Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
T he chill of the mist gave Castle Campbell a mystic appearance. The ruined castle loomed over the hillside, it’s huge gates both a beacon and a warning. Once called Castle Gloom, today it earned its name.
Gavin’s boots sunk into the damp moss with each step he took toward the structure he once called home.
Hundreds of years ago he had lived there, and the place was filled with the memories of his family, a time both rich in love and overflowing with reminders of what could have been.
Reaching the lower garden level, he turned, scanning the hillside, remembering how he and his brothers played in those woods, learned to hunt, fight, even have sexual encounters, when they could entice a local lass. Then he was taken, and everything changed.
Everyone he knew was long gone. There would never again be anyone to welcome him. The current clan chief lived near there, probably a distant descendant. In his heart, Gavin new he would never return to live here.
As he looked about, he realized that if indeed his enchantment ended, he did not have any resources.. Although still large, the Campbell’s didn’t plan for his return. The only reminder of his existence was an empty grave marked with his name date of birth and date he’d been dragged to the alterworld.
Sitting on a short wall, he pondered, as he’d often done over the years, how he’d earn his keep upon gaining freedom.
Tristan once told him he’d saved gold for all of them. Gavin would accept it as a loan if need be. Perhaps he’d discuss his limited options with Sabrina.
As if conjured, Sabrina stepped out of a small building. Fastening her coat, she glanced up and looked directly at him. Her face brightened. She gave him a wave then another hand signal he took to mean to stay and wait for her.
Gavin waved in return, startled at the erratic jolt in his chest. He understood why she’d summoned him here, however the castle was now a common stop for travelers to visit. It did not afford any privacy. Perhaps she’d found something helpful here.
“Hello Goldie.” Her breathless greeting was accompanied with a friendly hug. “I’m so relieved I didn’t have to hang around here waiting for days.”
She held her hand out. “Come. I want you to tell me about this place.”
He took her hand feeling somewhat uneasy. Not at holding her hand, but to walk as such, not something he was used to. Surprisingly, her small hand was like an anchor, and he found himself hoping she didn’t pull it away.
“The castle and grounds are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I told the historical society I needed to scout it out for a photo shoot, and they agreed to let us walk around the grounds. If the guard asks, you’re a model.” She pulled him to a side garden. Finding a bench, they sat.
“What is a model? What skills would I possess if I were to be a model?”
Sabrina laughed shaking her head. “Models are people who earn a living posing for portraits, of sorts.” She stood in a strange way holding one arm across her body and another beside her head. “I take photographs of men and women for merchants selling their wares. The models wear the clothing, jewelry or pretend to drive a car to promote…er show off the wares. A photograph is like a portrait.” She pulled out a small flat item and showed it to him, a depiction of her on it.
“This is my license, it allows me to drive, um, manage a car on the road. This,” she pointed at the depiction, “is my picture or photograph.”
“I see,” he nodded understanding that her image had somehow been captured. “Padriag told us about photos. I had not seen one.”
She studied him. “Do you understand what a car is?”
“Aye,” he nodded and pointed to several that were parked. “I have seen them over the years. I find them fascinating.”
They walked for another hour, Gavin telling Sabrina about his life at the castle. The more he talked the easier it became, sharing his life with her. They returned to the small building she’d come out of earlier, and she turned her face up to him. “I have a surprise for you inside.” She wiggled her finger at him, signaling for him to come closer. When he leaned forward, she kissed his jaw, and then opened the door.
The apprehension etched on Gavin’s face filled her with compassion. What had this man been through that totally robbed him of the ability to enjoy the company of a woman, not even trusting himself alone with one? He visibly relaxed after spotting the older man inside.
“Calum Campbell, at your service.” The old man shook Gavin’s hand, looking him over. “It is always a pleasure to have another Campbell on the grounds who dresses the part of our ancestors.” He rounded the table and turned the book on it to face Gavin.
“Pictures of your ancestors and sketches of Castle Campbell as it once stood. A shame you were not here last month, the clan gathered for their annual reunion. Campbells from all over the world attend yearly.”
Gavin studied the pictures as he flipped several pages. His brows pinched, a slight twitch at his jaw the only indication the knowledge that the people were his descendants affected him.
“I may recognize some of these people.”
Mr. Campbell laughed. “I would think not young man, they haven’t been alive for over a hundred years.”
