Wicked Laird: Brethren of Stone Book 2 Page 5

  And though some women considered their bodies an exchangeable commodity, she never would again. While marriage was a socially acceptable form of the trade, it had left her completely vulnerable and without choices.

  She would cook and clean for Blair. Ailean could do manual labor. But she could not mix sexual attraction or attention into the exchange. It would only leave her worse off than she’d started. What if she were to become pregnant? She could barely feed herself and Ailean. Besides, a baby deserved a loving family with a present father.

  Blair was a good man and he wouldn’t mistreat her the way Malcolm had, but he was still the laird. He wasn’t going to marry the poor girl from the village. And she wouldn’t put herself into the position of needing his perpetual aid.

  She lay on the bed and covered her eyes with her arm. She couldn’t help but remember how his muscular body had felt against her own and how his lips, pressed against hers, had filled her with heat and want.

  After what felt like hours, she fell into an uneasy sleep and woke when the boat made a jerking movement.

  By the calls of the sailors, Elle knew they had docked.

  Rising, she tried to make herself look presentable as she washed her face and attempted to fix her hair. She wasn’t sure why but she was nervous about meeting Blair’s family. Likely because they’d think of her what she thought of herself…she was a leach on him.

  She managed to get herself up on deck. Ailean stood next to Blair at the rail and she slowly crossed to join them. As she reached the bow of the boat, she could see several people lined up on the cliffs just above them. It was almost eerie. “And they say the Highlands are unforgiving,” she murmured.

  Blair gave her a small grin. “Can’t deny that. The cliffs have collapsed and the ground above has hidden holes. They’re treacherous to be certain. But our ancestral home is up there and the land around us is prosperous beyond anything ye can imagine.”

  Elle scanned the group above. “This is the brother ye said might employ me if I wanted a job after my debt is paid?” She smoothed her hand down her dress wanting to make a good impression. After the events of this morning, she may very well need a fresh start.

  “It is,” Blair answered. There was an icy edge to his voice that she didn’t understand.

  But the people above began to walk toward them and Blair gestured for her and Ailean to come with him. He tucked her hand in his elbow and they made their way to the plank. She’d only a moment to wonder if she could walk it with her ankle when Blair swung her up into his arms.

  He effortlessly climbed down the ramp and then made his way down the dock, not setting her down until they’d reached the shore. By then, the group from above was nearly at the docks.

  “Stone,” Blair hailed, raising one of his hands in the air. The other he wrapped about Elle’s waist. Her cheeks flushed with heat.

  “Brother,” a large man in the middle of the group called. “It’s about time you came home for a visit.”

  Blair led her forward and then let go of her to give his brother a hug. She stood with her hands clasped, eyes pointing toward the ground. She didn’t belong next to Blair as he greeted his family.

  “Visit yer ugly arse?” Blair rumbled back. “I only came to see yer lovely wife.”

  Stone laughed heartily and then looked at Elle. She looked up at him to see his smile was gone. He straightened even as his brow furrowed. “Who is yer friend?”

  Blair put his arm back around her. “This is Elle and that,” he pointed at Ailean, “is her brother, Ailean.”

  “How do ye do?” Stone said his voice devoid of any emotion.

  She dipped into the best curtsey she could with her ankle and then took a breath. “Elspith McIntyre, my lord. I’m very good, thank ye.”

  “I’m Eliza,” a petite blonde called from next to Stone. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “You as well.” Elle gave her a friendly smile and Eliza returned it. Elle sighed with relief.

  Eliza stepped forward and reached out her hand. Elle took it, so grateful for the gesture. “What brings you with Blair?”

  Elle gave a start. How could she not have formulated an answer to that question?

  Blair answered before she could. “It’s a long story. Let’s head inside before we tell it.”

  Elle’s shoulders slumped, glad for the momentary reprieve. She wasn’t used to talking about Malcolm or her situation. As Blair hugged several more people, he began introducing some of his other brothers. “This is William.” She greeted each in turn. “The twins are off at school.” Then he pointed to a girl who looked to be about seven. “And this is my sister, Delia.”

