Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“Tell me about your grandmother.” He rolled toward her, wrapped an arm around her waist. She should pull away, only she couldn’t.

“She’s the most amazing person and raised me singlehandedly. When I was five and old enough to understand that most children had parents, Nanna took me to a memorial statue near the ocean where one can lay flowers for those lost at sea. I crawled onto Nanna’s lap and she told me all about my father. John had been a great man, one who’d led others, but he’d sailed on a vessel that had been caught and gone down in a storm. Nanna said she was without any images of him, but she took her notebook out of her purse and drew a picture for me. She sat him on a horse with a sword in his hand.” That memory filled her heart and made her smile. “Nanna’s always been into all things historical. She even sketched my mother standing next to him in a long-flowing gown with flowers braided in her hair. It was the prettiest picture and I kept it pinned to the wall above my bed.”

“Was your mother with him? Was she too lost at sea?”

“No, she died giving birth to me. I arrived very early and well, she died. Nothing could be done. She battled though, for two days through labor.”

“You said at the loch you had no other kin?”

“Yes, though Nanna decided to return to Scotland so she could try to find family, even if remote. It’s been twenty-one years since she was last here. We were even going to meet up and travel the Highlands together just a week after she went missing. I couldn’t come straight away because of work.” A job she’d been given extended leave from since she hadn’t a clue how long the search would take. “What about your kin? Have you always lived here?”

“Aye, my father was a warrior as I am, and my mother a seamstress. Eight years ago during my twentieth winter, a deadly sickness of the lungs took the lives of many on Mull. They both perished, along with thirty others.”

“Do you have anyone else?”

“My brother is away but should return soon. I also have an entire clan. I’ve never been without kin.” He played with her hair, winding it around his fingers. Her scalp tingled in the most delicious way.

“I sure would have loved a sibling.” She wriggled closer and rubbed her nose against his warm skin, right over his heart where the beat pounded strong. “The strangest thoughts are going through my mind.”

“Aye, ’tis the same for me. We are bound, as the fortuneteller foretold.”

Yes, never in her life had she been this relaxed with a man. “So, do you have any interesting moles yourself?”

“Nay, but I do possess a curious looking birthmark on my right cheek.” He smoothed down her side, over her hip and cupped the curve of her bottom. “Right about here.”

“You’re getting rather touchy-feely.”

“So are you.”

Because she couldn’t damn well help it. She tiptoed her fingers down his bare chest. Ties partly unfastened, his pants sat low on his hips. “What’s your birthmark look like?”

“Take a guess.” One sly grin. “Or would you care to see it?”

“I would say yes, but maybe another time, when I’ve known you for longer than a few short hours.”

“A sound idea.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Tell me more about this place you call home.”

“I live on the other side of the world, in a country as yet undiscovered. Sydney is a bustling city where buildings are far taller than this castle and they stand row upon row.” But she’d rather learn more about him. “What’s it like living here?”

“’Tis my home and I would live nowhere else.”

“It must be nice to have a home.” Without Nanna, she now had none. Their small apartment certainly hadn’t provided her any solace since Nanna’s awful disappearance. She lifted up onto her elbows. On the bedside table, firelight flickered over her talisman and lit the inscription. “Is it possible to find the fortuneteller who gave you your charm? Since they’re identical, she must have been the one to give Nanna mine. She may be able to impart more knowledge.”

“She vanished mere moments after handing it to me. Although she spoke of having another charm to gift, and she’d see it done.” He stroked her cheek and stared into her eyes. “You’re now in my care, and I gladly offer you my protection. You will always be safe with me.”

“I know.” Deep inside her, that knowledge rang with truth. Except he was still a MacLean, her enemy. Nanna had used the last name of Cunningham, as she would too. Until she learnt more, she’d take every precaution.

“’Tis been a long day. You should rest.” He settled her back against him and tucked her head under his chin. “I’ll watch over you.”

She closed her eyes and drifted, so content within his arms.

“Goodnight, Calum.”

“Aye, ’tis a good night, my charm.”





Chapter 3