Surrender of a highland.., p.4
Surrender of a Highland Smuggler, page 4
“I need to follow that man.” She pointed to Callum.
The stranger’s brow creased.
“Can you take me, sir?” she asked.
A wide grin spread across his face, and for a moment, she thought perhaps she’d chosen the wrong accomplice. There was something roguish in his sparkling eyes. She couldn’t tell their color from where she was, but they were illuminated with mischief that made him appear strangely childlike.
“Why should I do such a thing?” he queried, not in a condescending way but in a captivating voice that dripped of delight.
His lip quirked up on one side as if he were concealing delight at her request.
“I can pay.” She had plenty of coin hidden in the pocket of her gown.
The fellow’s gaze skimmed across her form, not seeming to study her as a woman but taking in her measure, probably debating whether or not she could deliver on the money.
He seemed satisfied.
“You know that’s one of Will Douglas’s men?” he questioned.
“Yes. I know who it is.”
“And you’re not afraid of that crew?”
“No.” She was annoyed by the question, and they were running out of time. “He’s getting away. If you won’t help, I’ll find another way.”
She squared her gaze on the stranger and prepared to run toward the stable Callum had exited to see if she could hire a horse of her own.
The pirate nodded, then glanced back to Callum, who was galloping away.
“Why not?” the man said as if convincing himself that there was no harm.
He extended his hand and pulled her onto the horse. She sat behind him and peered around his shoulder. Callum became a blur of motion rounding the side of the building.
“Hold on. We’ll have to catch up,” the man instructed.
She clasped her arms around the man’s waist, and the steed shot off. The stranger smelled of salt and the sea and reminded her of someone she knew, although she couldn’t place the pirate. Despite the energy that radiated from him and screamed danger, she felt an odd sense of security with the man.
As they dashed on in silence after Callum, she gripped tight to the man’s torso and fought the emotion she’d pushed to the back of her head.
Heartache.
She’d not stopped to examine Callum’s earlier rejection of her, but now his dismissal pierced her, colder and angrier than the ice that clung to the eaves in a desperate winter.
Her thoughts turned to the past, a beautiful sunny day like this one. A day when she’d been spying on her aunt, but instead of getting an earful of gossip, she’d become smitten with the man she was now chasing.
Olivia’s heart had skipped a beat when the young man had sat on her uncle’s sofa and began repeating his proposals. Sure, he was handsome and had dressed to show off his strong chin and dark, luscious hair, but that wasn’t what had captured her curiosity and had her peeking from behind the curtains. He was smooth with words and utterly charming, but that wasn’t what had piqued her curiosity either.
It was the vulnerability she saw when he thought no one was looking.
Before she’d known what she was doing, her instincts had taken control again. She didn’t know why she’d ask him to meet her, but as she’d watched him stroll by St. Andrews Cathedral, the blood in her veins raced in a way it never had before. She’d always been impulsive, but meeting a stranger on the street was unladylike, and her aunt wouldn’t approve.
Callum’s ebony jacket hung perfectly on his broad shoulders, and he wore trousers that hugged long, lean legs. Despite his fine attire, he was more comfortable here in the streets than in her uncle and aunt’s drawing room.
There was something wild and unattainable about him, and that appeal propelled her forward.
She wasn’t sure what to say when she stepped in front of him.
They stared at each other a moment before he said, “Ye came.”
“I always keep my word,” she replied.
“And why did ye? Ye have nae reason to assist me.”
“I do.”
“What is it?”
“I like helping people, and I’m new to Aberdeen. My family is quite busy and not making the time to introduce me to new acquaintances.” She shouldn’t be so honest, but the compulsion to be frank with him was undeniable.
And it was true. Her uncle could barely remember what day of the week it was, her aunt was occupied guiding him through his daily activities, and her cousin, Hugh, was smitten with the young lass he was to marry in the fall. Since arriving in their home last month, she’d hardly seen anyone but the servants.
Her family in Scotland had been kind enough to take her in after what had happened to her and her parents, but she was an afterthought.
“And,” she continued, “I find you intriguing.”
Callum grinned at her, mischief and approval in his eyes. His interest in her was thrilling since it was the first real attention she’d experienced in months.
“For yer support then, I will teach ye all ye need to know about this bonny city.” He seemed not to want to take her help without giving something in return.
“And I will tell you how to win over Uncle.” She’d not lived with this part of her family long, but they’d visited her often in England, and she knew her uncle was a man who sought logic when making business decisions.
Unlike Olivia, her uncle never gave into his gut feelings, preferring to analyze opportunities from every angle.
It was the same way her mother had been.
Satisfied with the arrangement, she’d pointed to a bench in a nearby park. “We can begin now. Will you follow me?”
“Aye, Sunshine. I will, even if it gets me kicked out of the Garden of Eden.”
She and Callum had spent each day after that pouring over numbers—at a different pub, a new park, a bench with a scenic view of the ocean. He introduced her to his adopted family, the baker, the owner of the Aberdeen Atlas Emporium, and countless others.
