prepared for battle; we should be able to handle them easily. Ye think they’re unaware we know their plans?”

Robert nodded firmly. “Aye. It seems so.”

Ashley suffered a sick feeling, deep in the pit of her stomach. Fighting was something that she had only ever seen on the news, she’d never seen a battle in real life, and this situation, in this time, could only be worse than her imaginings. These people, who had been so kind to her in the past few days, could be hurt or killed. She turned to Cailin, finding he was watching her closely. Tears welled in her eyes at the thought of what could happen to them, and yet they all seemed so maddeningly calm. Cailin knelt in front of her and gently brushed a single tear from her cheek with his thumb.