The Borderland Legacy Read online

  Glistening with exertion, Jake buried his head between her breasts, licking and kissing at them erratically as his own pleasure took hold. Isabel clasped his head there, holding him against her heavily beating heart.

  Sinking fiercely down onto him, the sweet tension exploded, its vibrations streaming through her entire body, and she threw her head back and called out his name.

  He held her limp body tightly to him and drove himself into her several more times, his gaze fastened to her passion-filled face. With a deep, rumbling groan, he spilled his seed inside of her, and Isabel shuddered, flopping forward against him.

  Cradling her carefully, Jake remained inside of her, his soft touches reminding Isabel of the tenderness that sat behind his solid form. Jake placed tender, lingering kisses to the side of her neck as her forehead rested in the crook of his shoulder.

  “Ah, my sweet lassie,” he whispered.

  She lifted her head and gave him a slow, satiated smile. Her chest swelled with unbridled joy to hear him refer to her as his.

  He gently lifted her off him, grinning at her mumble of complaint. Laying her on the bed, Jake wrapped his arms about her. Isabel burrowed into the heat of him as her skin tingled in the cool air of the room, and he pulled the sheets over them and drew her closer, cocooning her in his warmth.

  Was it possible to die of satisfaction?

  Gratification seeped through her limbs and her eyelids turned to lead. She struggled to stay awake, not wanting to miss one moment of his embrace.

  Jake swept a finger over her cheek. “Sleep,” he told her softly.

  Isabel’s lids dropped and her head swirled with memories of their lovemaking as she slowly drifted into slumber.

  “Och, but I love you, lass.”

  She smiled at his words before sleep consumed her.

  ~* * *~

  It was nearing suppertime and Isabel had still not roused. Jake had dozed on and off but kept awakening, as if to check she was still there and he was not indeed dreaming. His gaze drifted across her freckled nose and the curve of her cheek. God’s blood, but he loved her. Here was a woman he would do anything for. Her open passion had served to seal the truth of his feelings for her.

  Jake was surprised to find he was no longer filled with doubt, or fear. She had offered herself to him, not only in body but also in soul, and though it was true he was not sure why he was worthy of her, he found he did not doubt himself or their bond. Aye, she had not said she loved him, but he was sure of it now. He had spotted it in her eyes. He would dearly love to hear the words from her lips but he was secure in the knowledge the love between them was real.

  Gone was the hurt and doubt his wife had inflicted upon him, erased by the sweet touch of his Isabel. She had worked into the hole in his heart and healed him. Ever would he be grateful that the fates thought to bring her to him. Isabel would never hurt him so. She was too honest, too open to be capable of deceit.

  Aye, she would look after his heart well.

  Her eyes fluttered open, mayhap sensing his observation, and the blue depths caught him, his heart coming to rest in his throat. He ached to spill his thoughts out to her, but he was unable to. He was no poet, no creator of words. Jake kissed her deeply, hoping to convey his feelings instead through touch.

  Isabel responded to him instantly and clutched firmly at his head. Her silken body brushed against his flesh and his loins stirred instantly. He suspected he would never tire of her; his seemingly constant state of arousal around her would likely never abate.

  She must have noticed as her eyes glinted.

  “Lass,” he said reluctantly, “Would that I could take you again but ‘tis nearing supper time and I would not wish to dishonor you by being caught in your chambers.”

  Isabel pursed her lips in mock displeasure. “You have already dishonored me today, surely ‘twould not hurt to do so once more?”

  He groaned at her invitation but honor won and he detangled himself from her limbs as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I am sore tempted, Isabel, but I wish to do right by you. I’ll not have you become the source of servant’s gossip.”

  “Winnie would not gossip and you well know it!” she told him scathingly.

  He pushed himself up from the bed, well aware of her eyes on his swollen manhood, a clear display of his desire for her.

  “In a keep such as this, the walls have eyes and ears. I swear ‘twill not be long until we are joined again, my love, for I do not think I can bear to be parted from your sweet body for long but I will not do so at the risk of your reputation.”

