Pre-Arranged Love Ch. 14

21/02/11

To everyone who's still reading Pre-Arranged, a huge huge thank you. I know this ch. took ages to get here so I guess it'd be normal to lose interest. lol, i know I've been guilty of that one. Anyhow... fingers crossed that you guys enjoy this ch... and just a heads up that the sex scene in this chapter's not the same type that i've been writing. Well I think there's a difference and like Jim says, it's kinda innocent. Well, I'd really love to hear from you guys on this one, even if it's a 'no, it's not working for me.'

Thanks everyone and thanks Jim. :)

Happy reading.

K.

*

Darkness engulfed the night when I slipped out of the manor. I pulled the cloak tighter around me and spurred my horse eastward leaving only scattered leaves to flutter in the wind. Absently I caught a small leaf. So small...my fingers opened and it was gone, blown away by the wind. Something inside me clenched. I touched my cheek; a tear had slid down my face.

Some time later I began to wonder if Llewellyn would track me. The answer realized itself, of course he would. It was stupid of me to wonder otherwise. The sun began to peek over the horizon but I spurred my horse onwards. The thought of my uncle tracking me sent chills through my body. Self-consciously I glanced around at the passing woods, noting the distant hint of the well trodden road. A moment later the distant clop of hoof-beats greeted my ears, a methodical rhythm against the ground. The bush around me grew thicker as I strayed deeper into the woods.

The steady thudding of hoof beats played in my ears and drew out the disarray of my thoughts; I had no destination, no thought out plan, my heritage was in question, Llewellyn was my betrothed and my uncle wanted to kill me. The neigh of a horse close by brought me out of my thoughts, I pulled my horse around realizing I had strayed too far into the woods, but the mistake had already cost me.

"How, what have we here?"

Outlaws.

I took in his appearance, he hadn't shaved in a while yet somehow he lacked a true appearance of scruffiness. There was something too civilized about him. I blinked and flicked my head away.

"I'm a passing traveler." I tried to rough up my voice.

The man regarded me silently, one eyebrow arching slightly as his gaze traveled over me. Palpitating I tried not to flinch.

"What business has a passing traveler got straying this far into the woods. The roads about a mile that way, lad."

My pulse raced and I began to sweat, "I lost my way in the dark."

Laughter erupted around me, but the man who was questioning me only veered his horse closer, "What's your name."

"Ca-Calum."

I was clutching the reins so hard I couldn't feel my fingers, any moment now... somebody was going to call me out for my disguise.

"Any traveler worth their salt would know better than to stray into the woods. Clearly you are either very foolish or you are a liar. You don't have the look of a traveler and your dress and speech don't match up."

My eyes widened.

His horse began to circle, "Well?"

"I --"

Heat darted up my neck.

The man stopped in front of me, "I guess we've caught ourselves a prisoner then." He wheeled his horse around and his men parted, "Walter, Piers, you two have duty."

My reins snatched, they encircled me. As much as I tried, my sense of direction quickly disappeared. Long stretches of trees in any direction I looked lacked no small distinction. I didn't realize we had arrived at our destination until we had entered it. Caught by surprise, I had to admit that their efficiency was impressive. I had never seen an outlaw's camp but there wasn't much to guess about. I hadn't sighted a single sentry on duty or impressions of human inhabitance until we had actually entered the campsite.

"Albert?"

The clear leader dismounted, "Martha, we have a prisoner. He doesn't look like much but he's definitely no traveler. My lads sighted him a couple of hours ago deliberately keeping off the road. He might be a spy. Would you send someone to tell the Prince, presuming he's arrived?"

I quickly dipped my head as Martha looked up, "Why, but he's just a boy." Surprise inflected her voice.

"Yes." Albert's reply was heavy, "For his sake I hope he is not a spy."

I felt cold as his words rang in my ear. What did they do to spies?

Rough hands pulled me off my horse, I knew better than to struggle once the cap came off my head my disguise would be ruined. It was exactly what they did. My brown hair descended like a curtain around me. Gasps rang through the whole assembly of watching people. "It's a lass!"

Albert came forward, a dangerous sort of surprise flaring across his features, "A lass?"

He studied me for a moment before a frown crossed his forehead, "Take her to the tent."

Unceremoniously pushed, I tried to drown the emerging fear. Rope wound around my hands, binding them behind my back and all of a sudden I was left alone with my thoughts. I breathed, tugging against the wooden pole, already I could feel the circulation beginning to cease. I whispered, "No, this can't be happening." I looked around, desperately searching for something, anything.

