Highland Devotion (The Band of Cousins Book 7) Read online

  He had to try to help.

  Gavin had wed his lass, but would Gregor get a chance to pursue the lass he fancied?

  Foolish to even think it when she was under Sela’s thrall. She might be beyond his reach forever.

  “Anyone catching your eye, Connor?” he asked, when they met up back at the table filled with food.

  “Nay. No Linet, no Sela.”

  “Do you think they’ve left for England already?” Gregor did his best to keep their conversation hushed, which wasn’t difficult with all the giggles and drunken men surrounding them.

  “’Tis possible, but I’d like to wait until Maggie and Will arrive, or even Gavin and Merewen. We need bigger numbers to shut them down.”

  “I feel like we’re coming closer to the leaders of the Channel. If we spread word that ’tis possible, do you think all of the others would join us to put an end to these parasites?”

  “I hope so,” Connor said, glancing around them again. He scratched the side of his jaw, rubbing his fingers against the stubble.

  Two seconds later, the ambiance in the hall changed as a hush settled over the people engaged in unsavory activities. It didn’t take him long to discover what had commanded their attention.

  Every face in the chamber turned toward the front door.

  Sela had entered.

  She stood alone proudly, lifting her chin just a touch when her gaze met Connor’s. Every time they were in the same room, it was as if a bolt of lightning passed from one to the other. It made him question Connor’s insistence that there was naught between the two.

  She wore a purple gown that was nearly black, her white hair down and flowing nearly to her waist, though she had gemstone clips near her ears to hold the strands back over her shoulders. The skirt flowed behind her and was tended by two men.

  Sela had eyes only for Connor and strode directly toward him. When she reached them, she spoke one word to Connor.

  “Outside.” She spun on her purple slippers and never glanced back to see if he followed.

  She knew he would, just as Gregor did. He couldn’t consider turning her down, not when she had control of Linet. They needed her. The question was whether it would be wise to let her know they intended to help Linet.

  He guessed not.

  Whatever Thorn had heard about Sela’s soft spot, he doubted she had one.

  Connor smiled at Gregor—a small smile, more of a quirk of the lips—before he followed her.

  Gregor waited until they left the hall, then made his way out through the kitchens in the back in the hopes that he could overhear their conversation without Sela noticing him.

  He came around the corner just in time.

  “Why did you follow me?” Sela’s voice was strong and clear. He could see them from the side, her profile even more stunning.

  “I didn’t follow you. I traveled to Clan Ramsay, then came here with a message for our king. Don’t flatter yourself.”

  “What message?”

  “’Tis not for your ears.”

  She crossed her arms and was silent for a long pause. “You need to leave this establishment, Connor Grant, and never come back. Take your friends with you and stay away from me. Someday I may not be so kind.”

  “And what would you do to me?”

  How Gregor wished he was close enough to see the expressions on their faces. They made an impressive looking couple. They were both tall, Sela nearly up to Connor’s chin, which was something most men could not claim. But Connor’s dark hair was the complete opposite of her light coloring. The white against the dark was such a contrast that it almost pulled them together rather than reinforced their differences.

  In his eyes, good against evil.

  “If I find you here again, I’ll have you dragged out by my men. Aye, you have Clan Grant behind you, but they are not here to protect you, are they? Stay away or I’ll have my guards give you a beating you’ll not forget.”

  Connor’s teeth were so white that his smile did show in the darkness. “Women are forced to whore for you or fight for you. How do you sleep at night? ’Tis a question I’ve had since I met you in Inverness. Have you no guilt for what you do?”

  “None,” she said, but then she leaned toward him to say something, the words spoken too quietly for Gregor to hear them.

  But he did hear Connor’s comment just before he strode away from her. “I look forward to teaching your men how to fight,” he said, “but I’ll save that fun for another night.”

  ***

  Sela stood at Linet’s bedside the next morning and barked, “Get up.” She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for a response.