  Isabel humphed, sitting up and folding her arms under her breasts. Jake wondered if she realized how difficult this was for him. His brow beaded with sweat as he eyed the sweet swells. But, nay, he would not take her again. Their next joining would be an honorable one; he would make sure of that.

  Jake dressed hurriedly, feeling her eyes follow his every move. His shirt was still damp and it stuck to his flesh as he struggled to pull it on. Isabel gathered the sheets around her and padded over to him, keeping the sheet tucked beneath her arms as she helped him pull down the sleeve. He eyed the curve of her breasts and the way her nipples hardened beneath the linen under his stare.

  He gulped and pressed a hurried kiss to her cheek. If he did not leave at once, he did not know if his control would last another moment.

  “I’ll see you this night, I…I thank you, lass. I’m not deserving of you but I’ll do all I can to prove myself worthy.”

  Isabel cocked her head to one side and shook it. “You are a fool, Lord Jacob, for ‘tis I that does not deserve you.”

  He sighed with a smile, “I’ll not argue with you, I am but a fool, just as you are too generous. But, fool that I am, I give you my heart for you to do with as you see fit.”

  Pleasure at his words mingled with hesitation in her gaze and he pondered as to what it was that prevented her from opening her heart to him. Mayhap she feared giving her heart to him, unsure of his intentions.

  On the morrow, he promised himself. On the morrow, he would make his intentions clear. Jake grinned at the thought, forgetting himself and claiming her lips in a scalding kiss. Before he could be dragged further under her sweet spell, he prized himself away and snatched up his tunic and belt.

  Isabel watched him leave with a wry smile on her face and Jake realized he would never forget her that way, wrapped in nothing but a sheet and glowing and satisfied from their lovemaking. Aye, how the fates had smiled down upon him.

  Chapter Six

  Isabel stared at the closed door for some time, stupidly clutching at the sheet as if hoping it would bring her some comfort. Guilt racked her.

  She loved him. Completely. His honor, his sense of duty, his kind temperament…they all plucked at her heart. And their lovemaking! Isabel had not known it could be like that between a man and woman.

  Nevertheless, her deception burnt in her gut and when he had spoken such tender words to her she was unable to return the sentiments, even though her heart cried out to be heard. Would he understand why she had lied? It was not about hurting him but protecting herself. If her father found out where she was…

  She shuddered, the thought of falling back into his hands sending a chill up her spine. She would have to tell him, Isabel concluded, and pray he understood her need for secrecy. Surely he would.

  Aye, she would tell him.

  On the morrow.

  For this day, she would relish in the delight of their lovemaking.

  Isabel washed herself with the cold bath water, running her fingers absently over the red marks Jake had left with his teeth and fingers. She ached, but blissfully so, reminding her of his possession of her body. She was thoroughly his.

  Jumping as Winnie entered, Isabel pulled her sheet around her shoulders. She flushed. Winnie missed nothing, surely she would spy the scratches?

  Winnie bustled past her and started rummaging in her clothes chest. “Ye been in bed, milady? Have ye been unwell? Ah, he
re we are.”

  “Nay, Winnie, not the red,” Isabel told her with a smile.

  Winnie eyed the gown. “Not the red? But ‘tis beautiful…” Winnie’s eyes widened and she dropped the gown to the floor. “Sweet Mary, ye spoke.”

  Isabel laughed. “Aye.”

  Chuckling, Winnie flung her arms around her waist and Isabel found her nose buried in her wimple as the stout maid pressed her into her plump body.

  Drawing back, Winnie eyed her. “I knew it would return, milady, I could feel it in me bones. Ye’re too sweet a lassie to be punished so.”

  “Well, I’m sure ‘twas due to your diligent care, Winnie. I am grateful that I can thank you properly now, I have taken up much of your time.”

  Winnie dabbed at her eyes with her apron. “Nonsense, milady. Ye take little looking after. ‘Twas a pleasure. In truth, ‘tis nice to have a proper lady around. I’d rather be dressing ye in fine gowns than dressing the lord’s wounds.” She bent down to pick up the gown and stuffed it back into the chest. “Have ye seen them today? Do they know of the return of ye voice?”

