Chapter Fourteen
By the time the night came this particular day, Hendry was barely able to trudge to his cottage. Had it been two or three days since he last slept? It didn’t matter, he was still upright, which was better than others.
While mourning the loss of their comrades, men whom they’d trained with, worked with, and lived with, they still had duties to perform.
They’d spent days bringing bodies along with horrible news to mothers, wives, and children. The laird’s guards helped to dig graves, helpless against the wails of breaking hearts and devastation.
Villagers had come and helped to bury the dead MacLeods. Although some had managed to escape during the chaos of battle, those captured were executed. Their bodies joining those already lining the mass grave.
It was a dark time for Clan Ross, an occurrence that would linger for days to come as the injured began to heal physically, though there were some who’d never return to battle.
Once inside his cottage, Hendry stripped off all his dirty clothes and threw the offensive items into a corner.
Then using water his squire had brought, he washed the lingering smells of death and blood from his body.
A proper bath would have to wait. He was much too exhausted to make his way to the loch or wait his turn at the bathing area near the kitchens.
Still fully naked, he fell onto the bed, praying for a dreamless slumber.
Raps on the door woke Hendry and he pushed up from his bed, groggy and unsure of how long he’d slept. The door opened and Tobin walked in followed by two lads, each carrying a bucket of water.
Without a word, the squire went back out and with the same lads, rolled in a wooden tub.
“Sir, the water is warm. I brought it from the kitchens upon noting there was nae a line for bathing.”
Looking to the window, it seemed the sun was either rising or falling. “Is it morning?”
Tobin shook his head. “It is close to last meal. Ye slept the entire night and most of this day.” The squire motioned to the tub and Hendry went to it as the young man poured in the water, giving the empty buckets to the lads who rushed out to refill them.
Once the water was delivered, Hendry instructed Tobin to give each lad a copper coin.
Sending his squire away, Hendry bathed with quick movements. Although his muscles ached, and the warm water helped to soothe them, he didn’t have time to linger. Once cleansed, he would go to the great hall to eat and help wherever was needed.
Hendry had just fastened the ties of his breeches and was rummaging through his trunk for a tunic when a knock sounded at the door.
He paused, frowning. His squire never knocked. Neither did the warriors under his command, they usually barged in, asking questions, and rarely cared for propriety.
“Enter,” he called, returning to the tunic dilemma. Most were too worn, riddled with holes and stains. He finally settled on one that appeared mildly presentable, if still a bit threadbare.
“I brought ye something to eat.”
He froze.
He didn’t dare turn, afraid it was a trick of memory, or longing. But then her dog, Teller, trotted over and pawed gently at his leg, tail wagging and let out a cheerful bark.
“I’ll set it on the table for ye,” she continued. Her footsteps were soft but unsteady as she crossed the room, arms trembling under the weight of the tray she carried. She lowered it carefully onto the table, a hearty meal of roasted meat, a small pot of stew, and a basket of bread.
She clasped her hands in front of her, her eyes meeting his with a flicker of nervousness.
“Ye’ve not been to any meals,” she said in a soft voice. “I asked yer squire, and he only said ye slept. He came just now to tell me ye were awake.”
She looked utterly worn, her beautiful face drawn, dark shadows beneath her eyes hinting at sleepless nights. Still, she came. Still, she brought food.
He moved to the table and pulled out a chair. “Will ye join me?”
Ailith glanced at the hearth where Teller had curled up in front of the fire. With a tight smile, she lowered herself into the chair.
The silence between them wasn’t strained, it was heavy, yes, but familiar. The weight of shared grief. Shared battles. Shared blame.
He retrieved two cups from a shelf, then poured the honeyed wine she’d gifted him and placed one in front of her.
Ailith looked from the cup to his bare chest, her gaze trailing to the bandaged wound on his shoulder. Where her eyes landed, his skin tingled, alive as if touched.
“Err… I should put on a tunic,” he muttered, retreating to grab it from atop the trunk and pulled it over his head. The fabric felt like armor against feelings he hadn’t dared acknowledge in years.
“We best eat before it grows cold,” he said.
“It’s only enough for ye. I already ate.” She sipped the wine, avoiding his gaze.
He ignored her words, fetched a second bowl, and carefully served her a small portion before tearing off a chunk of bread to rest on top.
