Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone Book 1) Read online

  “You don’t mind it?” Stone asked, his eyes intent upon her.

  A quick glance at Blair told her the answer was important. He was leaning forward, as he gave her an unblinking stare. But she turned back to Stone. “I quite like it. There is a nice feeling here.”

  “And it’s warm down here on a cold, wet, winter day,” William said, standing and crossing over a tray of cooked meat. He started picking at the meat and one of the prep cooks swatted at his hand with a spoon.

  Eliza hid a smile behind her hand. “I’m sure it is.” She gave a little sigh. “It must be nice to have so many siblings. There is a sense of community between you that I wished I’d had growing up.”

  William rolled his eyes. “Except that they eat all the food and then you’re practically starving.”

  Stone snorted at the same time the cook slapped him with a spoon again. “No one eats more than you do.” Then she shooed him away from the food.

  This time a giggle slipped out of Eliza’s mouth. Stone gave her a tiny wink. Like this, with his family, he didn’t look fierce but kind and gentle. Nor did he seem like the authoritarian her father so often was. She wanted to reach for his hand and touch him.

  “If yer lookin’ fer somethin’ to do,” Stone gave her a grin, “yer father and I are taking a short trip tomorrow down to Kirkaldy, to check on some goods. We’ve some ships that are late comin’ into the harbor; we need to find out why. I’ll check with him but I’m sure ye could join us.”

  “I’d like that,” she smiled. Her father rarely allowed her such excursions. She’d always been busy with lessons. She might worry her father wouldn’t allow it now but considering his aspirations for their match, she wasn’t too worried.

  He gave a nod and then wiped his hands along his kilt. “I ken I promised ye we’d move ye into the cottage tomorrow. Would ye mind waiting a day? To catch the tide, we’d need to leave verra early.”

  “Of course,” she nodded, excited to be going on a sea journey. “I’ve never been on a ship before.”

  “Never?” His smile grew. “Well, we’ll make it a bit of an adventure then.” He leaned forward. “Two of my shipments are now late. I need to see what’s happening with them, but hopefully we can have some fun too.”

  When she’d first met Stone she would never have pictured him saying those words with such a soft expression on his face. It changed everything about him. Almost everything… She wanted to believe he was a different sort of lord or a softer man than the one she’d grown up with, but she needed more time to know for sure. “I’d like that.” Then she stood, crossing the kitchen to see what Delia was doing.

  But his eyes followed her. She attempted to ignore it, and as Reginald and Matthew joined, along with her father, it was easier to make conversation with others and pretend not to notice Stone’s stare.

  Though the evening had been exceptionally enjoyable, it had also been filled with a tension that made her anxious to escape to her room. Or, perhaps, be alone in a carriage with Stone again. But she pushed those thoughts aside. She needed to discover the type of man he was deep down, and she couldn’t let her wayward thoughts get in the way.

  As she excused herself for the evening, Stone’s eyes followed her out the door and it wasn’t a surprise when she heard footsteps following her down the hall. Anticipation sizzled along her skin as she turned, sure Stone had come to say a private goodnight. But it wasn’t Stone, instead it was Blair who came toward her.

  “Oh,” she said before she could stop herself.

  His eyebrows went up. “Expecting someone else?”

  “No, I just was surprised. I wasn’t expecting anyone...” Words failed her and it seemed best to just end the conversation. “Have a good evening.”

  He chuckled. “I was hoping to speak with you.”

  This time, she snapped her mouth closed before another oh could slip out. “What about?”

  “Stone, of course.” Blair gave her a quick wink as she slipped his hand under her elbow and began walking her down the hall. Blair was thinner than his older brother and less fierce but still rather formidable. Women must find him irresistible. As she stole another glance at him, she could only think of one man. Stone.

  She tugged her elbow out of his grasp and squared her shoulders. “What about Stone?”

  Blair gave her a knowing grin. “I can see why he likes you. You’re made of stern stuff.”

  “I doubt that. And you think he likes me?” Nerves beat in her belly as she asked.

  “It’s rather obvious. He can’t take his eyes off you.” Then Blair offered his elbow. “And I was hoping to give you some advice. So if you would please allow me to escort you to your room, we could talk along the way.”

  She nodded her consent. “What did you want to tell me?”

  Blair cleared his throat. “Stone hasn’t spent much of his time focused on women.”

  She held back a squeak of surprise. Not that she didn’t know that but she hadn’t expected to discuss it with his brother. Were siblings always so involved in each other’s affairs? “I’m aware of that. What about it?”

  “You’re aware?” he stared at her, his mouth slightly ajar.

  She nodded. “He told me he’s never courted before.”

  Blair gave her a wicked grin. “That is true, but its more than that. He hasn’t spent time with women at all.”

  Confusion made her furrow her brow. “Not even your mother?”

  Bair choked a little then answered. “I meant women of a certain age. Ones most men might be interested in.”

  Her cheeks heated in the most embarrassing way. Was he discussing ladies of the evening? “Oh,” she uttered, unable to form another sentence.

  He winked. “I was worried you might have had more experience but it’s clear to me you haven’t. I see you’ll do just fine.”

