Page 35 of Bride of the Beastly Laird

What he had not been prepared for, was the sheer hell of knowing she was only mere paces away from him on the other side of a door. That, and the memory of their kiss and the feel of her in his arms, meant sleep was well-nigh impossible.

“Aye, melady. I’d like that. I thank ye fer the invitation. I shall join ye in the solar as soon as I’ve relieved myself and splashed some water over me face and hands.”

By the time he approached the solar his heart was singing. They’d be riding together, and with luck and good planning, he’d make sure they were on their own and unseen by others. He knew just the place of solitude he needed. It was a perfect place beside the nearby loch where few people ever ventured.

After they’d broken their fast with bowls of porridge, honey and cream, and buttered bannocks with raspberry jam, they made ready to depart.

Dahlia was excited, her eyes shining with anticipation as they approached the stables. “I’ve been cooped up in the castle fer weeks now and cannae wait tae be out of here and on me horse. Even if ‘tis but fer one day.”

He knew how much she’d been longing for home, and it cut him deep to realize she was no longer contemplating escape because it would place him and his mother, once again, at the mercy of Bairre Mackinnon. And Arran had no doubt that Bairre would not hesitate to murder Emilia if it appeared Arran was disobeying his orders.

They galloped out of the courtyard and along the road. Once they arrived at a bend in the road and the castle guards were out of sight Arran raised a hand and they slowed the horses.

“Let’s wait a few moments tae be sure nay one is following us”

The horses continued at a walking pace and when no one appeared on the road behind them he took the reins of Dahlia’smare and merged into a small track leading to the left, almost hidden from the road.

Continuing at a slower pace it was not long before they left the road far behind and had entered thick woodland. They rode on, seeing only a crofter’s cottage on a hillside above. There was no sign of anyone along the track they’d taken.

They then came to the shore of a small loch.

“I had nay idea this path was here. I am amazed.”

The sun was shining now and the loch sparkled blue and silver in the morning light, reeds grew along the shoreline and several plump brown birds were wading in the muddy shallows.

Dahlia clapped her hands. “Thank ye Arran, fer bringing me tae this special place.”

He smiled, feeling pleased with himself. This was one of his favorite spots and it was a joy to be able to share it with her.

“Aye. I guessed this would be tae yer liking. It’s another of me secret places. I’ve never brought anyone here before.”

“May we dismount? I would love tae dabble me toes in the water again.”

He helped her off the horse, and, as she slid off the mare’s back, he took her in his arms and their lips met in a rapturous kiss.

“This is a rare pleasure.” Arran said as they drew apart. “Tae be alone with ye, away from the prying eyes and the madness of Bairre Mackinnon, is heaven sent.”

She gave a thoughtful nod. “I didnae expect him tae agree tae allow me tae ride with ye this morning. I thought he’d refuse.”

Arran huffed. “Me too. ‘Tis the reason I was expecting he’d have sent a rider tae keep an eye on us.”

“Well, if he did so, we’ve given the man the slip and he’ll be searching in vain fer us along the road,” she chuckled.

Leaving their boots beside the tethered horses with their cloaks, they wet their toes in the water and strolled hand in hand along the rocky shoreline. Arran breathed deep of the crisp morning air, revelling in the freedom and the sunshine. Dahlia walked alongside, holding her dress high to ensure it did not trail in the mud.

“I have an idea.” Her eyes danced with mischief.

“Oh?” If he was honest with himself, he would have to admit he had an idea or two himself. Chief among them was the prospect of Dahlia in his arms, naked, sighing with pleasure as he layered kisses over every inch of her delectable body. “And what is this idea of yers?”

He wasn’t the least prepared when she breathed a small sigh, tugged his hand and said, pleadingly, “I’d love tae swim in the loch.”

He laughed. Her idea and his had quite a deal in common. “Why, ye’d have tae take off yer clothing tae dae so.”

“And ye would come swimming with me, of course, Arran.”

“So… both of us naked then.”

“I did have that in my mind. Both of us…”

---