They ate in silence, yet it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was… peaceful. As if they’d sat together a thousand times before. Companions forged in something deeper than friendship.
“How’s yer wound?” she asked quietly. “Is it healing.”
“It is. Barely aches.”
She eyed the empty pot. “Would ye like more? I could fetch more.”
“No.” His voice was gentle but firm. “Ye dinnae need to serve me, Ailith. Ye’ve done more than enough.”
He’d seen her in the past days, carrying bandages to the wounded, pressing cool cloths to burning brows, never stopping, never resting. She moved like a woman with something to prove. Or perhaps something to atone for.
“Where are ye sleeping?”
Ailith gave a small shrug. “Here and there. Teller and I find a corner when we can.”
He frowned, and she rushed to add, “It’s fine. It’s what I want. I feel like… I need to… to make things right.”
Without thought, he reached out and took her hand. Her fingers were cold.
“Ailith, ye have mourned. Ye lost yer husband. And now ye’ve done much to help others. It’s time ye rested. Ye’ve more than paid for anything that ever was.”
Her shoulders slumped, and the tears came suddenly, silently, streaking her pale cheeks. “I’m so verra sorry. Please… Please forgive me.”
Hendry rose and gently pulled her up into his arms. She was far too light, too fragile, and trembling like a leaf. She buried her face in his chest, clutching at him as though he might keep her from falling.
It was guilt, he realized. She was drowning in it. And much too exhausted.
“I forgive ye, Ailith,” he murmured. “Ye are a good woman. A kind soul. Dinnae carry this any longer.”
He lifted her and carried her to the bed, laying her down gently and slipping off her shoes and then drew a blanket over her.
“Sleep now. I’ll be here to watch over ye.”
She blinked up at him, eyes red-rimmed, hopeful but uncertain. “Will ye hold me? Just… until I fall asleep?”
He hesitated only a breath before lying beside her, drawing her into the curve of his body. She nestled into him with a sigh, her cheek against his chest.
He soothed her like he had in another life, when they’d been together, before everything changed, his hand moving slowly down her arm.
“Sleep,” he whispered again.
A caress stirred Ailith from sleep, fingers trailing down her arm. The touch so tender, it brought tears to her eyes. There were too many if onlys to count, as her heart filled with hope that she could redeem herself in Hendry’s eyes.
He would be the only man she would ever love, and once back in her little cottage in the forest, it was this instance that would help her endure the lonely years to come.
Wishing to feel more of his heat, of his muscular body against hers, she snuggled closer and inhaled the smell of him.
Masculine with a scent of what he’d used to bathe in, something herbal.
She imagined the rustic cleansing bar moving across the hard planes of his chest, down his flat stomach, and then…
She closed her eyes tighter, pushing away thoughts that had the strength to lure her into the depths of passion.
Already her breathing was coming in short gasps, telling him that she no longer slept. However, as his breath continued in a steady rhythm, it was possible he continued to sleep.
Pushing her luck, she stretched upward and pressed a kiss to the juncture of his jaw and neck. The pulsing of his heart steady against her lips.
Hendry instantly reacted, his hold on her tightening, his face turning to hers. “What are ye doing?” There was no recrimination in his expression, merely something akin to curiosity as his gaze moved from hers to her lips. Her throat went dry.
“I-I am sorry. I should nae have…”
When his mouth crashed over hers, Ailith couldn’t help the moan that escaped as her as her body flared to life.
Ailith kissed him back with wild abandonment. Clinging to him. Clutching the course fabric of his tunic. Needing. Wanting. Pleading.
When his tongue teased, she gladly accepted the wonderful intrusion. There wasn’t a need for talking or any kind of explanation. Their bodies conversed in the language of passion, desire, and raw hunger.
They tore at each other’s clothing. Removing the garments clumsily. Yanking away each piece as if it were offensive, not caring where it landed when tossed away.
Not soon enough, skin pressed against skin. Hands roamed over each other’s bodies in a dance of reacquaintance.
How beautiful he was. His battle-honed body was strong, thick, and powerful. Ailith wanted to drink him in, but at the moment it was impossible to keep from what both desperately needed.
Once again, they kissed, taking from each other with their mouths, lips, and tongues.
