The Scot's Quest (Highland Swords Book 4) Read online

  Derric Corbett.

  Small butterflies fluttered in her belly at the sight of him, at the realization he’d built up his tall, lanky body during their time apart. When her gaze met his, the many moons of separation dissolved into a heat of need she didn’t completely comprehend except that she liked it.

  She’d always felt immune to men, until she’d met Derric Corbett. Her attraction to him was raw and wild, and it opened her up in a way she’d never experienced.

  This spring, she’d coerced him into going off with her on a journey to find Coira. Her older sister Lora had run away and joined Clan MacLintock, and Lora had been desperate to be reunited with her. Their mother had passed on, and their father didn’t have the time or inclination to take care of such a young child. Lora had been raising her, or near enough. So Dyna had promised to bring the wee lassie to MacLintock land.

  The lassie’s father had happily agreed, the old bastard.

  Derric had gone with her, along with a few guards. Their trip had been uneventful, but something had seethed between them the entire time. She’d wanted to touch him, to kiss him, but they hadn’t had much time alone. Until they brought Coira home. Derric had led Dyna outside to say goodbye, and he’d said it better than any other goodbye had ever been said.

  With his lips.

  He’d left her with a kiss—a searing, passionate kiss that had made her feel an indescribable need, something that had overpowered her senses and her reasoning. A need to taste him, to feel his hardness against her. That need had insisted on being released in some way.

  But then he’d left.

  He’d only been back for a few moments, and he was already affecting her the same way.

  Damn it all. She would never allow herself to be controlled by a man, even if he wasn’t trying to control her.

  And yet, at the same time, she had the odd urge to allow Derric to control her completely, without a speck of clothing on.

  She lowered her bow as Derric dismounted in front of her, tying the reins of his horse on a nearby bush, his long blond locks swaying in the wind. The man even had an interesting hair color. Most of the time it appeared blond, but it bore hints of red on sunny days. Not nearly as red as Joya’s, but still red. He strode toward her, his wide grin telling her that he recalled the way they’d parted as clearly as she did. Did he feel the same strange rush of heat?

  Then she couldn’t help it. Her gaze raked over his body from his handsome head to his toes. Hellfire, the quirk of his brow said he’d caught her. Had she no shame?

  “I see you’re as pleased to see me as I am to see you.” He stopped in front of her, his green eyes searching every part of her, then he set his hands on her shoulders. Leaning forward, he lowered his lips to her ear and whispered, “Just say aye, lass.”

  She wanted to deny him, if only because he was so infuriating, but instead she found herself leaning toward him. Reaching for him.

  His response was a growl as his arms wrapped around her, tugging her so close that their bodies melded together. She yanked him closer, whimpering with delight when his mouth finally met hers, his tongue stroking hers.

  She gave him better than she got. His response was to lift her off the ground and hold her against his body, so close that she could feel his hardness through the rough fabric of his trews. Her nipples peaked, begging to be set free of their constraints.

  He ended the kiss, and as a last attempt to save face, she pushed against him and said, “Enough.”

  He winked. “I don’t for one moment think ’twas enough for you. I see you haven’t forgotten our last meeting either.”

  Her gaze narrowed, and he took the warning for what it was, stepping out of her reach. “Now be nice, Diamond. I know you’re happy to see me. I assume you don’t greet everyone like that.”

  “Nay, I don’t. And why do you still insist on calling me that?” She wasn’t sure whether to be offended by his pet name for her.

  She crossed her arms to keep from reaching for him.

  “Diamonds are the most beautiful jewel of all, are they not? The clearest and the hardest.”

  “And I’m clear and hard?”

  “Clear? Nay, that word is all wrong for you. Mysterious and beautiful fit you better, so mayhap I should call you sparkly. Hard? Well, let’s just say you’re tough to take down. I’ve yet to see any tears, and most women I know cry when a drop of rain hits them. Tough would be a more accurate description. Does that offend you?”