For a long time Gavin studied photographs and sketches of the keep, then he let out a breath. “There are few things that are wrong. The timbers for the gates were thicker...”
“Thank you Mr. Campbell,” Sabrina cut in. “We appreciate your time, but Gavin’s got jetlag. We’ll return again when he’s had rest.” It was best to get him out of here before he began pointing out people in the drawings that he may have known.
The older man gave them a friendly smile. “Return anytime. I enjoy meeting Campbells.”
Sabrina and Gavin walked out of the office, following a stone pathway to where cars were parked. When they reached her car, his face brightened. “I have seen these many times. I would like to ride upon it.”
A man after her speed demon heart.
“Let’s ride,” she told him opening the passenger door.
The drive turned out to be the highlight of the day, Gavin studied her hands intently, asking questions about what she did with the pedals. He took great interest when she had to brake to avoid hitting a cow. Before long he was anticipating when she should slow down or speed up, remarking about it and sometimes even telling her to slow.
Normally she hated backseat drivers, but his comments amused her. Upon spotting a large, flat field she pulled over.
“Since you seem to know it all, why don’t you give it a try. They switched seats and before long Gavin drove around the field with amazing ease. He pulled to a stop and asked how to turn the engine on and off. Then he took off again driving in straight lines, practicing reversing.
The pride in his face pulled at her heart. Who would have thought that the way to relax him would be driving lessons? Her only fear was that the man would disappear, and she’d be left with a driverless car headed for a tree.
“Ease into the road. This is a pretty remote area. Let’s drive to the place I’m staying at tonight.” Sabrina suggested, expecting him to say no. Instead, he smiled brightly and drove onto the road, taking them without incident all the way to the inn where she had reserved a room.
Thankfully, she’d thought ahead and had packed food, just in case he didn’t disappear. They had lunch in the car parked near the inn as she didn’t dare bring him around people as he was dressed rather out of style.
She sized him up. “Gavin, I’m going to buy you modern clothing and some sunglasses to cover your face, when you return, hopefully you can linger for a longer time. What do you think?”
The sunlight reflected off his golden hair, his amber eyes especially light. “Aye, I would like that. I would like to drive again too.”
“I’m surprised you’ve remained so long this time,” she told him watching him empty his water bottle.
“Me as well.”
“No pull back yet?”
“Not yet, but I expect it any time.”
She began putting their discarded napkins and sandwich wrappings back into a bag. “Would you like to see the inside of the Inn?”
Surprisingly, he didn’t hesitate, but instead climbed out of the car and looked with expectancy towards the door of the Inn. “Aye.”
They managed to skirt the front desk and go down the hall to where her room was without being seen.
Sabrina sat on the bed in the guestroom as Gavin used the bathroom. Once inside, he’d asked if there was a place he could relieve himself and she felt bad for not thinking about it earlier.
“Thank you,” Gavin said as he came back into the bedroom, his expression so happy, it made her feel the same. “I enjoyed myself today. It has been a long time since I did.”
She stood, not risking touching him. “I’m glad.” She pointed to the television in the corner. “Do you want to learn about televisions?”
“Nay.” He stood so close that when he spoke his breath warmed the side of her face. She turned slowly, not daring to hope that he would finally kiss her.
Tentative hands cupped her face, his eyes locked on her lips. When he finally did lean forward and touch his lips to hers, those beautiful amber eyes fell closed. The kiss, timid at first, began to deepen. He turned his face sideways his mouth demanding. At first she resisted every instinct to touch him, but when his tongue moved into her mouth, she placed her hands on his shoulders to keep from crashing into him.
His taste was the unique flavor of a man. His soft hair fell forward brushing her face and Sabrina inhaled the smell of outdoors and musk. Wonderful.
His hands traveled down her back, when finally he cupped her bottom pulling her into his hardness, she moaned in relief. His lips began to travel ever so slowly down the side of her neck, his breathing fast.
Gavin straightened, his now-dark amber eyes meeting hers. “Ye are an amazing woman, Sabrina.” He frowned slightly. “I should go.”
“Should?” She was not letting him off the hook that easy. “You said ‘should’, not must. So you don’t feel the pull yet do you?”
He didn’t answer, his gaze flickering to the bed. “I do not.”