  When Linet was finally able to force herself to an upright position, she groaned and then waited for Sela’s orders.

  “Bathe and be ready within the hour. The men will take you shopping for new gowns. The ones you have are hideous and filthy. By tonight, you’ll be working again.” She cast her eyes downward as she went to step away.

  Before she could leave, Linet burst out, “Sela, wait. As a healer? ’Tis what you have planned for me?” She chewed on her lip, awaiting her answer.

  Sela stared up at the ceiling. “I am not in charge of this city as I was in Inverness. I must answer to two men, and one of them is here. You’ll have to do as he tells you. No lasses fight in this city, so we have no need for a healer. You are to join the others in the hall this eve.”

  Linet lost all control. She grabbed Sela’s hand, ignoring how the woman cringed from her touch, and begged. “Please, nay. I’ll do anything you like but that. Please, Sela. I cannot be another man’s whore, I cannot…”

  Sela shook her hand off, though she couldn’t hide the look in her eyes, an expression that made Linet think the woman was not so unfeeling as she acted. The next moment, that glimpse of emotion disappeared. “I understand,” Sela said. “You were abused. Do you think you are the only woman who has ever been abused? You’re not. You’ll do as you’re told or you’ll be disciplined. I have no idea how they carry out discipline in Edinburgh. I have no control over this at all. They control me.”

  She left without another word.

  How had Sela guessed her secret? Linet rubbed her arms, doing her best to make herself feel again, the numbness in her skin scaring her a bit. She glanced around their small chamber, but she was alone. Where were Alys, Ivetta, and Maude? All three were gone. How she wished she had someone to talk with about this decree.

  Anyone.

  Flouncing back onto the bed, she decided she didn’t care. About anything. Any. Thing. She swiped at the tears forming on her lashes, wondering what choice she had.

  She should have gone home with Merewen.

  She should have told her mother.

  She should have run away when she had the chance.

  The door opened and a man stood in the opening. “You have five minutes to be down at the back entrance.” He closed the door without waiting for a response.

  And Linet did as she was told. Just like always.

  Chapter Nine

  Gregor and Connor sat at the table in the main hall watching Nari and Thorn devour their porridge. Gregor said, “One more bowl, Thorn, and we must be on our way.” They hoped to find some sign of Linet, or perhaps to follow Sela, if they could find her, and see where she led them.

  Thorn patted his belly. “One more might fill my belly, at least, until high sun.” He shoveled the rest of his bowl into his mouth and held the empty one out to be refilled.

  “Do you have a hole in your toe that you’re dropping all that food through?” Connor asked with a smirk.

  Half an hour later, the group set out through Edinburgh, a cold gray mist shrouding the town. Gregor said, “Lads, I’ve a task for you. Where do the ladies in this city congregate?”

  “There’s a shop for the noble ladies,” Nari said at once.

  “Where? Take us there,” Gregor said. It seemed as good a lead as any. Sela wore plenty of fine gowns.

  “The
re’s the castle, too,” Thorn said. “More nobles near the castle than anywhere else.”

  Connor glanced at Gregor, who then said, “Thorn, you take Connor to the castle. Nari and I will go where the ladies shop.”

  Perhaps neither of them would find anything, but it was better to have a destination than to walk around aimlessly.

  They split and walked toward their individual destinations. Gregor froze as soon as Nari led him around the final corner to the street where the shop was located.

  Linet stood out like a beacon to him, the rest of the women in the area paling in comparison to her. Her beauty called to him, but the stateliness she usually emanated had fled. Even from afar, he could see she was trembling.

  She wore an air of distrust and unhappiness. He had to speak to her, to ensure she was all right, although that could prove difficult. She was surrounded by about ten guards, with two other lasses inside the group.

  They had no muscle, so they’d be easy to take out, but he was alone. Well, not alone but with a child nearby. What was he to do?

  Nari leaned toward him to say, “You see, those lasses are headed into the manor house for gowns. They’ll go in for a few hours and come out with packages.”

