Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“Can you tell me about it?”


“The feud has raged for years. Lachlan MacLean, along with Donald and Angus MacDonald each received a missive from the king requesting they present themselves at court to atone for their actions. The king wished a discussion with all three chiefs, but Lachlan had no intention of traveling to Edinburgh. That choice is now out of his hands. He was captured during a battle with the MacDonalds on Islay. ’Twas a grave fight that took many of my men’s lives.”

“What of the other two chiefs?”

“Donald and Angus were captured afore that battle. With all three chiefs now at the king’s mercy, it appears those discussions will occur whether Lachlan wished them to or no’.”

“I’m sorry.” She couldn’t have arrived at a more difficult time. “You mentioned Margaret before, that the chief’s wife spent time with Nanna. Can I speak to her?”

“In the morn. She’ll be tending her bairns this eve.” He released her and crossed to his trunk. He snagged a white tunic and passed it across. “A nightrail, or as close as I can offer.”

Yes, she’d stay the night, and however long her wish kept her here in the past.

“I’ll leave so you may change.”

“No, don’t go.” She clutched his arm. “Stay, but turn your back. Please, I don’t want to be left alone.”

“Aye, mayhap ’tis for the best. I’ve no wish to leave you either.” He turned and the longer strands of his dark hair brushed his shoulders.

“Thank you.” She laid her charm on his nightstand then wriggled out of the clingy wetsuit and pulled his tunic over her head. “Where should I sleep?”

“My bed. I’ll sleep afore the fire.”

“Are you certain?”

“Take my bed, lass.”

“Okay, but if you want it back, just yell out.” She scrambled across his huge bed and dived under the covers. Near the fire, he tugged his damp shirt off and slung it across the corner wooden chair. His chest held a smattering of hair, the same dark shade as his head, and his arms and shoulders were packed with muscle. Contoured abs rippled as he dipped a cloth in the water basin and wiped it over his glorious golden skin. A thrill chased through her. Clearly a warrior who fought by the sword, and a wonderful distraction from her turbulent thoughts.

“Another vision.” He seized the edge of the table and closed his eyes.

“Are you all right?”

“Aye.” Slowly he straightened and smiled. “Interesting. You, my charm, have a beautiful heart shaped mole on your belly.”

“What? Do you care to explain?”

“In my vision, I saw you lying afore me in a darkened cave.”

“And I somehow pulled up my shirt and you caught sight of my belly?”

“There was no shirt, though you were otherwise covered with my plaid.”

“I’ve never shown anyone that mole, and exactly what do you mean by otherwise covered?”

“’Tis best I leave it at that.” He removed his sword belt, loosened the ties of his leather pants and gripped the waistband.

“Wait.” She slammed her eyes shut. “Make sure you put on lots of clothing, layers and layers of it. No matter what you’ve seen, we are still setting some boundaries.” And what were these visions all about? She’d never had them until today.

“I prefer to sleep as I was born.”

“And I prefer you don’t. Just keep your pants on mister.”

“Move over, Lila.” His voice was husky and far too close. “We sleep together.”

She shoved her eyes open. He towered over her, but thankfully, he’d donned a new pair of soft cotton pants. “You said you’d sleep before the fire.”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“Because of that vision?”

“I need to remain close to you. The urge to do so is strong.” He slid in beside her. “Your arrival was foretold, and these visions prove we shall be close.”

“No, they prove we’re seeing visions.” Except a niggle told her he was right. She wriggled over to make room for him. “I can handle sharing a bed, but no more heart shaped mole peek-shows for you.” She yanked the covers up to her nose, and his fresh outdoor scent trapped within the cotton drifted around her. He smelt sooo good, like the wind and sea, an intoxicating mix. “And stay on your side of the bed.”

“Both sides are mine.”

“They aren’t tonight.” Did that mean he was single? He certainly better be or else he could get back out again. “You don’t have a woman somewhere, do you?”

“Nay.” One firm word. “It appears there is only you.”

A hundred butterflies abounded in her belly. “That’s a nice one-liner.”

“I need to hold you. I’ve no desire for distance.”

“I’m here for Nanna. I made a wish to find her, not end up in bed with you.”