The connection between them was tangible, a strong tension that reflected in his gaze. He felt it as much as she did. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. True, it wouldn’t be making love, but sex with him would be a good start. That was if they made it that far.
Remembering what Tristan had stated—that he had to be in control otherwise it could prove dangerous—Sabrina lowered her shoulders and took in the sight of him.
“Just watch me. I am not expecting anything,” Sabrina said moving closer to the bed.
Sabrina drew her blouse off slowly, her green eyes locked with his. Pulling the zipper down on her jeans, she slid them off, stepping out of them. She unclasped her bra and allowed it to drop, not once breaking eye contact. His breathing became labored, and he didn’t look away, the darkened amber gaze traveling over her body. Smiling now at his obvious interest, she slipped her panties off.
Naked, she lifted her arms over her head and turned in a circle. “Like what you see Goldie?” Hoping that making light would help ease some of the tension, Sabrina wiggled her butt. “Are you a butt guy or a boob guy?”
It worked because he huffed and gave her a droll look. “I like everything I see at this moment.”
“I promise I will not touch you, Gavin, but you can touch me if you wish.”
The serious expression returned and after just a moment’s hesitation, he closed the distance between them.
Sabrina stood still, but relaxed. The fact she stood stark naked before a fully dressed Gavin was intoxicating. Her body tingled with desire and anticipation.
Expecting a touch or a kiss, she was surprised, when he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. Perplexed, Sabrina kept her arms down at her sides, unsure of what to do.
Then she felt it, a slight shiver, as if he was cold. Gavin ran his hands down her back, taking his time. The timid touch made Sabrina want to squirm. Instead, she let out a slow breath and lifted her face.
His eyes bored into hers. “You are so beautiful, you deserve a man who is not broken.”
“Will you kiss me?” Sabrina asked, ignoring the last part of his comment. “Because I want you. Only you.”
There was a flicker of indecision in his eyes before he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss wasn’t deep, but strangely passionate. There was no mistaking the desire, the want and need.
When he deepened the kiss, his hands shook as he ran them over her bare skin. “I wish I could bury myself deep in you. I want to be able to sink into your body and claim you as mine.” His husky words made her tremble with desire.
“You will do it. We will break your curse.”
His arms dropped and he let out a shaky breath. There was a light sheen over his face and recognizing the moment of connection between them was broken, Sabrina stepped back and grabbed her blouse, pulling it on over her head. It hung just below her butt.
“What are you not telling me?” She crossed her arms. “I am working my ass off here to help you. If you keep secrets, how fair is that to me and the others?”
He hung his head, and just when she thought he’d not speak, he did. “Even before the curse I could not be with a woman. Because...of what happened to me in the past.
Shame draped over him like a thick wet cloak. “I...I was kept as a…” He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath, his entire body rigid. Sabrina wanted to stop him to tell him he didn’t have to tell her everything. His freedom demanded that she know every detail and it cut her to the core that he had to divulge his darkest secret.
His amber eyes opened, and he looked straight into hers. “I was a sex slave.”
His demeanor changed before Sabrina’s eyes. By the rounding of his shoulders and keeping his eyes averted, he expected revulsion, rejection.
She could not only see the pain, but almost feel it as it was so tangible. Not only did her heart break for him, but rage surged at how cruel humans could be.
“What happened to you is not your fault and nothing to be ashamed about. To this day, humans are being stolen and used in the sex trade. Gavin, I cannot begin to imagine what you went through, and I will not make light of it. Getting past it will be difficult, but not impossible. Look what just happened between us. I would call it progress, and it was nice.”
There was a slight twitch to the corners of his lips. His expression changed, to more relaxed, and he nodded. “I agree. I enjoyed it as well.”
Sabrina shimmied moving her shoulders forward and back smiling up at him. “I know you did, Goldie.”
He began to fade. “I must go now.”
Sabrina hurried toward him and lifted her mouth. Just as their lips touched, he disappeared.
“Talking about being ghosted,” Sabrina muttered flopping back onto the bed.
The following day, back at Dunimarle Castle in Culross, Sabrina hurried into the house and straight up to the guestroom, not wanting to see anyone just yet. She climbed into the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
The night before in the room in the inn, she’d fallen asleep almost immediately after Gavin disappeared.
She’d not tell anyone what Gavin had disclosed, although she expected Tristan knew or had some idea. The poor guy had been through so much before the enchantment, he didn’t need the added burden of others knowing his secret.