  That confused her even more and she looked up at him for a moment before she could ask the question. “Why would you think that I was more experienced?”

  “I suppose the way you cornered him in the carriage.” The wicked smile had returned.

  The heat in her cheeks turned into a blaze. Blair had been aware all along of what they’d been doing? “I didn’t corner him. I—I just wanted to tell him how wonderful what he’d done for those widows was.”

  Blair quirked a single brow. “Of course you did. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve known for a while that some woman was going to have to shake him. I hope it’s you.” He stopped and turned more fully toward her. “He’s hurting now. We all are. But he’s a good man. Just like our father was. People have always feared us, we look fierce. But when you really look around, you’ll see the evidence of our bond and our care for those around us.”

  Her mouth went dry and she looked up at him, unable to say anything. They reached her room and he lifted one side of his lip and then, with a single nod, turned and disappeared. How had he known that was what she’d been thinking? Was he right? She thought of the village. Unlike many she’d been in, the homes had looked lovely with fresh paint and flowers in the windows. And new buildings being erected too. Her father had been working such long hours, she hadn’t asked him any of her questions, but it was time to start getting some answers.

  Chapter Eight

  Stone stood at the helm of his ship, Stone’s Throw, and glanced over at Eliza. Warmth spread through him to have her there next to him. He wanted to wrap his arm about her waist and pull her close.

  He hadn’t planned to propose yesterday. But like many decisions in his life, once made, he rarely changed his mind. And for him, each time he looked at her, he only grew more confident that he’d made the right one.

  He was attracted to her. He’d seen beautiful women before. But she had a strength and grace he admired. She could be a real partner in life. It had been a long time since he’d acknowledged attraction to any woman. She softened some of his sharper edges, which made being earl difficult. And she’d help him with Delia. That he was certain o
f.

  “It’s so beautiful,” Eliza gushed next to him, her hands grasping at the rail as she leaned out over the side watching the waves gently lap at the boat. The gulls circled above and the wind blew with crisp sea air. They were tacking out of the harbor still.

  “Wait until we reach the open ocean, lass.” He clenched his fist at his side to keep from brushing back the hair being teased by the breeze.

  She turned to him, her smile lighting up her face. “I’m so excited.”

  Unable to resist any longer, he lifted his fingers and allowed a lock of her silky blonde hair to slip through his fingers. It only made him want to bury his fingers deeper in the strands. “Me too.”

  She wrinkled her nose as she glanced at him again. “You can’t mean that. How many times have you done this very thing?”

  He ran the pad of thumb down her cheek. Sailing wasn’t something he did often—among other things. “But you haven’t and I’ll get to watch you experience it for the first time.”

  Her cheeks turned bright pink as she gazed back out over the water. “I want to tell you something.”

  “What is it, lass?” he couldn’t resist. He reached for another bit of hair that had blown into her face.

  She gave him a quick glance. “I’m glad we stayed. I’ve been hurting less since we’ve arrived.” She took a deep breath. “It’s been good for me.”

  “Good to hear it.” It was like a physical ache, the need to pull her against him. But it wasn’t the place or the time. “Ye’ve helped me too.”

  Her smile was soft as she glanced up at him. “I’m glad.”

  Not since he’d allowed that woman to pull him into the alley had he been so keen to be alone with a female. He’d cracked open the door to attraction and a floodgate of emotion was threatening to break through.

  Looking down, he realized he gripped the rail so hard, his knuckles had turned white. He tried to relax his grasp. No matter how wayward his body tried to be, he would control himself. She was inexperienced and he never lost control.

  It was his saving grace.

  The ship continued out of the harbor and by slow degrees, he relaxed.

  Eliza’s laughter filled his ears as she pointed at the gulls or gave a yelp over a wave. Spray blew up into their faces and when she shivered, he finally tucked her under his arm. It was for her…not for him.

  But he had to admit that the feel of her pressed against his side started the riot in his body all over again.

  After the most pleasant hour he’d had in a very long time, he walked Eliza back to the cabin where her father waited. He didn’t want to leave her, but like so much of his life, there was work to be done and responsibilities to be met. “I’m sorry we couldn’t stay for longer.”

  Her eyes were soft, her face relaxed as she turned to him. “I had a wonderful time.”

  “So did I, lass.” As they reached the door, he bent down and gave her a soft kiss on the forehead. He wished he could capture her lips again, but he dared not in such a public fashion. “Another hour with this wind and we’ll reach Kirkaldy. I’ll come get ye as we enter the port.”

  She nodded and reached for the door, slipping inside. He watched her go and, even after the door closed, he found himself still staring at the wood panels.

  Returning to the deck, he took a lap about to find the captain of the ship. He wanted to be prepared for what they might find.

  Seeing him near the helm, Stone headed for Captain Rice. The man gave him a welcoming smile. “Ye’ve finally torn yerself from the little lady, have ye?”

  Stone didn’t mean to, but he must have glowered because Rice blinked several times then looked away. “Not that it’s any of my business, my lord.”

  Stone waved his hand. The truth was, it wasn’t the man’s business and he didn’t want to discuss Eliza with anyone. His feelings were private. But he’d known Captain Rice most of his life. “It’s fine,” he grunted. “Tell me what possible reasons there are for these ships being late.”