  Isabel hesitated. “Nay, nay I have not.”

  “Well, let us get ye dressed in all yer finery. No doubt there will be much celebrating tonight. Lord knows, the master needs little encouragement to bring out the wine and dance with a beautiful lady.”

  Isabel grinned, but it was not the thought of dancing with Dominic that warmed her heart. It was Jake. Oh, how she could not wait to see him again. Tonight she would take true pleasure in dressing up, for it would be all for him.

  “Not the red, ye say?”

  “Aye, no red, Winnie. And no more tight braids,” she told her firmly.

  “But, milady—”

  Isabel couldn’t hold back a laugh when she saw Winnie’s astonished face. “No more braids, Winnie.”

  ~* * *~

  The smell of roasted meats and warm bread wafted through the courtyard as Isabel stepped across the frostbitten ground. Winnie panted as she grabbed at Isabel’s skirts and hurried along behind her.

  The sky was an inky black, virtually clear of cloud and the crescent moon lit one side of the keep. It seemed more vast and grand than ever before, with its round towers and wide upper windows, and infinitely more beautiful, set amongst the empty moors.

  A watchman pushed open the hall door, giving her an appreciative look as she glided past.

  “Eyes front.” Isabel heard Winnie snap.

  Studying the Great Hall, Isabel realized Winnie had guessed right. Dominic had indeed used the return of her voice as an excuse to celebrate. Though mealtimes were no simple fare usually, it was clear Dominic had extra supplies brought out for the occasion and many fine pastries and meats adorned the tables.

  Shaking her head, she wondered how it was the servants had managed such a feat in so short a time. Winnie had left her chambers to inform the lords of her news but a few hours ago. Her gaze settled on Jake, who had risen from the table as she had entered. Dominic stood beside him, but Isabel could barely draw her eyes away long enough to acknowledge the dip of his head.

  Her skin tingled as Jake’s eyes trailed a path over her body before lingering on her face. A glint was just visible and she felt her cheeks heat as a smile played over her lips. His gaze followed her as she came up to the main table and the memory of his hot caresses teased at her.

  Dominic pulled back her chair and she murmured her thanks.

  “So you’ve got your voice back, lass? ‘Tis good news. I pray you’ll not be chatting incessantly now,” he told her with a grin.

  “Oh, aye, Dominic. You’ll not be able to shut me up easily.”

  He expelled an exaggerated groan as they all sat and Isabel snuck a peek at Jake. He merely grinned with a shake of his head. Isabel considered all the other times they had sat together and how tense Jake had seemed. Had he suffered jealousy this whole time? She acknowledged it should not, but the thought of his jealousy warmed her.

  Wine and ale flowed freely and Isabel indulged in enough to make her feel warm and merry. She gave a little sigh as the two tables that ran down the length of the hall were folded away to make way for dancers. Never before had she felt so at home.

  Dominic approached her and offered her his hand. “Will you join me in a dance, my lady?”

  “I will, my lord.”

  Taking his hand and allowing Dominic to lead her to middle of the hall, Isabel smiled as much of the household joined them. The minstrels struck up a tune and they were soon dancing to a lively song.

  Twirling and jumping, Isabel danced until she could breathe no more. Thanking Dominic, she retreated to her chair on the dais.

  Jake eyed her with a grin. “You are a fine dancer, lass. I’d hoped you would save some of your energy for a dance with me.”

  “You dance?”

  “Only when forced, but for you I’d happily suffer the humiliation.”

  Isabel swiped at his arm. “It would be no humiliation dancing with me!”

  “Aye, you are right but I’d have a hard time controlling myself. That would be humiliation enough.”

  Blushing, she twisted her lips. “May I remind you that you’re the one who would not stay? You’d have no need to control yourself if you had.”

  “Lass, ‘tis damn near impossible to control myself around you normally, let alone when you’re stood in naught but a bed sheet. Be grateful that I have more sense than you do.”