  Gregor stood to the side, hoping to catch Linet’s gaze, but she was too upset to notice what was unfolding around her. She was frightened to death, if he were to guess.

  He had to do something. Moving across the street from the shop, he waited to see what would happen with the guards. As he suspected, the goons stood out front, none of them following the lasses inside. He found a linen square, stepped inside a lawyer’s establishment to find a writing implement, then wrote a note to Linet.

  When he finished, he gave it to Nari and said, “Check for a back entrance, sneak inside, and give this to the dark-haired girl in the blue dress.”

  Nari gave him a serious nod, hurrying to do as he was bid. Gregor waited a few moments, then sauntered across the street to wait for Nari. If he was successful, then Linet would be coming out the back door soon.

  How he prayed to see her beautiful face.

  ***

  Somehow, Linet must have gotten through to Sela. On their way out, Sela pulled Alys aside. She didn’t address Linet at all, although she gestured for her to come closer so that she might listen.

  “If I have my way, your duties will change. You’ll fight instead of whore. Keep that in mind and find an outfit for each of you similar to what our fighters wore in Inverness.”

  “Do you think ’tis possible?” Alys asked.

  “I’ve tried to convince him before, but I was unsuccessful. You’ll fight Ivetta in front of a crowd, and when he sees how the men react, he’ll understand that he can make more coin from wagers than by giving you other duties.”

  “And Leena?”

  Sela showed no emotion, but her answer was exactly what Linet had hoped to hear. “If we fight, they must have a healer. Leena is the best available to us. I’m confident he’ll change his mind, but men cherish the illusion of being in control. You must also choose two regular gowns with low necklines for each of you.”

  A flicker of hope returned to Linet. Ivetta had changed rooms, although no one knew why. Perhaps the lass had overestimated her ability to steal Sela’s position. Perhaps Sela would have her way and life would return to normal, if the lives they’d led in Inverness could be called normal. While Linet had considered trying to find her way back to Ramsay land, she’d be sick if she had to return.

  She was done submitting to that kind of abuse.

  Ivetta did not go to the store with them, thank goodness. Linet started to peruse the clothing with Alys and Maude when suddenly a young lad raced into the room and handed her a linen square. Befuddled, she barely had time to think before he raced out again.

  Alys leaned over her shoulder as she opened the linen square, revealing the note scrawled across the inside.

  Linet,

  Please meet me outside. Use the back entrance. I must speak with you.

  Gregor

  Alys whispered, “What does it say?”

  Since Linet doubted Alys could read, she lied. “I’m not sure. I think ’tis just from an admirer. I’m stepping outside for a moment. I need some air.” She fanned her face to convince Alys of her lie.

  Alys grabbed her sleeve, tugging lightly. “Leena, please be careful. If the guards see you, you’ll get in terrible trouble.” The look on her friend’s face tugged at Linet’s heart. The lass was truly concerned for her well-being.

  “I promise to be careful. I still feel a wee bit sick. If I must heave, I’d rather do it out back than in here,” she lied, saying a quick prayer for forgiveness.

  “Would you like me to go with you?” Alys asked.

  “Nay, I don’t wish for you to see me in such a state.” Hopefully, Alys would accept her explanation even though she’d seen the note. “If anyone asks, tell them ’tis what I’m doing.”

  Alys nodded, her face brightening, so Linet guessed she accepted this.

  She moved through the doorway and stepped into the gray cold. Her heart pounded faster in her chest as she moved through the trees in the back, pleased to see it was presently empty. She had no idea what Gregor Ramsay wanted, but she feared it could be about Winnie or her mother, so she searched outside, surprised to see that the handsome man waiting for her was indeed Gregor Ramsay.

  The boy she’d admired had become a strong, braw man, yet his eyes were still impossibly kind. Gregor gave her faith that a man could be gentle and good. She wished to touch him, but if she did, she knew she might lose the strength to stay away from him.