  She pursed her lips, chewing over his answer. To be called tough was, to her mind, a better compliment than beautiful. “Nay, you have not offended me, but ‘sparkly’ is not a word I’d use to describe myself.”

  “Well, I’m rather fond of my name for you.”

  She gave him a light tap on his shoulder with one of her arrows, something he probably didn’t even feel through the thick fabric of his tunic. Then she glanced up and down his body, pleased to see her first assessment had been correct. Derric had been working hard to build his upper body size and strength.

  “Enough jesting,” she said, tearing her gaze away from his body. “Why are you here?”

  “I came to visit my sister…and you. Is that not allowed?” he asked, setting his stance wide and crossing his arms. “She is here, is she not?”

  “Aye, she’s here, but I can tell you’re hiding something,” she said, moving about the meadow to collect her arrows to return them to the quiver. She could sense it in the way she knew things.

  What secrets did Derric Corbett hold?

  She bent over to retrieve an arrow, glancing back at him—only to catch him staring straight at her arse, his gaze quite pleased with what he saw. She bolted upright.

  Something flickered on his face, but he recovered quickly. “I have naught to hide. But I can tell something is wrong. What happened?”

  “Naught. Why do you ask?” She bent over again for the next arrow and watched him, not surprised to see his mouth drop open. If a huge pine had been felled next to him, sending a hundred crows into flight, she doubted he’d have noticed.

  She stood up and turned to him, a wee smile on her face because now she had something she could use against him.

  He knew his lips had a special way of tormenting her. That she couldn’t change.

  But now she knew he liked her arse.

  “You can’t fool me, Diamond. You may have an uncanny ability to guess the future, but I have my own special skill.”

  “You do?” she drawled. “Please do tell. I’ve been trying to determine if you have any at all.”

  “My skill is the ability to tell when something is bothering you. And whatever ’tis, I can see ’tis weighing heavily on you. What has you so upset?”

  She responded with a loud sigh and said, “Two Scottish sheriffs came to warn us that the English are after Grandsire again.”

  “Who sent them?” His expression turned serious, his comportment telling her he was as upset by this news as she was, though of course that was impossible.

  No one worried about her grandfather the way she did. Mayhap Alasdair had before he’d started a family with Emmalin, but now he was more focused on his wife and children. Her other cousins were no better, both of them newly married, turned daft from marriage, sex, and the possibility of bairns. Nay, it was up to her to guard Alex Grant. She was the only one who could think clearly.

  But only if Derric wasn’t around to cloud her mind with his hard biceps and long blond locks. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. “Edward’s son, the new king. He’s a fool, but we’re inclined to take the threat seriously. Grandsire may not be safe here anymore. I may have to return to Grant land with him.”

  “That would be perfect,” he said, a sly grin building on his face.

  “Why?” she asked, drawing it out.

  “Because I’m headed north. Mayhap you’d like to travel with me. Edward’s son will not let up and King Robert could use your skills. He needs to convince a few ornery Scots to support him inste
ad of this daft new English king.”

  Her arrows all packed up, she said, “Only if Grandsire decides to travel that way. I go with him. Come inside, you can visit with Joya for a few days, then we’ll decide who is going where.”

  She made it over to her horse and had just settled her things when she found herself airborne. Landing on her saddle with a huff, she shouted, “I can mount my own horse, if you please.”

  “I do not doubt the truth of that statement, but it would have denied me the chance to touch you.”

  “I suppose you’re going to keep trying that the whole time you’re here?” she asked.

  His smirk was answer enough.

  Then he also winked, because Derric could never be satisfied so easily.

  She scowled back, but truth be told, she was looking forward to this visit.

  ***

  When Derric entered the great hall, Alasdair’s son, John, rushed forward, Coira directly behind him. Her face lit up when she saw Derric. She’d become quite fond of him on the journey to MacLintock land some moons back.

  But John wouldn’t let her step past him. “I proteck you.”

  Coira stopped, and John peered up at Derric and asked, “You Engwish?”

  Derric ruffled his hair and said, “I’m not English. You remember me, do you not?”