That summer, she’d fallen completely heart first in love with him. She thought he’d felt the same, but now she wasn’t sure if it had all been a lie to get to her uncle so that Callum could pursue his ambitions in the whisky trade.
It was a business that had only ever brought her heartache.
Their pace slowed, reminding Olivia that she was on a horse with a stranger, chasing the man who had promised her the world, then—what had he done? Faked his death? Let her believe he was gone all these years? Chosen not to follow her to England?
Callum dismounted and guided his horse into a stable in a quaint little village that reminded her of a painting she’d seen once. Warm, wooden buildings lined the street as people mulled about. A small mountain in the distance didn’t blot out the sun, illuminating the landscape as if the artist knew the town was special, but the onlooker didn’t yet know why.
When they neared the outskirts of the area, the man stopped the horse, choosing to keep distance between himself and Callum.
“I’m assuming you want off here,” he said.
“This will do, thank you.”
The pirate helped her dismount, and she gazed up into eyes the deepest shade of blue—the color of the sky just before the sun set. They were captivating and filled with mirth, but something was broken beyond their surface as if he were a hero in some ancient tale who had been battered by a storm and was attempting to rise again.
Although Callum was her sole focus, she was intrigued by the stranger.
What could have almost destroyed such a strong, wickedly handsome man? She found herself rooting for him to pull through whatever divide had swallowed him.
“Here,” she said as she reached into her pocket and took out the promised payment.
When she held it out, the man looked confused for a moment, and then he smiled as he seemed to debate if he should accept her meager offering or ask for more. She hoped it was enough because she’d miscalculated what she had, and this was all of it.
“Keep it. You may need it to get back,” he said.
His gaze traveled around the small square surrounded by tall oaks, and he examined the gently rolling hills that enclosed this picturesque little valley. The stranger inhaled deeply. “I enjoyed the jaunt into the countryside. I don’t see it enough.”
She smiled and said, “Thank you.”
As she stuffed the coins back into her pocket, the stranger’s regard darted to a tavern they’d stopped near.
“Watch yer step in there. Ye dinnae ken what kind of danger he’s heading into.”
Her mind was instantly on fire. How did the man know that was Callum’s destination? What danger?
But her first question was, “Do you know Callum?”
“I know of him.”
She nodded as the man turned to go.
He called over his shoulder, “If ye run into trouble, head back to the city and seek out the King of the Docks.”
As he steered his horse to leave, she searched her memory for where she’d heard that name before. A chill ran down her arms. Perhaps she’d chosen the wrong accomplice in her quest to get answers.
Well, it was done now. With the dark stranger disappearing from the way they’d come, she turned toward the stable, headed to the exit, and waited for Callum to emerge.
As Callum slowed, Aed squealed his displeasure at the unfamiliar surroundings and the decreased pace. The animal seemed to love the thrill of riding hard. He stroked the beast’s neck. “I’ll have an apple for ye when we return if ye’re good.”
That earned him a nicker from the horse. Callum wasn’t sure if the sound meant Aed was delighted at the offering or laughing at him because he’d given in so easily to the horse’s temperament. Either way, he needed the stallion to cooperate until he could return it to Bran.
Despite the horse’s ire, Callum thrived out of the city. He felt at ease, as though he didn’t always have to be proving himself. This area reminded him of the life he’d wanted. One where he had his own property, a sustainable profession, and a safe space where he didn’t have to worry about people leaving him. Perhaps that was why he’d become obsessed with the land to the southwest of this quaint village.
The homes nearby were surrounded by lush fields of thick grass, heather, and thistle bushes that abutted a dark, dense forest with a magical quality. The mossy coolness and varied shades of green sparked memories of the fairy stories Bran would tell him and Cole when they were younger.
He’d traveled this route many times but never stopped at the charming town. He regretted that he had not done so and hadn’t formed a relationship with the locals. The families that lived on the adjacent lands might soon be his neighbors.
The Singing Swan had a sturdy appearance. It was built from large brown stones held in place by white plaster. There were several buildings nearby—a tavern, a bakery, and a few establishments that were probably businesses of some sort, but Callum didn’t catch the names on the signs.
A lad waiting for patrons lazed around the entrance of a stable with an open door. It was a welcoming sight. The structure was connected to the side of the pub.
He steered that way and dismounted.
A crack of light illuminated through smoky, fast-moving clouds, and thunder boomed in the distance. Aed seemed to become more belligerent with the coming storm but was reluctantly drawn forward into the enclosed space, where they were greeted with the scent of sweet grains and animal sweat.
“I won’t be long,” Callum said to the horse in a voice loud enough for the stable boy to hear. “Can ye keep him ready to go? He’s a feisty one.”
“Aye, sir, I’ll take right good care of ‘em,” the eager lad returned.
Callum exited the well-kept barn and stepped out into the early evening air. The fresh scent was so different from the mingled smells of city life. Cypress and lavender mixed with the chill of moist air.
A cool wind whistled over his skin, and it seemed darker than when he’d entered the small space. Burgeoning, gray clouds hid and cooled the afternoon sun. He shivered and then turned his sights toward the tavern.
Olivia stood in his path.
