“Is that your agreement?”
She hooked one leg over the back of his knee and jerked him on top of her. “Mmm-hmm,” she mumbled, then pried his fingers away. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I couldnae stay away. I needed to hear your repudiation from your own lips.”
“My vow stands firm.”
“Then you shouldnae have left Dunscaith. To get you back will require a fight.”
“I had to deliver my letter. That’s why I left with Rory. I gave it to Margaret, and she promised to keep it safe.”
“She believes you?”
“No, she thinks I’m Annie. She even insisted I not speak of my time travel and coming from the future, but it’s true all the same. Do you believe me yet, Alex?”
“Nay, and in time your head will clear and you’ll see the truth. Something happened for you to leave your home and travel to me but ’twas no’ time travel. Mayhap you hit your head and ’tis the reason for this fantasy you weave.”
“Ahh, I see. Hit my head. Of course, and to do that I might have fallen from my horse while out riding. Oh yes, and then I recalled the need to handfast with you and set straight out for Dunscaith because that had become my greatest priority. Why did I not see that?” She rubbed her nose to his. Regardless of his disbelief, she couldn’t be more grateful he was here. “That would make sense, my last coherent thought being to risk my life to cross the isle and reach you. A man I’d never met before and didn’t wish to handfast with. Yes, you’re onto something.”
“You’re an imp.” He swatted her backside. “I’ve missed your teasing ways.”
“I hope you’ve missed more than that. But hey, you’re the one who thinks I’m suffering a head injury. I’m just pointing out the reasons how that can be, or can’t be. Maybe I’m even hallucinating this very second. I mean, you’re in my bed, which means a MacDonald has somehow infiltrated these castle walls.”
“You’re no’ hallucinating. Mother secured an invitation and I brought her. MacLeod had no choice but to extend his hospitality to me.” His lips slowly lifted. “So I’m enjoying said hospitality, in your bed.”
“Did you bolt the door?”
“Aye, but I still snuck in and could easily be found. I cannae stay.”
She stroked his sides and cupped his butt. “Your place is with me.”
“My place is to protect you. To see to your safety and wellbeing.”
“This time period really sucks. Where I come from, provided a woman wishes it, her man can sneak into her bed without these kinds of issues. I could protect you if they came. Pass me your sword.”
“Anne, you must cease all talk of—”
“Pass me your other weapon then.” She wriggled against him and his cock rose and stabbed her in the belly. “Ahh, there we are. Come sheath that blade in me.”
He chuckled then captured her mouth with his. He kissed her, deeply, like a man on a mission, an undertaking she didn’t want him to end. He gripped her waist, his hands spanning upward, so close to her breasts.
She melted into the sheets. “Don’t leave me.”
“I will fight for you.” He trailed kisses along her jaw and down her neck.
She arched in the hope he’d go lower. “Have you ever heard the saying, ‘make love not war?’”
“Nay, but never have I heard a more fanciful wish.” He swept his tongue over the rise of her breasts.
“I’m wearing too many clothes, and so are you.”
“Aye, I couldnae agree more.” He brushed her breasts through her nightrail. “I’ve heard your declaration that you wish to stay with me. That’s all I need. We’ll speak in the morn and present a united front before MacLeod. It’ll be our first avenue of attack. I must go.” Head dipped, he captured her nipple through the cotton and sucked hard.
“Alex.” Fire raced through her blood. “You can’t do that if you’re going to go.”
He released her breast, grinned then dropped a kiss on her lips. “I can and did. Sleep well, my sweet.” He snuck out of her bed and crept to the door, adjusting his trews as he did.
Shoving the curtains back, she whispered, “Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. Be careful. Don’t let anyone see you.”
He held a finger to his lips. “Shh, on the morrow. Goodnight.”
She bit her tongue to ensure she remained quiet as he slipped out the door and closed it without a snick.
Rubbing her chest, she ached for him to return. Alex had come for her and she wanted nothing more than to be with him. “I won’t leave you again, Alex. I promise you that.” She wanted her parents alive and her Highland lover. Only how could she achieve that means?