  “You’re too honorable for your own good, Jake of Thornewall. There are few men who would have said nay.”

  “Did I wound your feminine pride?” he asked with a grin.

  “Ha, you know me better than that.”

  “Aye, I do,” he admitted. “We have much to talk of, you and I.”

  “We are talking now.”

  “You are a wicked lass. Mayhap I will begin to regret the return of your voice. You were easier to handle when you were mute.”

  Isabel scowled at him and endeavored to stop her lips from twitching. “You could silence me.”

  Jake leaned in, his eyes darkening. “Oh, how might I do that?”

  “With a kiss.”

  He let out a heavy sigh. “Would that I could, but I have dishonored you enough this day. Nay, I will have to tolerate your sharp tongue for the evening. But on the morrow…” he took her hand and brushed his thumb across her knuckles, “On the morrow we will talk.”

  “And kiss?”

  “And kiss.”

  Isabel laughed and studied Jake for a moment. The lines of his brow were softer, the burden upon his shoulders seemed lighter. The real Jake was revealing himself to her. The one that she knew was hiding under the scowls and awkward manners. Her own heart felt lighter. For once, she was in control of her life. Her father could not tell her what to do, no man could. She knew what she wanted.

  She wanted Jake.

  What did he want to talk of on the morrow? Her heart gave a bounce. Could she believe he intended to…? She shook away the thought. Mayhap he would, he had spoken of honor, but there was no sense in waiting on hope. Not yet anyway, first she had to tell him all.

  Isabel glanced over at Jake again. He would understand, she was sure of it.

  ~* * *~

  There it was again. The flicker of uncertainty. Jake surreptitiously rubbed at her hand in an attempt to convey his intentions. He was of a mind to make things clear this instant but there were things he still needed to know.

  Like where she came from. And why this willful, beautiful maiden had ended up on her own and in his arms.

  The minstrels finished a lively tune and began a slow, haunting song, one of love lost and found. Jake’s lips quirked. Hell, it couldn’t get much more appropriate.

  “Will you not dance with me, my lady? If you can bear it, that is.”

  Isabel’s eyes lit and it took all his strength not to grab her and take her where she stood.

  “Aye, my lord. I think I may well be able to bear it.”

  Dominic winked as h
e grabbed a curvaceous lass for a dance and Jake gave him a warning scowl. Dominic was too far into his cups already and he was flirting with every visiting noble woman in the keep. One day Dominic’s rakish ways were bound to get him in trouble.

  The sound of the lute filled the air as Jake settled next to Isabel, her hand resting lightly on his. They parted slowly before coming back together, her hand brushing across his chest as she passed in front of him, a light, teasing look in her gaze. Jake was aware there were other dancers on the floor but for the life of him, he could not tell where they were.

  Isabel crossed behind him, her hand passing from one of his to the other as he brought her around. He twirled her slowly, watching the parting of her lips as her eyes connected with his. He pulled in a long breath. The air between the seemed thick and impenetrable. He needed to push through it, to bury himself in her soft embrace.

  Breezing past him once more, her scent teased at him as her skirts rustled. Dressed in a green silk gown with her hair tumbling over her shoulders, Jake was certain there was no woman more beautiful.

  The song ended, Isabel dipping slowly as he bowed and he led her back to her seat, his body tense with desire. They both sat quietly for a moment, their gaze following the movements of the dancers.

  “Will you tell me about yourself now, Isabel?”

  She blinked at him. “There is naught to tell. You know me.”

  “I know you, but I know naught about you. Where do you come from? You are from the south, that much is clear.”

  She frowned.

  “Your accent gives you away, lass.”

  “Aye, I’m from the south,” she admitted reluctantly.

  “And what of your family?”

  “Jake, can we not…I will tell you all, I promise. Just not this night. I would not see it ruined.”

  Considering her for a moment, he nodded. He did not wish to see her saddened. Whatever had happened to her family must have been grave indeed for her to end up in the borderlands alone.

  He grinned. “As long as you do not have an angry husband waiting for you at home.”