  John spat into the bowl at one side of the door, and Coira ran to Derric’s side, tugging on his trews. He hoisted her up and settled her on his hip. “Are you happy here, sweet one?”

  Coira giggled and nodded. “Lora is here, too, but she’s up there.” She pointed to the balcony. “And I have someone to play with. He’s not mean to me. John likes me.”

  He felt rather than saw Dyna watching him, but before he could look back, Joya sprung up out of the chair where she’d been sitting near the hearth. “Derric?” she said in disbelief, hurrying over. He set Coira down and hugged his sister, grateful to see her looking so hale.

  A quick glance revealed the hall was empty but for Joya and the bairns—Ailith was playing with some fabric animals. The sound of a closing door had him turning around, and he saw Dyna had left. Part of him wanted to go after her, but Joya started leading him over to the hearth. “You are well, sister? Does Els treat you kindly?”

  “Aye, he does,” she said, sitting down and gesturing for him to do the same. “We’re waiting to see where we go next. You came in with Dyna, so I’m sure she told you about the situation with Alex.” When he nodded, she leaned forward to whisper. “I can see he’s troubled by this. More so than he has been in the past. I don’t know what he has planned, but he’s conjuring something up.”

  As if he’d known they were speaking about him, Alex Grant strode into the hall, still walking on his own with nothing for support. It truly was a marvel. Perhaps it was because he lived on the road and on the run, but Derric had never known anyone as old as Alex Grant. Alex approached them directly.

  “Greetings to you, Alex,” Derric said.

  “Corbett. Tell me what news you have for us? Have you seen any garrisons nearby? Any small factions of soldiers near here?” The elder Grant’s intense scrutiny sometimes unsettled him, but he answered him as best he could.

  “Nay, I’ve seen no one. I intend to stay here for a few days, assuming no one has any objection”—his sister beamed at him—“then head north to catch up with King Robert eventually. I have a couple of errands to do first.”

  “So Robert is going north. I’d heard the rumblings, but I’m grateful for a direct account. They say England’s new king has run back home. I hope he stays there.”

  “He still has the coin and the men to order about as he wishes,” Derric cautioned. They’d certainly felt the sting of it more than once.

  The door burst open, and Joya’s husband, Els, entered the hall with Alasdair. “Corbett,” Els called out, “we heard you were here. We’re going hunting. Care to join us?”

  “Sure. If my sister doesn’t mind,” he said, glancing over to see her reaction.

  “Go,” she urged. “I want you to get to know Els better. Go and have fun!”

  “May I grab something to eat first? I’m sure you have better offerings than what I’ve had the last few days.” His stomach growled in anticipation of a warm loaf of bread or a fruit pastry.

  “Aye,” Alasdair said, “we won’t be leaving for half an hour. I’ll show you where you can sleep so you can settle your things. You’re staying awhile, aye?”

  “If you’ll have me, I’d like to visit with Joya for a few days. Then I’m headed north.”

  “Follow me,” Alasdair said. “Joya can find you something in the kitchens while I show you to your chamber.”

  Derric followed Alasdair upstairs to a chamber at the end of the passageway. “There are four beds in here, but no one is using it at present. You have it to yourself.”

  “Many thanks to you. This suits me fine. I enjoy sleeping on a bed once in a while. You know how hard the ground can be.”

  Derric threw his saddlebag and a few things onto a nearby chest as Alasdair turned to leave. Except he didn’t leave—he stopped at the door and said, “I hope you aren’t here to play with my cousin’s feelings.”

  Perhaps Derric should have expected something like this, but he hadn’t. Alasdair had caught him completely off guard. He set his hands on his hips and asked, “What exactly do you mean by that?”

  “I know you like to taunt Dyna, and I see something between the two of you. But remember, she’s not some camp follower to be used and tossed aside.”

  Derric’s back bristled at the implication, but he reminded himself that Alasdair had a right to be protective of his cousin. And this was his castle—Derric was relying on his hospitality. “I would never do that to Dyna. I have more respect for her than any lass I’ve met other than my sister.”

