*
FIFTEEN
Alec was restless that night. Consumed with guilt, he bloody well couldn't sleep. He got up from the uncomfortable sofa and stretched his back, staring through the window onto the rolling green hills below. The sun was just beginning to rise.
He had to straighten this thing out, he thought. It was becoming too much for him to handle. He had to apologize to Ruby. And tell her he loved her. He wanted her, and there was no way he intended to let her go back to Brian.
He left the library where he spent the night and went upstairs. He quietly opened the master bedroom door and slipped inside. Seeing that Ruby was still asleep, he sat on the side of the bed and looked down at her. Gosh, she looked so innocent and beautiful in her sleep. His heart constricted. For the first time since his ex-wife left him, he finally managed to fall in love with another woman.
His finger stroked her cheek. His heart, at that moment, was brimming with love for this woman. He felt content. Even happy. He wanted it to be like this forever.
He kissed her on her lips, gently. Then he moved his lips to her ear and whispered softly, "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I love you." He got up and went into the bathroom to shower. When he came back out, Ruby was awake.
"Good morning," he said, giving her a cheerful smile.
Ruby's heart did a somersault. He looked fresh and hot with his hair all wet and tousled, not to mention, his trim, muscular body in those tight jeans and a black T-shirt. The smile? Ruby was not impressed. She couldn't believe he had the balls to say good morning and smile at her in such a hot way as though he had no guilt whatsoever. In order to show him she was still angry, she glared at him and ignored his greeting.
Alec felt the guilt rushing back to drown him like a blast of ice-cold ocean waves.
"Sweetheart," he started.
"I'm not your sweetheart, Alec," Ruby snapped.
Alec sat beside her. Ruby shifted sideways, pulling the duvet along with her to cover her naked body.
Alec grabbed her bare arm. A tingle of sensations rushed through Ruby's spine. She gritted her teeth in annoyance and shuffled further from him, pushing his hand away.
Alec knew she didn't want him to touch her. He knew she didn't want him near her. Heck, he'd bet she didn't even want to see his face. Then he remembered that her mood usually mellowed after a good, hot bath.
He turned on his heels and walked back into the bathroom.
Ruby sighed with relief that he finally decided to leave her alone. Her relief, however, lasted only about fifteen minutes. Alec returned, looking rather pleased with himself.
Ruby knew he was up to no good. She could tell by the smug expression on his face. As he neared her, she clutched the duvet tighter about her person and shifted away, glaring at him to leave her be. Alec ignored her silent command and grabbed her arm.
"Alec, leave me alone," she snapped.
"Come here," he said, pulling her to him.
"Alec, please," she said. "Alec, let me go."
Alec yanked the duvet away. Naked, and in his arms, Ruby gritted her teeth and said, her anger rising, "You're going to be sorry for this, Alec, one day."
Alec wanted to say that he was already sorry for hurting her, but he pretended to ignore her. Inside, however, he was hurting like hell.
Ruby couldn't stand that Alec seemed to be ignoring her threat. She was even angrier at that. In an attempt to get his attention, she first grabbed a handful of his short hair and started pulling it, hard.
"Ruby!" Alec growled. "Stop it!"
She liked that. He was responding even if also hurting. She moved her lips to his ear and said, "If you don't put me down and leave me alone, I'll pull harder."
She was trying to get back at him, and he knew it. She was hurting and she wanted to hurt him in return.
He turned to look at her as he approached the bathroom. With his lips near hers, his nose touching hers, and his eyes intensely on hers, he said, "Not a chance."
"Lout!"
Alec could feel her warm breath against his face. A hot thrill rushed through his being.
"I'm going to curse you, Alec," she said.
"Go ahead," he replied, kicking the bathroom door open.
"I curse you to burn eternally in purgatory," she said, lowering her head before biting him on his shoulder, hard.
Alec gritted his teeth at the pain. Shit!
He didn't know what to do to make her stop; so he did the only thing that was available to him. He obeyed her demand and let her go.
Ruby expected that he would let her go gently, and expected to land on the bathroom floor on her feet. But no, he literally dropped her into the huge bathtub filled with water.
