Dylan was tired and worried. It was past midnight, and dark enough outside that the search at basically been halted. He was continuing but only on the road and only because he knew the area so well. He had just entered a village and he went straight to the inn. He knew she wasn't here, he'd already been by once, but he could definitely use a drink. He left his horse with the two footmen accompanying him and walked in. The taproom was noisy and full. He wasn't too well known around here, and after spending the last several hours riding through the woods he didn't look rich enough to gain much notice. He signaled the barkeep and bought a bottle of whiskey and three glasses. He was just settling down for some nice drunkenness, when one of the men he was with came running in.
"Sir, Sir." The footman was excited and couldn't stand still. "She's here. At least her horse is."
Dylan bolted to his feet. "You're sure it's her horse?" He stared intently at the young man.
"Of course, her tacks here too, has your coat of arms on it." The footman was grinning widely.
Dylan shoved the bottle of whiskey at the young servant and strode quickly to the owner; he cornered the slimy little man at the stairs and grabbed him but his collar. "Going somewhere?" His voice was deceptively calm and quiet. The owner was turning white and stammered out an excuse, "Just checking on the guests." Dylan gave the man a hard shake. "You told me she wasn't here, why did you lie?"
The owner was terrified and actually thought he might be in danger of dieing. "She wasn't here yet, I swear. She only just got in." He fumbled around in one of his pockets. "Look here's the key to her room, I was just going up to make sure she was okay."
Up until this point, Dylan had been successfully holding in the urge to kill the innkeeper. "You were going to her room?" His voice was a near whisper. He waited for the bastard to deny it and as soon as he did, Dylan balled his hand into a fist and took great pleasure in breaking the bastard's nose. He scooped up the key and was taking the stairs two at a time before the man hit the floor. He'd stayed here a couple times, and he knew that she would have been put in the corner room as far away from the others as possible. He was right- the key turned easily in the lock.
Liana was woken from her sleep once again. Only this time it wasn't the laughter and shouts from below that woke her. Someone was in the hall outside her door. When she heard the key in the lock she stuffed a fist in her mouth to stifle her scream. She prayed that her barricade would hold while she searched for her knife. It only took one great push and everything tumbled away from the door. There was man in the hallway; he was big, but with the light coming in from behind him all she could see was his silhouette.
Dylan stood there for a moment letting his eyes adjust to the darkened room. A fire was burning low in the hearth, giving off a soft glow. He scanned the room and nearly fell to his knees when he saw her huddled in the bed. In less than a second he was across the room pulling her into his arms. "Lia, sweetheart, you're alright." It was half a statement and half a question. He felt her relax when he spoke, her recognition evident.
She had been so terrified when he grabbed her, until she heard his voice. Now she was shaking with relief and crying all over his shirt. He was squeezing her almost painfully tight whispering in her ear, "I'm so glad you're alright, I was so worried." He was pressing kisses into her face and hair. He pulled her away from his chest so that he could see her. "You are okay, right?" He was tilting her face towards the light looking for any bruises.
She nodded tearfully. "I was so scared tonight. I kept thinking someone was going to come up and then you..."
Dylan groaned and pulled her tight against his chest again. "I'm sorry I scared you, don't cry baby." And then he was kissing her and trying to take off her dress and his shirt.
Liana pulled back, her eyes misty with passion and her full lips red and swollen. "Dylan shouldn't we close the door?" She grinned at his thoughtlessness.
Dylan made a sound somewhere between a groan and a growl. He put his arms around her waist and held her up so that their faces were level. His mouth captured hers again as he kicked the door shut and walked to the bed. They were both frantic for completion. He pulled the neckline of her dress down enough to bare her breasts and immediately caressed and squeezed her creamy flesh. Liana was trying to unbutton his shirt and she succeeded in ripping it open. She groaned into Dylan's mouth as she felt his hard chest and taut stomach. Feeling bold, she lowered her hands and unbuttoned his trousers.
Dylan moved down to suck her nipple into his mouth. She was arching up, allowing him greater access. He slid one hand down her leg. Finding the hem of her skirt he pulled it up to her waist and settled between her legs. Liana was restless beneath him, she was trying to pull him closer and kiss him. Dylan caressed her sex through her underclothes. When she began rubbing herself against his hand he easily ripped the cloth and slid into her. She gasped when he entered her. She was still slightly sore from the previous morning and her body tightened against him.
It took Dylan several thrusts to make it fully into her silky passage. He slid one hand between their bodies to caress the little nub of flesh that he knew would push her over the edge. It worked and her body opened to him. When he felt the contractions of her muscles, signaling her release, he lost control thrusting deep and hard until he was empty.
Dylan pushed himself up with both hands and smiled. Liana was exhausted and she had fallen asleep immediately after their lovemaking. He slowly pulled out of her and stood up. He shook his head ruefully; they hadn't even paused long enough to disrobe. He eased her clothes off while she slept and then, after removing his own, climbed into bed with her. They might as well spend the night here.
Liana awoke slowly and realized that it was already late in the morning. Dylan had awoken her twice more with his passion and she was still tired. She pushed the covers off and sat up in the rumpled bed. She was alone. Some one had left a plate of pastries and fruit on the table and a fresh change of clothing on the end of the bed. She hurriedly dressed before Dylan could come back in. She wondered if he was angry at her. Last night he had only shown his concern, well, and his lust but surely he was mad about her leaving him. She didn't know what to do. She had never met a man like him before. Just thinking about him made her stomach quiver. But she couldn't return to him. She had a reputation to salvage. Marriage was no longer an option, except maybe to someone as desperate as she. But there were good jobs as companions or governesses that she could find.
The door opened with a bang. The object of her thoughts stood in the doorway. With his legs braced apart and his arms crossed over his chest, he completely filled the space. Liana gulped. The look on his face confirmed her fears, he was furious.
"Your things have already been sent home, we leave now." His words were short and clipped. He crossed the distance in two long strides and grabbed her by the wrist. He dragged her along after him at such a pace that she had to run to keep up. When they reached the courtyard only his horse was standing there.
"Dy..." Her mouth was dry and she cleared her throat before continuing. "Dylan where is my horse? I am really quite competent." She spoke in the most ladylike voice that she could manage.
Dylan turned to answer her, his expression enough to scare the daylights out of her. "You have already proven yourself irresponsible with your own horse. You ride with me." It was all he was willing to say on the matter. He easily lifted her into the saddle and swung up behind her. One of his strong arms anchored her to him while the other lifted the reins and took off.
The trip home took less time than it had taken her to get to the village. Dylan apparently knew a shortcut. But Dylan refused to talk to her, so the ride seemed to take much longer. When they reached the house Dylan halted the horse next to the front entry. He dismounted with her still in his grip and marched into the house, leaving the horse in the care of a waiting footman. None of the staff greeted them on the trip to her bedroom, they all seemed a little wary of their master. Dylan deposited on her bed and stormed out with out speaking a word. The click of the lock seemed unusually loud in the quiet.
Dylan angry demeanor dropped as soon as the door shut behind him. Yes, he was angry with her for putting herself in danger, but he was incredibly happy that she was back, safe and sound. He met the housekeeper, Mrs. McInnes, on the stairs and paused to leave directions. "Send up a bath and some food, but she is not leave." He smiled before walking on.
Mrs. McInnes was stunned at his jovial expression. She stood staring after him for nearly a full minute before smiling herself. It was obvious; the Laird was falling in love.
Dylan slept for nearly the rest of the day. When he awoke the sun was setting and he was in a much better mood. He dressed and rang for some food. When his valet entered he inquired about Liana.