Balls, what was she doing here? Had she followed him?
He blinked to be certain he hadn’t imagined her.
She was real and looking at him with eyes that beckoned him to share his deepest secrets.
His heart clenched.
He’d fallen for that before, and he would not let her in again.
A deep inhalation was needed to shake away the pain. He didn’t want her to know how much her leaving had hurt him, so he stiffened his spine and attempted to pretend that she was an unwanted apparition.
It was hard to do because her arms were wrapped around her shoulders as if she were hugging herself, giving her a vulnerable air. He knew differently. She was stronger than most of the women, hell, even the men he knew.
She was wild and untamed. Her hair was in disarray, but in a mussed way that had his traitorous brain remembering the first time they’d almost made love. His body tightened, and he cursed it for wanting her still.
A simple blue gown embraced her features, and while he couldn’t be sure from the cut of the fabric, she appeared thinner and frail. He fought away the worry.
“How did you get here?” he asked.
“I hired a man to follow you.” She pointed down the road he’d traveled to a horse and rider fading into the horizon.
He couldn’t help the smile that crept in. She’d sought him out.
“One of yer uncle’s men?” He squinted to see if he recognized the figure seated astride the retreating animal. The form was familiar, but the fellow was too far away.
“No.”
“Who then?”
She shrugged.
“We didn’t exchange names, but I suspect him of being a pirate,” she jested, then smiled.
The conversation felt easy and comfortable until he realized what she’d done. She’d solicited a stranger to escort her out of the city and away from civilization. Had she lost her mind?
“Balls, Olivia. Ye are too trusting.”
Anger bubbled and boiled in his breast.
How could she take such a risk? And why did he care?
He used to love how impulsive she was and how she’d rushed headlong into their relationship. There had been a spark in her that had delighted him from the very beginning, but that wild side of her had also crushed him.
If she weren’t careful, it would undo her as well.
“We need to talk.” She straightened her shoulders and met his gaze straight on.
A fierce wind whipped around them, and her loose curls bobbed around her cheeks defiantly. Her headstrong beauty held a hint of insecurity in the depths of her gaze—something he’d never seen there before.
A drop of rain splattered on his cheek, then another on his forehead.
“Not right now, Sunshine.” He couldn’t resist trapping a strand of hair in his fingers, savoring the silky strands, then tucking it behind her ear. He was careful not to skim her flesh, although he was sorely tempted to know if indulging in the smoothness of her skin would still quicken his breath.
“I have other worries.” Callum released the curl, then swallowed.
He attempted to step around her, but she moved to block him. Her brow crinkled as he gave her his sternest glare, the one he gave the children at Camelot when he was done with their antics. His withering stare didn’t appear to work on her. She studied him as if she could read his very soul, and she recognized it was all show.
Olivia was quiet for a moment before she nodded, then conceded, “All right, my queries can wait. What can I do to help?”
“Ye can help by leaving,” he countered casually.
A boom sounded from the heavens, and the clouds began a casual weeping.
Thick drops of water pelted his head and made him wish to seek shelter, but the rain didn’t affect Olivia, who stood her ground.
She was untamed, just like this summer squall. They were the perfect match.
“I would never willingly leave you,” Olivia lied.
She could and would desert him. He knew that too well. He glanced away and attempted to collect himself.
“And I have no way to get back.” She tilted her head toward the now empty road.
She reached for his hand, but he drew back, afraid if she touched him, his flesh would erupt into flames.
“I have so many questions, but let’s take care of your problem first. What is it?”
He didn’t want to tell her, but he’d never been able to control his words around her. She saw through his façade every time.
“This is dangerous. Go home,” he hedged.
“My home was with you.” Her voice caught in her throat, and the sound rent something inside him. Why did she have to say that as though she meant it?
She stepped closer.
“Cole has been taken,” he blurted out.
Olivia’s eyes widened, then her gaze traveled down to the earth as she absorbed his words.
“I need to find him, so I don’t have time for this.” He waved a hand between them to indicate their troubles were secondary to locating his twin.
“I’ll help,” she volunteered.
A gust of wind whistled by him and rustled in his ears. He thought about turning her away, but currently, he would take any help he could get.
“What happened.” Olivia shivered.
“That’s what I’m here discover.”
“This was the last place he was seen.” Callum nodded toward the pub and edged around her to move forward. She locked in step next to him.
The clouds opened more and spewed buckets of cold liquid on them as they dashed for the sturdy, wooden portico-covered entrance. Once safely underneath, he dusted the rain from his jacket with the palms of his hands. Then he stood tall.
“Inside.” Callum dipped his head toward the door.
Olivia graced him with a small smile. He drew the door open and stepped in to assess the area and the clientele before allowing her in. The aroma of stale ale and pipe tobacco wafted toward him.
A cluster of boisterous red-faced men chattered like popinjays at the far-right corner of the main room. They appeared deep in their cups and absorbed in a serious conversation. The six other clean tables in the room were devoid of patrons but were welcoming as if waiting for an evening crowd to arrive. Each boasted a candle with flames dancing invitingly, casting a lovely glow in the well-kept establishment.
