“Go on. It’s for ye. A gift.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Aye. It belonged to my mother. My father didn’t like leaving her behind unarmed, so he had this made. I guess he thought if it was made fancy as a piece of jewelry, she would want to keep it with her.”
“And did she?”
“Aye. Always.”
Mari took it from him, holding it up to the sun and turning it so the light glinted off the colorful stones. “I’m afraid it would only be something for me to carry. I wouldn’t know how to use it as a weapon.”
“That’s the other reason I brought you out here with me today. Your days of using anything handy to defend yourself are over. There won’t always be a fire poker within reach. It’s time you learn the proper way. You’re a tiny thing, but not helpless.”
She nodded and squared her shoulders. “I never thought I was capable of killing anyone. But that night, I didn’t need to think about it. It was the natural thing to do. When those men attacked me, I fought, but all the while I was looking for something I could use to protect myself. It was no use.”
“Against five full-grown men, you would exhaust yourself trying.” He hated the memory of seeing her under them. Their dirty hands pinning her to the ground. The thought of what could have happened… “Let’s get started, shall we?” he suggested so he could stop his thoughts before they brought on a panic.
“What should I do?” she asked, seeming eager for her lesson.
“Surprise is a smaller person’s best defense.” He went on to show her where and how to attack. They practiced for hours. Occasionally when they tumbled into each other, he would steady her and steal a kiss.
“This is so much more useful than how to flirt with noblemen and how to speak properly.”
He chuckled and kissed her on the nose. “I wouldn’t say the lessons on flirting were a complete waste of time.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. “I like it fine when you practice your skills on me to get your way.”
A saucy half smile tugged on her lips. “Is that so?”
“Aye. It’s so.”
“Perhaps there’s another advantage to being on higher ground,” she hinted.
“And what might that be?” he asked, knowing where the conversation was going as he bent to kiss her neck. Rather than risk scaring her with an encounter similar to that night, he spread out a blanket and lay upon it so she could be in control of the situation.
It was a beautiful fall day. The leaves had changed, and there was a crispness to the air, but the sun was bright and warm. Perfect for his plans.
He was careful not to hold her too tightly or grasp her quickly. He made sure she was free the entire time. He hadn’t brought her out here to move to this step. He’d simply wanted her to feel safe outside the walls again. But the chance to make love to his wife was an unexpected gift.
He trusted her to know what she wanted, and didn’t thwart her suggestion when she offered it. His wife had spent most of her life being told what to do and how to do it. She’d been a prisoner all her life, both in her father’s home and the duke’s.
He wanted nothing more than for her to be free.
…
Mari stayed next to Cam as they entered through the gates of Dunardry after dark. She’d learned so much that day. Not only how to defend herself, but how to let go of the fear that weighed her down.
Cameron had been careful to explain that she was not invincible just because she carried a wee dirk on her waist. But if she was prepared, she’d have a chance to protect herself if the opportunity arose. She understood what he was saying. No one was safe against an enemy. Not even a war chief with a large sword and a broad back. She shook that thought away to concentrate on the other thing she’d learned.
That she was able to move on to a physical relationship with her husband without being haunted by what happened. She’d not waste a moment thinking of them again. Not when she had a hearty husband to hold her.
The way he touched her was so different from any other man, she couldn’t mistake him for an attacker. There was nothing similar that called up the terror of that night, or her horrible marriage. He claimed her, but only because she allowed it. Those other men were nothing but brutes. Not worth a thought. She’d not let them take anything from her. Especially not her peace of mind.
When she and Cam got back to the castle, everyone was bustling around and chattering despite the late hour. Something important had happened.
It was then that Mari heard a loud scream and realized the important thing was still happening.
“Kenna!” she shouted and shot off toward the stairs, followed closely by Cam.
She found Lachlan pacing outside their room, his face pale and his hair mussed from tugging it. The little dog, Brutus, kept up at his side despite his short legs.
“I thought it would be easier this time,” he said, his expression stricken. “I know what to expect—the screaming and yelling. But it’s surely no easier this time than it was with the twins.” His eyes went wide and he stopped in his tracks. “Dear God. What if it’s twins again?”
“Let’s get ye some whisky,” Cam suggested as he rested an arm on Lachlan’s shoulder.
“Nay. I can’t leave. I must stay in case she needs me.”
“I’ll go check on her and let you know how she fares,” Mari offered, and slid through the door into the chaos.
Kenna’s hair was damp, and sweat ran down her face as she sucked in quick breaths.
“Mari, thank God.” Kenna winced but reached for her to come closer.
Mari took her hand and gasped from the intensity with
