The Devil in Plaid(55)

Fury ripped through Jamie. He raised the crossbow.

“He’s lying,” Fiona shouted.

“Finish me,” Ranulf snarled. “Give no quarter. Take no prisoners!”

Jamie stormed toward the villain and pressed the crossbow into his skull. He wanted to end him, then and there. He wanted the satisfaction of being the one to send Ranulf MacKenzie back toHell.

His hands shook with rage. He slowly lowered his weapon. “Ye do not deserve a quick death,” he spat. Jamie backed away, fighting every instinct in his body, which longed to spill the enemy’s blood. He took a deep breath. “Take him,” he told Alasdair who seized Ranulf’s arms from behind, placing him in shackles.

“Ye will stand before the council of the Clan MacKenzie.” Jamie circled around, meeting the gaze of every MacKenzie farmer and warrior filling the room. “These people, who ye have robbed of their laird and his heir, they will be yer judge.” Then he turned back and locked eyes with Ranulf. “Ye’ve lost, but do not worry—I am certain yer kin will show ye the same courtesy ye’ve shown them.”

“No quarter,” Ranulf cried, his eyes wide and ablaze with desperate fury. “No quarter!” Alasdair dragged Ranulf from the room, his screams of rage fading down the hallway.

Jamie turned away, locking eyes with Fiona. She rushed into his arms. He crushed her against himself, savoring the feel of her soft curves and the smell of her hair. A knot gripped his throat. He had kept his fear at bay, giving himself over to the battle, knowing only victory could save the woman he loved.

And how he loved her.

He drew back to see her face. He cupped her cheeks. “Are ye all right?”

She threw her arms around his neck. “I’m in heaven.” She held him close. After a few minutes, she pulled away and met his gaze, her eyes bright with excitement. “It worked,” she cried. “Our plan worked!”

He looked at her sternly. “Aye, it did, although ye surrendering yerself as a guarantee was not a part of our plan.”

“I had to, Jamie. Captain Tormod thought we had attacked him. He thought we were the enemy. He never would have trusted us had I not offered myself as collateral.”

He cupped her cheeks. “Never again. Ye must promise that ye will never sacrifice yerself again—no matter the cause.”

“But Jamie, I am lady to our people—I must do what is right to care for them.”

“Nay, ye must listen to yer husband—ye owe me yer allegiance and yer obedience.” He pulled her close. “Please,” he whispered in her ear. “I thought I had lost ye, and it near killed me.” He drew back and cupped her cheek. “Have faith that I will always find another way. I need ye to be safe, Fiona. Promise me.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I promise that I will never offer myself as collateral to another clan again.” She kissed him hard on the lips. “And I promise to love ye and never stop as long as my body draws breath.”

“Breathe always.” He kissed her cheek. “Love me always.” His lips grazed her forehead. “And know I will always love ye.” Then his lips claimed hers, and he kissed her with all his love. He scooped her into his arms and carried her from the room. He had no intention of putting her down until he could lay her on his bed and show her how much his soul burned for hers.





Epilogue


Fiona sat near the hearth with only the demons to keep her company. She held up a long piece of gauzy lace, which lay across her lap and puddled at her feet. She was stitching small, yellow flowers around the top edge that were sure to bring out the brightness of Esme’s flaxen hair.

“Ye ken Esme and Sebastian’s wedding is still weeks away,” Jamie said, coming up behind her.

Fiona smiled at him. “Ye’re back!”

She set her wedding present to Esme aside and stood, throwing herself into his arms. His lips descended, stealing her breath with the passion of his kiss.

“I missed ye,” he breathed.

“I missed ye with my whole heart,” she beamed.

He sat down and pulled her onto his lap.

“How was Tormod?” she asked.

“His wounds are healing. He is moving around now, although it will be some time before he can ride and take on his usual duties, or, rather I should say, his new duties.”

She grabbed his arm. “Ye mean the MacKenzie council voted?”

He smiled. “Aye, they did.”

“And Tormod is their new laird?”

“Aye, he is!”

She squealed with delight and threw her arms around his neck. “’Tis happening, Jamie. Peace has come to us, just as we dreamed.”

“Hard lessons had to be learned, but I think ye’re right. Speaking of hard lessons, how does Abby fare?”

Fiona’s chest tightened, thinking about her dear maid. “’Tis hard. Every day is a struggle. But I tell her not to give up hope. Thomas is young and strong. I believe he will yet recover from his wounds.”

Jamie nodded. “I pray that he does.”

She raised a brow at him. “Does that mean ye’ve forgiven him.”

“Nay, but I pray to God for help on that matter as well.”

“He saved my life, Jamie,” she said pointedly.