Ailith pulled at him, urging him to cover her with his body and when he came atop her, she almost cried.
Years disappeared and they became the couple who loved each other unconditionally. Their bodies honed to one another. Instinctively knowing what the other wanted and how to bring about the greatest pleasure.
His powerful leg spread hers, and she arched into him the burning heat so intense, it was almost painful.
Guiding himself, Hendry prodded at her sex, then strong hands slid beneath her and lifted Ailith from the bed as he thrust into her.
It was exactly how she enjoyed lovemaking, not gentle or tentative, not at first. She preferred it hard, fast, and rough.
He was large, thick, and very hard. His manhood delving deep into her, each thrust harder than the last, instinct taking over.
Instead of calming, the fire grew until it consumed her. Ailith thrashed under him, unable to contain her body’s reaction as a wave began to crest.
She was mewling by the time she crested, her entire body shuddering, her fingers digging into the bedding as her back arched from the strength of the climax.
Oh, how he knew her. Understood her. Hendry didn’t stop. Neither was he gentler. Instead, he continued driving and thrusting harder, his body slick with sweat.
As the second wave grew within, Ailith grabbed Hendry’s hips, pulling him deeper. The sounds of their bodies clashing intermingled with his hoarse voice, a melody to her ears.
The tide pulled her under, every inch of her seizing as another release burst. The sounds she made were low and guttural.
Hendry’s feral growl filled the space as he arched his back, the tendons of his neck straining from the powerful release.
Drunk with love, Ailith pulled Hendry closer and covered his mouth with hers. The kiss didn’t last long as both were pulling in gulps of air.
The weight of his body when it collapsed atop hers was wonderful. The bedding dipped and allowed her to breathe despite his weight.
Idly, she ran her fingers down his back, glad for his soft grunt of pleasure at her ear. She allowed her hand to slide further down until reaching the roundness of his bottom.
They remained without moving for a long time, still joined, neither wanting to break the bond.
Finally, Hendry slid from her but kept her against him. He pressed kisses to her throat, making a trail down to her shoulder and beyond until taking the tip of her breast into his mouth. Ailith let out a soft hum of enjoyment as his tongue began to swirl around it, flicking and teasing.
So lost was she in the sensations that she gasped when his fingers slid between the folds of her sex.
Hendry caressed her wet, swollen flesh with tenderness, gently circling the sensitive nub. Instantly tingling traveled down her legs and up into her stomach. A flicker of warmth growing into a full-fledged fire with each movement of his fingers.
She reached for him, wrapping her hand around renewed hardness. Automatically his hips moved into the hold. Ailith stroked the silky flesh, loving the way he responded with satisfying moans.
“Stop,” Hendry said, pushing her hand away. “I must have ye again. Not in this manner, but fully.”
He pulled her over him. “Take me, lass. Take all of me.”
Ailith had never made love in this manner, her lovemaking with Brant had been only with him on top.
The mechanics of how it would work seemed obvious, yet she wasn’t sure if she was meant to lay upon him or remain upright.
Sensing her confusion, Hendry took her by the hips, lifting her. “Guide me into ye.”
She did as he instructed, and he gently lowered her until he filled her in a completely different way. Her eyes rounded; it was as if he’d grown larger, thicker, fuller.
“Remain like this,” he gasped out. “Place yer hands upon my chest and lift and lower yer body.”
She did as he told her, feeling completely exposed as his hungry eyes took her in. Surprisingly it made her even more aroused.
Lifting and lowering, Ailith soon found the rhythm that suited them, an easy pace, his sex filling her completely.
Soon, although growing weary, she couldn’t stop, the nearing release demanding she continue. She wanted to cry with relief when Hendry took her hips, helping her move. She trembled, almost dreading the explosion that was to come. Then she came, her sex milking his as it tightened around him.
Hendry stroked her where they were joined, sending her into an entirely new release, so extreme, her body spasmed.
Through the haze, she was pulled against his chest as Hendry continued moving in and out of her body, once, twice, and then he too lost control.
Ailith collapsed over him, utterly spent. “I love ye so much.”
Instantly she regretted blurting out the words and prepared herself to be rejected.
If he was to send her away, she would accept it.
She knew she didn’t deserve him.