  Captain Rice gave a quick nod. “It’s unlikely, though possible, they’ve both wrecked. Or something could have happened that’s preventing the ships form leaving the harbor.”

  “Such as?” Stone asked.

  “The opening to the harbor is fairly wide so I doubt it’s anything natural. Could be a fleet of ships blocking it.”

  A twinge of fear stabbed at Stone’s chest. He should have had this conversation yesterday. In his mind he’d been thinking a sand bar had formed and blocked the entrance. “A navy?”

  The captain shrugged. “More likely privateers or pirates.”

  He raked a hand across his jaw. Hell and damnation. He should have left Eliza at home. “How battle-ready are we?”

  Captain Rice grimaced. “Not very. Our strategy is usually to keep vigilant guard and to employ evasive tactics.”

  “But if they’ve blocked the harbor?” Stone stood straighter, his chest swelling. If it were pirates, they would have sealed off the harbor and demanded a ransom to allow ships to pass again.

  “Then our ships wouldn’t fight their way out. They’d be stuck.”

  This was Stone’s boat. Because it was made to transport the family, it had been equipped with extra cannon. “How are your men with the cannon?”

  The Captain’s face twitched. “They could use a refresher.”

  Stone’s fists clenched. “Why did we not have this conversation before today?”

  The Captain took a partial step back. “My apologies, Lord Alban. I did try to discuss it with you yesterday, but you were locked in your office.”

  Stone let out a little growl. He was stretched too thin. “The fault is mine then. What is our plan for today?”

  The Captain gave a small nod. “We assess from afar. If it’s pirates, we return tomorrow with as many ships as we can muster.”

  “If they catch sight of us, they could lay chase or begin an all-out attack on the harbor.” Stone paused for a brief second before making a decision. “Gather your fighters in the hull. We’ll do a dry run of firing the cannons.”

  “Yes, my lord.” The Captain turned to issue the order.

  There was a change of mood on the ship, Eliza noted. The men had been calling back and forth to one another, laughing as they worked when she and Stone had been above deck. But as she and her father took a turn about the ship, it was quiet. The faces were serious as they hurriedly completed their work.

  Her head craned back and forth, trying to catch sight of Stone. Somehow, seeing him would make her feel better. But try as she might, she couldn’t find him. “What’s happening?”

  “I don’t know,” her father answered. “But I think we should go below deck.”

  Eliza nodded. Looking to her right, she saw land. “Are we almost there?”

  “Ships on the starboard!” someone called from above.

  Eliza turned to see what was happening when a cannonball came hurtling through the air toward the ship. Fear had her frozen in place as she watched it arch across the sky. It sailed over the ship and landed in the water on the other side of the boat.

  A scream built in her chest as the sound of another ball whizzed through the air.

  Men were yelling but her eyes were glued to the cannonball hurtling at them.

  “Eliza.” Her father tugged on her arm but she couldn’t seem to move.

  Without warning, strong arms wrapped around her. “Eliza,” Stone murmured close to her ear as he picked her up. “We need to get you somewhere safe.”

  Her arms curled around his neck. “Stone,” she cried.

  He squeezed her tighter even as he leaned his head away. “Turn the boat to the port side and fire!”

  The captain came racing toward them.

  “How many ships are attacking?” Stone called.

  “Two,” Captain Rice grunted as he ran. “Just enough to keep ships from coming out of the harbor.”

  “Good,” Stone gave a nod. “Change of plans. Stay close to the shore. Set two me
n to watch for boulders. The wheelman listens to them.”

  He carried her across the deck. She leaned back to look at him. “Where are we going?”

  “I am tucking you in the Captain’s quarters. You are to stay down and remain hidden.” His voice was stern, and though that normally might have upset her, it filled her with so much comfort now.

  “I don’t want to leave you.” She held his neck even tighter.

  His face softened into a small smile and gently, he took her lips with his. “I don’t want to leave you either. But I need to keep you safe and that means I need to fight.”

  She wanted to cry in that moment, but that was silly and what Stone needed was her strength, not her tears. His tenderness meant so much but she couldn’t find the words to tell him. “I understand.”

  “Promise you’ll stay hidden.” He gave her another small hug then gently set her feet back on the deck.

  “I promise.” She knew she was supposed to let go but she couldn’t make her arms unwind from his neck.

  He slid his hand up her side to her arms and untangled the limbs, slowly stepping back. “I’ll be back for you, Eliza.”

  Then he turned and began shouting orders once again.

  She hadn’t realized her father had been behind Stone until he spoke. “Let’s get inside.”

  Eliza had a fleeting moment of panic. What had he seen? Heard? But then she decided she’d live through blazing cannonballs first and worry about her father after. Besides, in this moment, she just couldn’t worry about being forced to marry Stone. Even as she stepped through the door, she wanted to run back into his arms and stay there. Possibly forever.

  Looking over her shoulder, she gave him one last glance. He stood tall and strong looking unconcerned as another cannonball arched over the bow. Then, as if on cue, a giant blast ripped through the air as Stone’s Throw sent a volley of her own.