The soapy water splashed everywhere. She spluttered and shut her eyes.
Alec kneeled down beside the tub. One of his hands held onto the back of her head while his other slipped under her chin. He smiled as she blinked and rubbed her eyes a few times to get the soapy water out.
Once she managed to open her eyes without feeling the sting, she glared at him, telling him that she was very displeased with his method of letting her go.
"Stupid lout!"
"Maybe I am a stupid lout," he conceded, his warm breath fanning her skin. Then he kissed her again, his tongue pushing against her lips, his fingers digging deep into her wet hair.
Ruby was unprepared for his unexpected kiss. If she had known and were prepared, she'd have hit him and demanded that he let her go. But she wasn't, so she was lost. She found herself opening her mouth for him, allowing his expert tongue to caress and stroke hers, causing her whole body to tremble for more.
Alec knew he won their small battle of wills when he took her by surprise with his gentle kiss. He claimed his victory by deepening his passionate kiss, his tongue playing with hers, stroking, and caressing as his hands moved down to her breasts--fondling her there.
When he moved his head back, he saw that she was dazed. There was desire in her eyes; and she was also breathless.
"I'm going to act as your servant today, my lady," he said.
Ruby just stared at him, not registering what he said. She was still on Cloud Nine.
Alec reached for the shampoo, squeezing a small amount of the creamy contents into his palm, before rubbing it into Ruby's hair. He massaged her hair gently until the shampoo formed a thick, white foam on her head.
Ruby blinked a few times as he did that. Then it suddenly clicked.
"No, Alec, I can bathe myself just fine," she said, pushing his hand from her head.
"I'm not finished yet."
"Alec, please," she protested, shooting upright and moving to the other side of the tub.
Alec was about to follow her when he saw her dilemma. Clearly, his assistance wasn't helping. He only seemed to make her angrier. And that he didn't want.
He stood up and washed his hands at the basin. Before he left, he gave her a devilish grin and winked. Then he was gone, shutting the door behind him.
Ruby bit her lip... suddenly feeling mortified. She just allowed him to kiss her, again. Even worse, she allowed him to glimpse her passion, and her desire for him. Oh God!
Ruby realized the moment she stepped out of the tub that her bandage was ruined. It was all Alec's fault, of course. He was the one who dumped her into the tub. Now look!
She wrapped herself with the white bathrobe and half strode, half limped out the door. She found Alec still there, sitting on the bed with the first aid kit beside him.
She folded her arms across her chest as she studied him.
Alec stood up and walked toward her. Without saying anything, he lifted her up and carried her to bed, where he put her down and inspected her wet bandage.
"It's your fault, you know," she started.
"I know," he replied as he unwrapped the wet bandage on her ankle.
Ruby watched, feeling quite stupid and what? Content? Happy? Yes, she couldn't help feeling happy as he gently tended her almost-healed injury. She couldn'
t help noticing the beautiful sensation that was rushing through every fiber of her being when his hands touched her skin.
"Next time," he said as he began tidying up, "I promise not to throw you into the tub again if you promise not to bite me."
Next time? There would never be a next time.
He raised an eyebrow at her and stood, as though daring her to defy his statement. His expression clearly said "Oh, there will definitely be a next time." Then, just before he left her, he kissed her again--on the lips--which Ruby was, yet again, unprepared for.
"Alec!" Ruby shouted, once he let her go.
"See you downstairs for breakfast," he said, walking to the door with the first aid kit. "Don't be too long now." Then he shut the door.
Ruby muttered how stupid Alec was as she got dressed. When she finished, she limped out the door to get some breakfast.
She was walking across the hallway when she heard Susan's voice coming from the library. Wherever Susan was, she knew she'd find Brian there, too.
The thought of Brian struck a deep pang of guilt in her heart. Gosh, how she wanted to explain everything to him. She knew he'd understand. He was Brian, after all.
She was about to go in and see if she could talk to him alone when she heard Susan say, "I don't want to hurt him anymore, Alec."
Ruby frowned. So it was not Brian that Susan was with? Susan was with Alec.