  The child was angelic and as Delia gave her a small wave she couldn’t help but be entranced. “She might be the most beautiful child I’ve ever seen.”

  “Don’t let her fool ye,” Stone grunted but his lips curled in a little smile. “She uses that angelic face to make all sorts of mischief.”

  Something about the comment tickled Elle. It was the love behind it. Though Stone was complaining, joy lit his eyes as he looked down at the girl. Blair had a beautiful family. Her heart squeezed. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a family of her own? It’d always been Elle and her brother, and she’d had little time to dream about being a mother.

  They began making their way up the cliff and Blair, once again, swung her into his arms. “Blair,” she hissed, wondering what the others would think.

  “Ye can’t walk it on the ankle, it’s too difficult.” Blair returned pleasantly.

  Tension filled the air. No one spoke, but they didn’t have to. The house came into view, well, castle really, and Elle tried not to stare. It was larger than any structure she’d ever seen in her entire life. As they made their way through the gates and into the main entrance, Blair finally set her down.

  Walking into a sitting room just off the main hall, a table full of food sat to one side. It made her breakfast this morning seem tiny by comparison and her stomach rumbled with need.

  The family chatted and began to filter toward the food. It was standard Scottish fair but sheer volume of food made her eyes wide. She didn’t belong here. She didn’t belong in Blair’s arms for that matter.

  “Ye should eat.” Blair put his hand at her waist again.

  Elle gave her head a little shake. “I couldn’t.”

  “Ye’re my guest, Elle.” Blair gave a tiny pull.

  “Why wouldn’t ye eat?” Stone rumbled from next to the table.

  Elle swallowed. “Blair had mentioned that ye might be willing to employ me.” Elle heard Blair’s soft groan. She didn’t know what it meant but she barreled on. “It doesn’t seem right that I’d eat with the family.”

  Stone had been in the process of taking a bite of food. His mouth hung open. “Employ ye?” he asked, then looked at Blair. “I think it’s time we talked.”

  Chapter Seven

  Elle was uncomfortable. She was stiff as a board, her mouth drawn in a bow. He wouldn’t normally have touched her so much in front of his family but her face was pale and her eyes huge. She looked a little like she was drowning again.

  If he were honest, he never expected that Elle would move down here with his brother. He fully intended to rid the area of Malcolm McKenzie and for Elle and Ailean to stay with him. In what capacity he hadn’t decided but he’d be damned if he’d let the man drive Elle and Ailean from their home.

  His family loaded up plates and carried them over to the fire that burned in the hearth. As they ate, Blair recapped the story of how he’d found Elle, the bargain they had struck, the fear of the other townsmen, and the fire. Elle remained silent throughout, allowing him to speak to his family. When he finished, Stone didn’t turn to him but to Elle.

  “And so ye’d like to stay and work here?” Stone sat forward assessing Elle.

  She nodded her head. “But first I need to settle the debt with yer brother.”

  “Some people might just accept the favor,” Stone repli
ed, his head cocking to the side.

  Elle gave hers a furious shake and Blair understood why. She adamantly refused to rely on anyone. “It wouldn’t be right,” she answered. “Besides, he can’t go back there alone to face Malcolm.”

  Stone nodded and then his gaze turned to Blair’s. Stone’s eyes darkened with emotion. “So ye’ve got yerself into a bit of trouble have ye?”

  “I didn’t get myself into trouble,” Blair rumbled. “He’s causing trouble. There’s a difference.”

  “So there is.” Stone sat back. “Elle, ye seem like ye could use a bath and rest. Eliza, would you show our guest to her room?”

  “A bath?” Elle turned to him, her eyes wide again. “I don’t need such a luxury, honestly.”

  Blair took her hand, giving it a squeeze of comfort. “It’s a fine idea.”

  Eliza rose. “Follow me. Can you manage the stairs?”

  Elle gave an affirmative jerk to her chin and followed Eliza out.

