Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

“It does?”


“Aye,” he purred in her ear, “and I want to see it lying across my pillow, each and every night.” He selected one of the sticks of meat from the fire, tore off a chunk and slipped the morsel between her lips.

“That could be arranged, provided we ever see a bed.” She plucked a piece of meat from the skewer and fed him.

In silence, they ate as the other warriors did the same. A few men remained close to the fire while half a dozen others strolled down to the water’s edge and washed up. These men were islanders and seafarers. They lived and breathed the sea and were most content when closest to it.

Archie bounded from the beached birlinn, a couple of bags in hand and his tartan slung over his shoulder. He set one of the bags at his feet and passed the other to John. “That’s yours.”

“My thanks.” John placed it behind him.

Archie chose a skewer then perched on a low boulder and glanced at her. “How do you fare?”

“Much better. I want to thank you for coming to Mull for me too. I never meant to cause such trouble.”

“You’re my sister-by-marriage, and with your handfast to my brother, now my sister twice over. I will always be here for you.”

John slid her hair over her shoulder and dropped a soft kiss on her neck. “We’re your kin, more so than the MacLeans will ever be. Which means there’ll be no more traveling to Mull.”

“Now, that I can promise you. I’m content to remain on Islay with you, although”—she shuffled around and faced him—“do you think there’s a way to get a message to Margaret, to let her know I’m all right? I’m certain she’ll worry.”

“I cannae give you any promises, but if the opportunity ever arises, I’ll send word. Have you eaten your full?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s bathe.” John gripped her waist and set her on her feet as he stood then nabbed his bag.

She flapped out the tartan blanket they’d sat on, and with it wrapped around her for added warmth, followed him into the moonlit recesses of the forest.

John prowled ahead, keeping an eye out along the densely wooded trail. He strode with such purpose, his leather pants clinging to his powerful thighs and molding his tight butt. He was so delectably gorgeous with his white tunic fluttering free. A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, lifted his shirt hem and gave glimpses of his golden skin lit by the moonlight. “We’re here.” He held up a low branch and she passed under it.

“Oh, this is beautiful.” The loch, small, private and perfectly round was encircled with towering trees and its dark, glassy surface, beckoned her to come and swim. “How did you know this loch was here?”

“When we need to make landfall, this cove is a favored place to make camp.” He unwrapped her blanket from around her then laid it on the ground under a tree. “Do you need aid with removing your gown?”

“No, not since the ties fasten in front, but still I’d love your help.” She removed her slippers and stepped up to him.

“This is one task I’m always up for.” He picked up the front ties and unlaced her stays, his warm breath feathering across every inch of skin he exposed. Slowly, gently, he slid his hands under the fabric covering her shoulders, eased the garment down her arms and skimmed it over her hips. The crinkly blue velvet swished into a puddle at her feet and exposed all of her. “Now, this is beautiful.”

“Are you coming in with me?” She backed up a step and his hungry golden gaze sent tingles racing across her skin and heat pooling in her below.

“There is no’ a soul who could stop me.” He divested himself of his weapons, a sword and sheathed wrist and ankle daggers, then lifted his tunic over his head. Chest muscles flexed and rippled as he shucked off his boots and pants. As he stepped forward, his silky dark hair wisped with blond slid sensuously over his broad shoulders.

She could watch him forever, exactly like this. Every inch of him was hers, and she longed to join with him.

“What are thinking?” He scooped her into his arms and walked toward the mossy edge of the loch. As his erect shaft grazed her bottom, her nipples beaded tight.

“That I’ll have to insist on more than just bathing. Are you up for a little adventure?”

“Always.” He strode into the water and when it lapped at his waist, he slowly lowered.

She gasped at the shock of cold and clamped her hands around his neck. Down they went and under the surface. She released him and came back up, water streaming through her hair and over her breasts. “Oh goodness. You could have warned me you were about to do that.”