  “Good, although I do recall you not having much respect for your sister. Either way, you need to respect Dyna or you’ll have many to answer to here at MacLintock Castle. Or anywhere. Keep that thought foremost in your head while you’re a guest on MacLintock land.”

  Alasdair gave him one final steel-eyed glance, then left. Bloody hell, but the man seemed to be more like Alexander Grant every time he saw him. Alex could unsettle him with just a look. He didn’t wish to have the same with Alasdair.

  Derric slumped onto one of the beds, thinking over his words. He was lucky Alasdair had phrased it as a mild threat and not a question. In truth, he wasn’t quite sure what his intentions were. Did he need to think about it on MacLintock land with all of Dyna’s male cousins around?

  He thought of Senga, how she’d been all soft and curvy, always smiling. He’d enjoyed her company, for certes, but he’d never considered marrying her. The only time they’d spent together had been in bed.

  Then he thought of Dyna. Diamond was a challenge, but one that invigorated him. Talking to her was almost as much fun as kissing her, and he’d loved every minute he’d spent with her. She was easy to taunt and tease, but he only did it in fun. At first, she’d taken him too seriously, but now she seemed to understand that many of his comments were meant as jests.

  She was the one he was drawn to, the one he’d come to see here on MacLintock land. Dyna was the kind of lass he’d marry, not Senga. But did he have a chance with her?

  He intended to find out. Before he searched for Senga, he needed to understand this hold Dyna had over him. Why did he go to bed every night with ice blue eyes on his mind? Why did he keep reliving every conversation—and kiss—they’d ever shared? That had to mean something.

  But what will you do if the lassie is your daughter?

  He didn’t think it likely, but it was possible. And if it was true…

  He knew the honorable thing to do would be to propose marriage, but could he? Knowing he and Senga didn’t suit would make it difficult to commit to marrying her. Especially since he cared so deeply for another woman.

  He shook his head, telling himself to slow down. First, he needed to
see if he and Dyna suited. Once he knew the answer to that question, then he’d seek out Senga, find out the truth of the wee bairn’s parentage.

  A knock sounded at his door and he answered. Joya stood outside and said, “I have a meat pie and an ale for you. Elspeth brought some water to freshen up. The others will be leaving shortly, so don’t delay.”

  “My thanks. I’ll be right along.” He took the small meal and Joya headed back down the stairs. Elspeth left a pitcher and departed as quickly as she’d arrived.

  He washed his face and hands from the ewer of water Elspeth had brought, pouring it into a basin and using a linen square he found in the chest by his bed.

  Then he left, a little unsettled that he was about to go hunting with the Grant men, all of whom probably felt as Alasdair did, but he reminded himself that he could learn from them. He’d certainly picked up sword skills from fighting with them.

  He had to hope Dyna wouldn’t go along because she’d be a sheer distraction for him, and all of her cousins would notice.

  The shape of her sweet arse was firmly implanted in his mind.

  Chapter Three

  Derric rode out behind Alasdair and Els. “My sister says you make her happy, Els. My thanks to you for that.”

  Els grinned. “We are happy. More than I thought possible. Now if we could put an end to the threat against Grandsire, we’d be able to relax a bit. Help Alasdair build a new tower since he’s always having guests.”

  “And it would be most appreciated,” Alasdair said. “We’ll hope for a bountiful table this eve. Emmalin already has the loaves of bread baking along with the lamb pies and pear and apple tarts. Just need the boar or a nice deer.”

  “I like the sound of it,” Derric said. “Boar is plentiful here?”

  “Boar and pheasant,” Els said.

  As soon as he finished his sentence, an arrow sluiced over their heads, taking out a bird mid-air, landing not far from them. Dyna flew by them on her horse with a grin on her face. “I have my quarry.”

  Derric rode behind her to see what she’d felled. He glanced behind him to make sure no one else could hear him. “Nice pheasant, Diamond. Plump breast that will taste sweet, I’m sure.”