Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“Are you looking for your grandmother, my lady?” The matronly cook scrubbed a pot on the trestle table nearest the fire pit. “She and Josiah have just wandered down along the beach toward where the men train.”


“That’s all right. I’ll see her later.” She nabbed a folded drying cloth from the table and walked toward the other end of the camp. A ripple of awareness heated her body. Calum. He was close, his presence firing all her senses.

She turned around and almost toppled over. Good heavens. He strode toward her in black hip-hugging rawhide breeches, his tanned chest bare and displaying a healthy sheen of sweat. Her mouth watered to take a bite out of him. Why did he have to look so damn scrumptious all the time? “You need to cover up.”

His gaze dropped and fastened on the low neckline of her gown. “As do you. Did the seamstress get your measurements wrong?”

“No. I think this is the fashion. Don’t you care for it?”

“I’d rather see it off you than on.” He caught her elbow, guided her past a cluster of boulders and toward a natural hollow within the rolling sand dunes.

Once out of view, he motioned for her to sit, and going by the determined look in his eyes, she wasn’t about to argue. She plopped down, tipped her slippers off and dug her toes into the soft sand. “How was your sleep?”

“I prefer my wife at my side than a hundred snoring men.” He knelt and traced one finger along the top rise of her breasts. Her nipples beaded and scraped with aching need against the fabric barely keeping them in. “Your breasts appear sensitive.”

“They are when you touch me like that.” She looked into his eyes and her heartbeat raced. “That was an invitation in case you missed it, my wolf.”

He chuckled, claimed her lips and kissed her. Their breath melded, and she caught his wide shoulders and scooted closer. She wanted him, badly, and she’d never be able to deny this connection. It pulsed with such strength between them.

Slowly, he skimmed her sides then stroked her hips and belly. “Colin and I will borrow one of the skiffs. We leave within the half hour.”

“I didn’t say I was coming.”

“I know, love, but I need you to all the same.” He slipped the edge of her bodice to one side, dipped his head and grazed his teeth over her nipple. “I cannae leave without you, and if I stay, my capture will only be a matter of time. You need to come.”

“I—I—” She was sunk, her resolve disappearing fast. “You do not fight fair.”

“Is that an aye?” He brushed his mouth over hers in a teasing caress.

She was out of choices. His safety had to come first. “Yes, I’ll come, but you have to agree that Nanna can visit as often as she likes. I also have to have your assurance I can return to Mingary whenever I need to visit my father.”

“Your grandmother is welcome and will be afforded safe passage to Duart’s sea-gate.” He fixed her bodice, covering her up. “I’m sorry. Visiting Mingary right now is out of the question.”

“Then allow my father safe passage as well.”

“John will never accept that invitation.”

“I finally have a father. I want to get to know him.”

“Once this feud calms, I’ll do all I can to grant your request. I give you my word.” He tugged her to her feet and kissed the top of her head. “Pack what you need and say your goodbyes to your grandmother. Colin and I will be waiting for you here.”

“Hmm, I prefer it when you get all stubborn and I can argue back as I please. I’m not sure about this persuasive side of you.” She turned on her heel and marched back the way she’d come. For now, she’d ensure Calum’s safety then she’d worry about the rest of her issues later.

Nanna stood before their tent, a knowing smile on her face. “You appear a little flustered, my dear. Is all well?”

She ducked inside, tugging Nanna along with her. “Calum insists we leave right now.”

“You’re his wife. Should he be discovered, his life would be forfeit. Of course, he’ll want to leave. Surely you knew his request would come.”

“Loving him is so frustrating.” Adjusting her tight bodice, she blew out a long, steadying breath. “Although, he did agree to your safe passage to Duart. You’ll come, won’t you?”

“Try to keep me away.” Nanna hugged her. “I’ll speak to your father. This news won’t go down well with you beyond his reach at Duart, but your handfast vows give Calum the same rights as marriage vows do, even if only for a year and a day. Don’t fight what should be.” Nanna released her. “Do you have your charm? The fortuneteller said you must always keep it on you.”

“Yes.” She patted her pocket.

“Good. Go quickly, and travel safely. I’ll do all I can to hide your leaving, for as long as I can.”

“I love you, Nanna.” She grabbed her bag.

“I love you too, and we shall see each other soon. I’ll make certain of it.” Nanna poked her nose out the flap. “All is clear.”