"I don't want to see him getting hurt like this. I love him too much, Alec. You have to stop this now. We have to stop this now."
She could hear Susan crying.
"When I see him so depressed, I feel like my world is dying, Alec. Brian doesn't deserve this. Nor Ruby, either. I just want to end everything. I can't stand this anymore. He doesn't love me anymore. I can't--I can't go on like nothing happened in front of him. He looks at me, Alec. He knows, but he doesn't say. I have to tell him the truth. I can't. He loves her--I, oh Alec, please? Can't we stop?"
Ruby could hear Susan sobbing again. Then Alec said, "Nay, Sue, it's too late now. I thought you wanted Brian back."
"Oh, I do, but he--"
"Are you giving up so easily? I want to see you happy. Besides, I know Brian would look after you well."
"But, Alec, Brian doesn't--"
"Do you not love him anymore?"
Ruby's heart skipped a beat as she waited for Susan's answer. Then, a long moment later, she heard Susan say, "Yes. Oh, yes, I do, Alec. I love Brian so much."
"Does it hurt you when you see him with another woman?"
"Yes, yes, it hurts me very much. Otherwise, why would I ask you to help me do this in the first place?"
"Then you mustn't give up, Sue. Come, let's dry your tears. Brian should be back from his ride shortly."
Ruby peeked in and saw them coming toward the door. She limped around the corner of the hallway and hid there. Once she was sure they were gone, she stepped out, wondering what do next.
The problem with Ruby was her soft-hearted personality. She was too compassionate. That was the reason why she knew deep down she had to help Brian and Susan. Maybe Brian still didn't know he was in love with Susan; and perhaps, she needed to guide him to that realization.
Ruby was in the hallway when she saw Brian coming in through the front door. He was dressed in a pair of old jeans and a well-worn shirt. His tousled hair was in a messy state after his ride.
She smiled at him, thinking of how to convince him that he was in love with Susan.
Brian looked at her in surprise as though he didn't expect to see her. Then his expression changed. "Ruby," he said, his voice sounding urgent as he rushed over to her.
"Where have you come from?" Ruby asked, looking at him curiously.
"Riding." Then hesitantly, he touched her arm. "Ruby, we have to talk."
"Brian, I'm sorry," she began. "I didn't mean to, you know."
He studied her for a moment. "Yes, I know."
"I really do want to visit Westwick Castle," she added, smiling at him.
"Yes, I know," he replied, looking at her in a way that made Ruby's heart swell and ache in her chest. She really wanted to hug him and tell him she didn't mean for any of it to happen.
"Ruby, I've been thinking."
"Yes?"
"Ruby, this whole thing. You, Alec, Susan and me... Gosh, I--"
"There you are!" Alec's voice boomed straight at them from the other end of the hallway.
Both Ruby and Brian turned to look at him.
Alec didn't like it one bit that Brian was touching Ruby, so, as soon as he was beside her, his hand wrapped around her arm before he lightly pulled her to him possessively. "Come to breakfast," he said. "Good ride, Brian?"
Brian looked irritated and frowned at Alec. Then he changed his expression and nodded.
Ruby glanced at Brian before they all walked into the dining room. Susan looked up from her breakfast as Brian took his seat next to her.
Alec drew a chair out for Ruby. She sat down as she watched Brian subconsciously taking hold of Susan's hand and giving it a little squeeze. She wondered if Brian knew he was doing that. She saw Susan look up at him with adoring eyes although Brian was too busy drinking his coffee to notice her.
"So, what would you like, sweetheart?" Alec asked her.
Ruby glanced at Alec, and said, "I can serve myself, thank you."
Alec did not like how intensely Ruby was watching Brian, and his sister too. He wondered what she was thinking.
Jane appeared at the door. "Morning, everyone," she greeted them happily as she took a seat next to Brian. No one looked up at her except for Alec, who smiled and replied just as cheerfully.
As she poured herself a cup of coffee, Jane said, "I was thinking we should all tour some of the old castles nearby. I'm sure Ruby would love that."
Ruby said, "That would be marvelous."