My mind shot off in all directions, what did they do to spies? Gruesome images spurted from the depths of my mind. I shuddered. With renewed vigor I tried to wriggle my fingers, my hands were really starting to grow numb, the rope hurt. Tied to the pole I was finally forced to accept the fact that I wasn't going anywhere. The tent flap opened.

I stared. It was the same hooded figure. I recalled the conversation I had overheard between Llewellyn and Monsieur Moreau in the library; this was the Outlaw's Prince they had mentioned.

He stood there silently. I could see nothing beyond the hood but the feel of his gaze was hard to escape. My breath caught as he drew nearer, stiffening when he bent down...almost eye to eye with me.

"Who are you..." My breath whooshed out in an almost silent whisper. His only response was to pull back and leave, leaving me to wonder if I had imagined him freeze for the briefest of seconds. I tried to gather my scattered thoughts. He was... I felt as though I should have known. I could hear activity beyond the tent, straining to hear I realized that the camp was packing to leave. Incredulous... surely not on my behalf?

The hours had seemed to blend, it felt too long to be short, too short to be possible but the camp was now quiet, in fact it sounded almost empty of human life. The tent flap opened and Albert entered. His fierce expression was gone, replaced by a softer expression.

"So. What happens now." I could feel my pulse pick up.

The ropes around my wrists fell away as he untied me. "We're leaving. The Prince has given orders. You're free to go."

I rubbed my wrists absently, "Would you tell me one thing please... who is he?"

Albert started at me with cool blue eyes and there was something solemn in his gaze, "Our Prince." I caught the pride in his voice, masked over by loyalty and deference.

He stood and I followed him outside. Again I was astounded; it had been a bustling camp a mere few hours ago yet it now looked almost clear of human inhabitance "Where did everyone go?"

Albert turned to me but instead of answering his eyes widened and he shoved me aside. His facial expression barely registered before I gasped as an arrow pierced his chest. The whoosh of its path had been barely perceptible, but it was meant for me. Without faltering Albert drew his sword, "Run!" Another arrow pierced his shoulder.

But there was no need to run; a precisely shot arrow brought the archer tumbling out of the tree. I gasped. It was happening too fast... yet in the tangle of confusion I knew... Uncle Devon. I choked. The fear rose, the terror I had once forgotten resurfaced, terrifying this time, tormenting and crippling... painfully. I stumbled and gasped as a familiar arm wrapped around me tightly, "You are never, to do this to me again."

Relief washed through me instantly and I almost cried at how absurd it was. "How -- "

I turned in time to see his bow clatter to the ground and Llewellyn crushed me against his chest. The scent of leather mixed with him made me feel slightly lightheaded. It was now the second time he had saved me, "I'm so sorry." I whispered.

"You should be." Llewellyn released me. His gaze radiated strong fierceness that I had never seen before. I felt opened like a book, raw to his gaze.

"Don't leave me again." He cupped my face with his hands, "Promise me."

It hurt to look into his eyes; it hurt to see how much pain I had caused him. For the first time he seemed vulnerable... but why did that matter, it shouldn't have mattered to me. My own heart throbbed painfully and I couldn't, "I can't." My voice sounded hoarse to my own ears but the emotions that fluttered over Llewellyn's features made the clenching in my chest so much worse.

He blinked, as though astounded that I would refuse him; I could see the hurt swirling in the depths of his eyes and I turned away. I couldn't face him like this, but Llewellyn's arm snaked around me gently, "Then for now, promise to stay beside me." I nodded, carefully keeping my gaze away. Llewellyn picked up his bow and we moved over to see how Albert was holding up; several men clustered around him attending to his wounds. Sweat glistened on his forehead and he conversed through tight lips, a grimacing smile distorting his face, "So you are a Lady, eh?"

I tried to smile, "No, not really. Shh, don't speak. You know you're an idiot don't you?" I didn't know where the new found intimacy came from, but I supposed a brush with death like that created something.

Despite himself, he laughed, his face distorting in pain and his attendants tried to keep him still, casting me a disapproving look. "I only do my duty." Seeing Llewellyn his expression changed entirely, "Milord!"

This time it was my turn to be caught by surprise, I glanced at Llewellyn who reached over to clasp Albert's hand in gesture of comradeship, "Albert, I didn't expect to find you in such a state, defending misappropriated Lady's!" Llewellyn chuckled, "You'll be alright I'll say."

Albert glanced from Llewellyn to me; I could tell he was piercing the connection. His eyes lit up and he whistled, "Tell me what is going on."

Llewellyn smiled, "Perhaps another time. You have all my thanks Albert."

Albert stared at us incredulously, "Wait -- "

Llewellyn was already moving away, his arm still around my waist, I asked, "Are you sure --"

"Yes, trust me, Albert and I are old friends."