  “Delia,” Stone turned to their sister. “Show Ailean the barn. He’d like it.”

  “Yay,” Delia cried as both of them bounced up.

  Blair raised his eyebrows. His brother cleared the room until only William, Stone, and Blair remained; Stone turned back to him. “What’s yer relationship with Elle?”

  “I already told ye,” Blair narrowed his eyes.

  “Have ye lied with her?” Stone sat forward, completely unintimidated.

  Blair crossed his arms. “Why would ye even ask?”

  “Ye’re free with touchin’ her.” Stone fired back.

  Blair sighed. “I haven’t so much as kissed her. Her ankle is hurt, which is why—”

  Stone interrupted. “Ye held her hand just now? Do ye have feelings for her?”

  Blair sat back. Did he? “I don’t ken.” He did know. Thoughts of Elle caused his heart to beat wildly, his body to tense. Just the thought of her and he’d swear he smelled spring flowers. She’d filled his senses. What he was less certain about was what he intended to do about them.

  “Yer making a habit of saving women.” Stone got up and crossed to the fireplace, leaning against the mantle.

  “I couldn’t let her drown. How was I to ken she’d be so beautiful?” Blair raked his hands through his hair.

  “Or honest.” Stone cleared his throat. “She seems like a hardworking, principled woman. Unlike that last tart ye got involved with.”

  That took Blair by surprise and he sat back. “Tart? The two women have a few similarities. They both required to be saved.”

  “Cordelia never required saving. She only wanted what she thought was the better match. Elle’s not going to go running back to this McKenzie fellow is she?” Stone gave him a sideways glance.

  “I think Elle’d rather drown, as evidenced by the fact she was fishing on the ocean alone in an attempt to make a go of it free of McKenzie.”

  “I thought as much,” Stone murmured. “She’s a beauty. And in a fair bit of trouble. Exactly how ye like ‘em.”

  Blair straightened, rubbing the back of his neck. Stone wasn’t wrong but he also didn’t want him judging Elle. “Don’t blame Elle for what happened to the house. McKenzie would come after me no matter what. I’m a threat to his little empire he’s built.”

  Stone looked back at him. “Oh, I agree. I meant she’s got her own problems. Though it just so happens, her trouble and yours are one and the same. Convenient really.” Stone gave him a sly grin.

  “I don’t ken that’s the word I’d use,” he grumbled.

  “What are ye gonna do about him? This McKenzie fellow.” Stone straightened, tensing.

  “My plan is to build the docks immediately. Once I employ a large number of men, it’ll be more difficult for him to attack me or have any power over the town.” Blair knew he could only win when he held more sway than McKenzie.

  Stone’s gaze darted around the room until it landed on him. His brother’s main vein pulsed on his neck. “It’s not enough. He’ll want to fight for what is his and you won’t have the loyalty from yer men yet to fend him off. Ye’ll need men who are loyal now and ye’ll need permanent jobs to bring more of the town’s people to yer side.”

  Blair rubbed his temples. How did he get loyal men if he didn’t start employing them? Stone was right, of course. But it was impossible to build without reliable men and reliable men wouldn’t come if he didn’t start building. “What do ye suggest?”

  “Take some of my crew. Maybe ten. They’ll fight wit’ ye if need be and they’ll get the docks up in a month.”

  Blair stood too and crossed next to the fire. “I can’t pay fer the ships yet anyway. Ye ken this. It doesn’t matter if I get the docks done sooner.”

  “Until yer a full-time employer, yer at Malcolm’s mercy. No one will contradict him as long as he holds all the money and power.” Stone grimaced.

  “I ken,” Blair gritted out. This conversation was getting more frustrating by the second.

  “So take the ships now and pay me back when yer able.” Stone reached out and punched him lightly on the arm. “I ken ye dunnae want yer brother’s help, but it’ll keep Elle and Ailean safe and force Malcolm out of the town far more quickly.”

  Blair didn’t answer right away. His gut clenched. Damn it, he didn’t want his brother’s help. This was something he’d planned to do on his own.

