Highlander's Charm (Highlander Heat #3)

“I’m here, and fine, Calum.” Her skirts dragged, but she swam toward shore. “Race you both to the beach.”


“Where are you?” Calum snapped, his shout closer, and then he was there, catching her around her waist and kicking for her. He propelled them both toward land. “I’m no’ allowing you within ten feet of the water once we’re back on firm soil.”

Colin swam in beside them. “’Tis no wonder the fortuneteller told you to keep her safe from the sea.”

The surf rolled them up onto the beach and she collapsed onto her back on the sand.

Heaving deep breaths, Calum and Colin flopped onto their backs on either side of her.

“Are you all right?” Calum caught her hand, twined their fingers together.

“There’s nothing like a refreshing dip to wake one up.” Birds soared above then dipped to land on the highest branches of the towering trees. She dug into her skirt pocket and clasped her charm in her chilled fingers. “At least I didn’t lose this.”

“I’ll go build a fire to warm us up.” Colin pushed to his feet and slugged toward the forest’s edge. He collected driftwood along the way then in a sheltered spot near the tree line, laid his armful down and dug a hole.

The wind whistled and she shivered at the cold blast. She had to get out of her heavy gown. The linen sark she wore underneath should cover her adequately. She unlaced the stays and tried to drag her arms out of the long, clingy sleeves. “Can you help me?”

“Aye. Your gown will dry quicker if we hang it over a branch.” He crouched in front, and wriggled the fabric down her hips and off.

She slid her coin into her sark’s concealed front pocket. “I’m thirsty. I think I swallowed some sea water.”

“We’ll get you fresh water.” He steered her toward the stream gurgling into the loch. “I’ll watch over you.”

“Thank you. The last time I drank from here didn’t go so well.” She knelt, dipped her cupped hands into the brook and slowly sipped.

Calum held her hair from flopping forward. Even though the water was chilly and hit her empty belly, no dizziness assailed her. Splashing her face, arms and legs, she washed away as much salt from her skin as she could. “What’s the plan now since we didn’t make it to Duart?”

“We’ll walk to the village of Craignure and hire horses. ’Tis close.” With his hands around her waist, he drew her to her feet. “Can you walk?”

“Yes. I don’t think we should stay here for any longer than we need to.”

“With the skiff sinking, there is little to track us with.” He stroked her cheek, his hungry gaze dipping to the sagging neckline of her sark. “I want to kiss you.”

“So I see.” Her pebbled nipples poked the thin cloth. “Where would that be exactly?”

“Everywhere.” Golden eyes twinkling, he slid his hand around the back of her head and brought her mouth to his. He kissed her, his lips scorching a hot trail across hers and leaving her breathless.

“What about Colin?”

“Damn. I lose my mind when I’m around you.” He tugged his sodden tunic off then slipped it over her head. “Let’s warm you first afore the fire.”

“Calum!” Colin sprinted toward them. “MacIans. Crossing the sound.”

A horn sounded with one long and eerie blast across the bay. A loud roar boomed from a dozen warriors on board a birlinn. At the helm, Ian bellowed an order and the men tightened the sail and changed course directly toward them. The vessel flew across the water.

“Hell, they must have seen us.” Calum snatched her hand and raced her toward the nearest tree. With his hands on her hips, he boosted her into the bow where it formed a solid V. “Remain here, out of sight.”

“Don’t leave me.” She clung to her high spot.

“No one will take you from me. I promise you.” He slid his ever-present claymore free of its side scabbard. No. Surely he and Colin weren’t about to battle so many warriors on their own.

“If you get hurt, I won’t speak to you ever again. Remember that. No more cranky wife for you.”

“I long for our next argument. I’ll take the utmost care.” He raced toward the loch.

If only they hadn’t been seen. She couldn’t lose him.



Calum skidded in beside Colin. Beyond the breakers, a dozen warriors plunged their oars into the sea and powered their vessel in. Ian MacIan pumped his fist into the air and ordered his men to lower the sail. They slashed their oars in the reverse direction and slowed their speed.

“The guardsman at Craignure will raise the alarm. He’ll no’ miss their arrival.” Colin gripped his sword.

“Aye, until our warriors arrive, we will fight.”