I silenced for a moment, "What's going on Llewellyn." I paused, something occurring to me, "How did you know I was here?"

"We'll talk about that later. I want to see if our archer has anything to tell us. He should still be alive."

Frustrated, I lapsed into silence, so still he would not tell me, it was hard not to detest his calm exterior at times.

Entering the tent I had been retained barely an hour ago, the Prince's men parted to allow Llewellyn through. The archer was dead. Llewellyn stared at the corpse, "Did he talk?"

"No milord. He refused to give information regarding who he worked for and took his own life. There is not much to ascertain any identification. If you wish, we will investigate this matter for you."

"Please do. Thank you."

The men bowed as Llewellyn left and the tent flap closed behind us. "Llewellyn...don't leave me in the dark. Tell me what is going on. Why are they taking orders from you?"

Llewellyn glanced at me, the edge of his mouth quirking, "I haven't given any orders."

He slung his bow over his shoulders as he moved to unbridle Obrion. The fear that had momentarily disappeared returned, slipping through the cracks like a dark mist. Fear had never made its announcement clearer.

Llewellyn turned around and caught my gaze, or the tendrils of fear that had rooted me to the spot, "What happened. Why did you run?"

"Do you have to ask?"

Confusion swept over his features.

Unwavering despite my fear, I kept his gaze, "My uncle is a traitor."

The mystery was unraveling. Something snaked around my fear and I could feel it recede, changing into something else. And with a jolt I realized I wanted satisfaction. For everything that Uncle Devon had stolen.

Several emotions marred his expression simultaneously, "God forbid! Has it all come back to you?"

"Only the night they were murdered." The bitterness in my voice surprised even myself.

Concern crossed his features now and he bridged the distance and embraced me, "I'm so sorry."

"You don't have to be." I whispered.

He pulled apart and cupped my face in his hands, his expression fierce again, "Callie, you have to trust me. Do you trust me?"

His question caught me by surprise and I had no answer for him.

Without warning his lips descending over mine and I felt everything at once; the surprise, the yearning, the feel of his lips so hungry and... oh... so delicious. Without thinking I wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers curling into his hair as I deepened the kiss, feeling the beasts of passion and desire arch and demand for more...

We broke away, breathing heavily, consumed by the fathomless passion that smoldered in the wake of the kiss.

"Do you trust me?" Llewellyn's repeated question came out barely above a whisper.

And I had no choice but to reply in kind, a breathless whisper because I did, "Yes."

~*~ Llewellyn hadn't allowed me to find my horse, insisting that I would ride with him. Snuggled against him in the front of the saddle reminded me of the trip we had taken to the lake, closing my eyes I relaxed against him.

I woke again to Llewellyn's gentle shake, blinking a few times disoriented, "Where are we...oh!"

Llewellyn dismounted and helped me down. We were back at the lake. I stared at the silent water, mesmerized again. Llewellyn's soft lips bushed against the side of my face in a caressing kiss, "Let's go Callie." Elegant fingers entwined around mine and he tugged me forward.

Swallowing I allowed him to guide me, not entirely sure why we were here. The silence stretched on but Llewellyn strolled leisurely, his hand firm. The serenity of the place was permeating; it settled around us and made the silence comfortable in its own way. The sun was descending, casting its fading light over lake and there was something almost magical about it, breathtakingly so. Perhaps it was the right moment, the right time, because something unconstrained itself, indescribable, immeasurable in its beauty, "oh..." I breathed.

I stopped to watch the sun descend, lingering in its dusky radiance. Llewellyn's arms wrapped around me from behind and he drew me against his chest, "It's beautiful isn't it."

"Yes..."

We stood together for what felt almost like an eternity, connected in thought and feeling. It was a moment I didn't want to end, because in that moment the world was something indescribable, and we were at its center.

The sun slipped over the horizon... dusk had approached.

I turned my head, feeling Llewellyn's solid presence. He affirmed gently, "We should go now."

"Must we?" I murmured, feeling as though I was slightly intoxicated.

Llewellyn chuckled, "It's not far. Do you remember the cabin."

"Oh..." Fatigue overwhelmed me and I faltered against him, he caught me at the waist, hoisting my weight, "You should be careful not to overexert yourself Callie."

Without warning he picked me up and I immediately protested, "No, don't!"

Llewellyn glanced at me with a somewhat critical and amused expression, "I don't think so Callie. You're in no condition to make demands."