  Other people needed him to succeed. Elle and Ailean could be hurt and the people in the village were suffering. “Fine, but it’s a loan. I’ll pay ye back.” He sounded like Elle now.

  Stone gave him a wide grin. “Good.” Then he punched him again. “Now, what are yer plans with Elle?”

  Blair grimaced. “Mind yer own damn business.”

  He didn’t want to admit what they both knew. He was tumbling into the same trap he’d been caught in the last time he’d fallen in love. And he couldn’t listen to Stone tell him how wrong he was again today. That would have to wait until tomorrow.

  Elle sat in the hot tub and sighed for the tenth time. The warm water lapped at her skin, washing it clean was glorious.

  She’d scrubbed her skin clean and a maid had helped her scrub out her hair. As she climbed out of the tub, she wrapped up in a fluffy garment and set about brushing out her long strands of hair. Part of her felt as though she shouldn’t enjoy this. But another wanted to tuck these memories away. Her time with Blair, the way she felt in his company.

  A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

  “Elle, it’s Eliza. May I come in?” Eliza called from the other side of the door. “I’ve brought some dresses for you to try.”

  “Please do,” Elle called.

  The door quietly opened and Eliza came in with a bundle of clothing in her arms. Setting them on the bed, Eliza moved toward her. “I’ll brush it for ye if ye’d like.”

  “Oh ye don’t have to do that.” Elle started to stand. “You’ve been too kind.”

  “Nonsense. I’d be happy to. Besides, it will give us a chance to talk.” Eliza gently pulled the brush from Elle’s hand and began to softly pull it through her damp tresses. “What beautiful hair.”

  “Thank ye,” Elle answered. Eliza had been lovely but she wasn’t sure why she was being so kind. “How long have you and Stone been married?”

  “Nearly two years. Stone’s parents had just died in a collapse in the mines and he was completely overwhelmed—though he wouldn’t admit it—taking over the earldom. I tease him that I only caught him in a moment of weakness.”

  Elle hadn’t known that Blair had lost his parents at the same time in an accident. “How awful for them.”

  Eliza nodded. “It was. But the siblings rallied together, they made a promise to care for one another and they do a good job of it.”

  She understood and it her heart squeezed to know how much she and Blair had in common. “That is wonderful. I don’t know what I would do without Ailean. It’s the only way I’ve survived through everything.”

  Eliza patted her shou
lder. “You’ve lost your father recently?”

  “Yes, I did.” Elle took a breath. She wanted to tell Eliza about McKenzie. Though she’d just met the woman she’d longed for someone to talk to. In the village, she hadn’t dared say a word against him. “I went to a man for help right after my father passed but he took advantage of my grief. He was cruel and manipulative. It’s made it difficult for me to rely on anyone but myself.”

  Tightening her grip on Elle’s shoulder, Eliza leaned closer. “I understand. Blair made a similar mistake. But it doesn’t mean Blair should never trust a woman again nor does it mean you can’t rely on a man. We all have errors in judgment, especially when we’re hurting so much.”

  Elle understood. Deep down, she knew she could trust Blair. “Thank ye.”

  “We’re all here for you Elle. In fact, Stone wants to help Blair more than Blair will allow sometimes. Blair is adamant that he start the business on his own. Won’t take any help.”

  Elle caught her breath. She understood. “Maybe Blair wants to prove to the world that he’s strong.” Elle looked back at Eliza wondering if the other woman knew that was how she felt too.

  Eliza gave her a kind smile. “Of course he is. But why not accept the help of people who care for you rather than suffering? We are stronger together.”

  Elle closed her eyes. When she thought about Blair, it seemed obvious that he should accept the help of his brother. Should she follow that same logic? Though Blair wasn’t her family, he wasn’t like Malcolm either. His motivations weren’t selfish. “I have spent so long trying to be strong.”

  Eliza began twisting her hair into an intricate pleat. “You’d make a fine match for Blair.”

  That made Elle’s eyes pop back open. “Oh, I couldn’t. I’m just a girl from the village.”