Just knowing what he’d endured gave her more reason to save him, to allow him the opportunity to have a normal life, whether it be with or without her. This was not the time to be selfish, not when there was someone like him, who deserved a better life so much more than many.
“Hey, what are you doing in bed? Are you sick?” Gwen loomed over her, reaching to touch her forehead. “I heard you come in about an hour ago.”
Allowing her sister to check for a fever, Sabrina sighed. “I’m not sick, needed some time alone and didn’t want my day ruined by running into Fiona.”
“She’s gone,” Gwen said, a smile curving her lips. “I told her to leave after I caught her cozying up to Tristan.” Hands on her hips and a frown on her brow, Gwen shook her head. “The nerve of that girl.”
Sabrina sat up. “Eww, they’re cousins. Albeit very distant centuries apart cousins, but still, she doesn’t know that? What happened?” She knew Gwen needed to talk about it.
“I went to the stables to find Tristan just as that hussy walked up to him and slid a hand up his chest and told him he was hot. And then said it was a total turn on to do it in the stables.” Gwen held up her finger to make air quotes. “Total turn on.”
“She’s a freak,” Sabrina said and then grinned imagining Tristan’s reaction. “What did Tristan do?”
“He was backing up, pushing her hands away and sputtering something about them being cousins.” Gwen chuckled. “I think he was too stunned to speak clearly.”
“Poor guy. So you came up and saved him then?”
Gwen nodded. “Told her she had half an hour to pack her shit before I’d begin chucking it into the trash.”
“I wish I’d been there to see it,” Sabrina said and then added. “I’m glad she’s gone. It makes things easier with Gavin appearing and disappearing out of nowhere.”
“I tell you what Sabrina, I don’t envy you one bit.” Gwen plopped down on the bed with a huff.
“What don’t you envy?” Sabrina asked, perplexed.
“When you and Gavin get together, with his looks, you’ll need to get a stick or a taser to keep women away.”
Sabrina rolled her eyes, “You assume a great deal sister. He will be a free man. He may not want to be tied down as soon as he’s free. I don’t want him to stay with me out of gratitude.”
She gave his looks some thought. “If he did, I’d buy him the biggest wraparound sunglasses I could find and make him grow a beard.”
“What about that killer bod?”
“Baggy clothes and feed him lots of donuts.”
They burst out laughing, until Gwen studied her.
“Did you do it?” Gwen asked. “Did you have sex with him, and not tell me. You have this strange look about you.”
“No. Well, we kissed. I was naked. But nothing happened. It was an experiment.” Sabrina hated that her cheeks burned.
“I knew it!” Gwen wiggled and clapped. “Details.”
“We did not have sex,” Sabrina insisted. “He has a lot to get past. I understand now why that evil Meliot gave him that obstacle. I won’t divulge his past, unless necessary. Intimacy with him causes...issues.”
She ran her hands down her face and gave Gwen a long look. “Shit what I can tell you is that there is a lot to get past.”
“Wow, the situation seems very complicated,” Gwen said slowly, covering her mouth with both hands. “What an asshole that wizard is. I can’t imagine what happened to poor Gavin.”
“You can ask Tristan. I’m sure he knows what Gavin would be willing to share,” Sabrina uttered.
“I won’t. I don’t need to know such intimate details. If we feel that it’s necessary to break the enchantment, then it should be Gavin who shares.” Gwen stood and looked around the room as if searching for answers to so many unanswered questions. “So where did you leave things after visiting Keep Campbell?”
“I have to work on some kind of strong ward that will allow me to touch him and him to enjoy it without flashbacks or whatever the hell happens to him that causes it to be dangerous.”
“What do you have to do?” Gwen gave her a worried look, her eyes narrow. “Do you have to do something dangerous?”
“Not exactly….okay fine.” She gave up and told her sister.
“Whoever breaks the enchantment, must make love to him. And he has to relinquish himself totally without any hesitation. He has to allow someone...me…free access to his body, which would be extremely difficult for him. At least that’s the gist I’m getting.”
When she was done Gwen’s eyebrows were raised high, her mouth forming an O.
“What are you going to do? The fact that he cannot be touched is what makes the curse hard to break.” Gwen bit her bottom lip. “How to get around it. Lots of food for thought.”
“You think?”