"Hmm, an outing," Alec said, "that sounds good."
Susan glanced at Brian, offering him a fleeting, uncomfortable smile. Brian was concerned because he noticed that her eyes were red and puffy. He wanted to ask why, but decided against it. He'd ask her later when they were alone.
Once breakfast was over, they got ready for their outing. Ruby didn't have much to take with her, not even her purse because Alec still hadn't returned it to her.
At the door, as they were all leaving the castle, Ruby whispered to Alec, "I think it's time you gave me back my purse."
"Nay, not yet."
"Then you're paying for my food and entry ticket, mister!" she said as she stalked out toward the car.
Alec grinned, and courteously opened the door for her. "My lady," he said.
Ruby was about to get into the car when she realized that Brian, Susan, and Jane were not coming with them.
Alec said, "It's better we travel separately."
"Oh," she responded, sliding into the front seat.
Alec shut the door and got into the driver's seat. He started the engine and drove out of the estate, with Brian and Susan in one car, and Jane in another, following them, convoy-style.
Ruby relaxed and enjoyed the view as the car smoothly traveled through the countryside. She felt content, and curiously odd that she didn't mind Alec sitting beside her. She glanced at him. Suddenly, he moved one hand from the steering wheel and stroked her hair before caressing her cheek. She pushed his hand away.
Alec returned his hand to the steering wheel.
Ruby was well aware of the awkward silence. She felt rather stupid, so she said, "Where are we going?"
"Are you afraid?"
Ruby stared at his hands that were on the steering wheel. Her body tingled just looking at those big, strong hands. Her gaze traveled up to his forearms. They looked powerful and firm. Then she gazed at his handsome face. She swallowed and stared at the firmness of his strong jaw, his high, straight nose and forehead.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked.
"I wondered what you were thinking about," she replied, not knowing how to answer his quest
ion. Yes, she was gawking at him, and she had no answer as to why she was.
"I wonder what you are thinking about," he teased, glancing at her briefly.
Ruby saw that his eyes were twinkling.
"So... are you afraid?"
"That?"
"That I might drive you to deserted woods and leave you there?"
Ruby cocked her head to one side, considering that situation for a moment. No, she was not afraid. She wondered if he had already forgotten about the times when she tried to run away. Did he also forget he was the one who pursued her? She felt pretty sure she was safe with him by now. She knew he would never hurt her, especially after the night when he took care of her and reduced her fever. Not to mention, how he tended to her injury, too.
She sighed loudly.
"Don't worry, it's not that long of a drive," Alec said.
Ruby just nodded.
Ardkinglas, an Edwardian mansion composed of creamy granite, stood in the middle of a beautiful woodland garden. Located right at the front of Loch Fyne in Argyll, it was simply magnificent. The very sight took Ruby's breath away.
"Ardkinglas was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer," Alec explained as he led her into the mansion.
"An Edwardian mansion! How magnificent," Ruby murmured under her breath as she followed Alec into the great hall. She glanced behind her and saw Brian, Susan, and Jane coming toward them.
"I'm not coming in," Jane shouted to Alec. "I've seen it a hundred times already. I prefer to take a walk in the garden." With that she waved her hands and strolled away.
Alec guided Ruby with his hand on the small of her back. As they explored, he told her all about the history of the place. Ruby really appreciated his wealth of knowledge. She was so absorbed in the beauty of the architecture and its history, she did not realize that both Brian and Susan were gone.
"Where'd everyone go?" she asked some moments later.
Alec shrugged his powerful shoulders, hiding a grin.
"Maybe they got bored," she commented, "because they've probably seen this mansion a hundred times before, like Jane." Then she wondered if Alec had also seen the mansion countless times before. Was that why he knew so much about its history?
She wandered to the window of the master bedroom and looked out appreciatively toward the vast, beautiful woodland below. She smiled dreamily. The place was like a fantasy world. Although she had to admit it was wonderful, she wouldn't want to live there. Somehow, it didn't look very inviting or livable. Not like Hasting Manor. Shoot! What was she thinking about? Living in Hasting Manor? She grunted in irritation and turned.