  “Greetings to you, Gregor. Is Winnie hale?”

  Gregor stepped closer to Linet so he was within arm’s reach of her—and yet, he still leaned in closer.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  He blushed, standing back. “Forgive me, but I caught a scent of lavender. It reminded me of when we used to read together. You smelled so sweet.”

  She didn’t tell him that she carried a flask of lavender oil with her everywhere, putting the smallest touch on her hair whenever she washed it.

  He cleared his throat and said, “Merewen is fine. She and Gavin are probably celebrating their wedding on Ramsay land.”

  “They married,” she smiled wistfully. “I was hoping they would. Merewen deserves someone good.”

  “As do you. You deserve a better life than what you will be given here in Edinburgh. I’ve come to take you home.”

  Instinctively, she took a step back from Gregor. His arm reached for her, but she pulled away from him.

  Gregor looked upset. “I’d never hurt you. Do you think I would?”

  “Hurt me? Nay, but I was afraid you would grab me, drag me away.”

  Gregor scanned the area before he spoke. “’Twas foolish of me to think you would come willingly. Merewen told me you wished to stay with this group. Why? I cannot fathom why you would choose this life over a good life at Clan Ramsay.”

  He had no idea how much she wished to go with him, to follow him anywhere. He would protect her and take care of her, she knew that for certes, but she could not return to Ramsay land. Where else would the chieftain’s own brother go? And how could Linet explain herself to Gregor? She couldn’t tell him the truth—she couldn’t bear it. Besides, he’d likely blame himself, or his brother.

  Or…would he think it all her fault?

  Too ashamed to tell the truth, she instead faltered until she could come up with a suitable explanation. “I…I…was unhappy there. While I was taken from my bed against my will, I was glad of it when I found a new life with Sela. She protects me, and I have value as a healer.”

  “Who took you from your bed?”

  “I don’t know for certes. I was given something to make me sleep. I never awoke until I was in Inverness. It does not matter.”

  “Aye, it does, Linet.” He stepped forward and reached for her fingers, clasping them between his warm hands. “You were k
idnapped, and I want to know who dared to steal you from your bed on Ramsay land. We are concerned for other lasses. I wish to find this criminal. He needs to pay for what he did to you, whether you are satisfied with your condition or not.”

  She couldn’t fault his reasoning. She worried for others as well. But there was little she, or anyone, could do to fight this group.

  “I don’t know who he was. If I remember anything, I’ll let you know.” The heat of Gregor’s body and that warm, concerned gaze began to suffuse through her. His closeness served as a warning to her. If she left with him, she’d lose her heart to him within a sennight. Nothing between them had changed—he was the brother of one chieftain and the son of another, and she was still a ruined lass unworthy of him. If she let herself love him, her heart would be broken, yet another reason why she should stay with Sela.

  Gregor stepped closer, his breath now close enough to warm her face. “Linet, could there not be something between us? Did we not share something when we spent all that time together?”

  She couldn’t stop the nod any more than she could stop the tears that suddenly flooded her cheeks, but she quickly brushed them away. Gregor was handsome and polite, strong and virile, intelligent and protective. He would make someone a good husband, but he could never be her husband.

  His finger touched her chin, softly lifting her gaze to his. She was lost in the chestnut brown, the color of the richest wood in the forest.

  “May I kiss you, Linet? I’ve wanted to for a verra long time.”

  She lifted her chin and nodded, quelling her tears as his lips touched hers, searing her with the essence of Gregor Ramsay, probably forever. What could it hurt? She couldn’t have him, but she could have this moment. It would be something to treasure, just like the gift he’d made her.

  Gregor tasted of porridge, of promise, of hope, but mostly, of the good things in life. He angled his mouth and swept his tongue inside her mouth, stroking hers. Their tongues tantalized each other until she stepped back, shocked at her own lusty behavior.

  She gave him a shove, and he quickly stepped back.

  “Did I do something wrong?”