He wasn't entirely wrong. Realizing it was a pointless argument I rested my head against his chest, feeling the steady thudding of his heart, unfalteringly strong in its pulse. Absently I murmured, "I can hear your heart." Llewellyn looked down at me, chuckling slightly, "I think you need to rest Callie." Knowing how foolish I had sounded, a small blush crept up my neck. It was only when Llewellyn nudged open the creaking door that I yawned. He lowered me gently to the ground, proceeding to light the candles. It was a surprise to see the cabin illuminated, it was spacious but it had an air of coziness and recent inhabitance. Curiously, I ran my finger over the table... not a fluff of dust. I looked around, noting the bookshelf. Llewellyn watched me and I asked, "Does somebody live here?"

"Not really. This place is well maintained."

Surprised I looked at him, "By who? And for whom?"

Llewellyn's lips quirked, "Staffordshire Manor servants, it was originally maintained for the young master and lady. Secretly of course, the Duke knew nothing of its existence, but I daresay the Duchess may have had some inkling of what was going on."

I smiled solemnly, "I don't recall this place at all."

Llewellyn moved closer to lean against the table, "There have been many alterations... it is nothing like what it was. It used to be much smaller."

"Oh."

"Are you hungry?"

Something about his gaze drew my eyes towards him... the candles behind him illuminated his features softly, he looked...

I swallowed, "No...I'm not hungry."

Suddenly self-conscious I wasn't sure what else to say.

Llewellyn smiled softly and held out his hand, beckoning... but it was an invitation. I could turn and refuse. I stood still, caught in the hesitancy... yet I wanted him too. My skin tingled. No, I didn't just want him... I was hungry for his touch...

My body was its own mind. His hand curled around mine and he drew me closer. I could feel the strength in his arm as he snaked it around me, pressing me closer still. Desire surged as his lips descended over mine, softly... teasing. I opened my lips to him as my own hands sought beneath his shirt, feeling the hard ridges of his chest... I pressed myself against him, drawing away from his lips to nuzzle at his jaw... the soft skin between his neck... Llewellyn groaned, and his voice tinged with desire, "Callie..." Curious and with bold intent, my fingers traced a path down his chest... slipping between our bodies to brush tantalizingly against the bulge in his breeches, spurred and excited by the groan he elicited. My own desire pooled. His hands left my body and before I knew it he had captured my wrists, my eyes shot up and my heart skipped... stuttered... His eyes scorched... yet it was more than just raw desire... I could feel the strength that he restrained as he pulled my hands away. I looked at him, confused. He found my lips, kissing me gently before he picked me up and carried me to the bed. As soon as he laid me down he proceeded to undress, yet his breeches remained on.

I tried to get up but he pushed me back, bending over me to leave scorching trails of hungry kisses along my collarbone... over my jaw... finally descending on my lips yet as soon as my tongue brushed against his, his lips were gone, leaving me in a place of yearning. "Llewellyn..." I reached for him.

"No..." He caught my wrists again, his eyes losing none of its raw fire, yet somehow touched with something pleading, "Let me do it right this time."

I blinked, "What do you—"

He swept my hands to the sides of head before lowering himself to kiss gently against my check, murmuring close to my ear, "Just relax."

I breathed, wondering what Llewellyn was trying to do.

His lips began to work down my neck, a sensual caress in the most sensitive spots... I could feel his hands slide purposely down my body, lingering... slipping beneath my shirt to tease over my naked flesh. Without warning my linen shirt ripped down the middle. I had bound my chest and now Llewellyn's fingers probed at the material, trying to loosen it and he growled softly. It finally ripped and I gasped, arching as his tongue curled around a hardening nipple. Rippling waves of sensation rolled through me and I clutched at him in a demand for more. A low rumble started in Llewellyn's throat and his mouth began to work towards my naval, nipping and teasing softly. His tongue dipped over belly and I jolted, "That tickles!" A husky laugh greeted my ears before his lips returned over the button and my gasp was a half laugh as I tried to dislodge him, "Stop Llewellyn!" His only response was to clamp my hips in place and renew his assault, using his teeth to nip playfully... throes of laughter bubbled from me unchecked along with my tears, yet it was tortuously arousing. I pushed at his head, ineffectively for all my effort, "Oh God, Llewellyn, please!" I begged in my uncontrollable laughter, unable to stifle the tremors that ran through my body or the ache from being so sensuously tickled. He relented with a final lash of the tongue. I breathed heavily, trying to calm down my body's feverish response. Llewellyn moved up to prop his head on an arm, laughter combining his passion, "You squirm so delightfully." His fingers played over my breast, brushing lightly against my nipple, I turned over facing him, my body still aching for his touch, "That wasn't fair." Llewellyn laughed, a mischievous smile tugging against the corners of his lips, "No, it wasn't. But I'm sure you're wet though."