Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

Giving up on finding both, she shoved the bedcovers aside and nabbed one of the gowns the maid had hung in her ambry. She’d talk to John now and at least discover why he’d followed her when he’d been so insistent he’d never attempt a trip to Mull.

With the mountainous folds of rich blue fabric in hand, she eased the gown over her head. The layers slithered down her body and brushed the polished floorboards. She pulled the front laces together along the edge of the low-cut neckline, slid her feet into the matching slippers and before the looking glass, ran a brush quickly through her hair. After a pinch to her cheeks, she rolled her shoulders and inserted her resolve. She was a strong woman. She could handle one single Highland warrior.

She yanked the door open. Across the passageway, the guard straightened from a resting position against the wall and stared at her through stringy black hair. Behind him, a single candle-lit wall sconce cast an eerie glow over his leather vest studded with bits of steel.

He palmed his side sword. “’Tis a mite early to be leaving your chamber, my lady. Dawn is still some time away.”

“I’d like to see my kin and it appears it can’t wait. Could you take me to John MacDonald, please?”

“Aye, as you wish. This way.”

She adjusted the long lace sleeves of her gown and followed him down the drafty stairwell. In the darkened great hall, the trestle tables had been moved to one side to accommodate the additional number of men sprawled across pallets. The guard motioned her toward the corner then took a position near the doors where he could survey all.

She edged toward the pallet in the shadows and knelt. John lay on his side, his dark hair a wind-tossed mess as was the growth of stubble hazing his jaw. He looked rumpled and such a sight for sore eyes.

Leaning closer, she pressed her palm against his chest and embraced the heat that reached her through his padded leather cotun. All the turmoil within her settled with that one simple touch.

“Katherine.” One hushed word, filled with pain as he opened his eyes and stared at her. “Come here.” Gently, he tugged her down beside him, wrapped his tartan around them both and buried his nose in her hair. “How could you leave me?”

She stroked her thumbs over his high cheekbones. “I’m sorry.”

“Explain yourself.” He edged up onto one elbow and gestured to Archie on the pallet at his feet to keep watch over the hall.

Archie nodded and scanned the shadowed depths of the room lit only by the light of the fire.

“Don’t be mad at me,” she whispered.

“I’m far beyond mad.” He tucked her underneath him, lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her.

One taste was all it took to cloud her senses. She swept her hands around his neck, dragged him closer and with her heart beating frantically against his, kissed him with all the longing she’d held back since that morning they’d parted. “I’ve missed you, so much.”

“Then dinnae leave me again.” He urged her lips apart and plundered the depths of her mouth, their tongues tangling in a heated duel.

Oh, sweet heaven. She wanted more. Trailing one finger along the waistband of his pants, she encountered hard, hot skin. Skimming lower, she brushed the head of his cock straining against his leather pants for release.

“Katherine.” His groan rumbled against her ear and made her tingle all over. “We need to speak, in private.”



John grasped Katherine’s hands and stayed her touch. His damn cock throbbed and would spear through his trews if he didn’t halt her. Kissing her, tasting the warm honey of her mouth and holding her in his arms again was a divine torture he never wanted to give up.

Across the great hall, the guard who’d escorted her downstairs remained at attention. Taking her above-stairs for their coming conversation wasn’t an option, not when the guard would stop him before he’d even reached the first step. The antechamber off the hall would have to do. They needed to talk, and she needed to understand the predicament she’d placed him in. Aye, she would be leaving with him at first light, and he’d accept no other outcome. Now to make his feisty little faerie understand that’s exactly what would be happening.

“Come, as quietly as you can.” He stood and lifted her with him then opened the door at his back and led her into the side room. Near the window, the antechamber’s bright yellow plastered wall held a silk banner embroidered with the MacLean clan crest, and under the moonlight shimmering through, eight lavishly upholstered chairs sat around a gleaming center table.

“Did you travel safely?” Katherine pushed one of the leather bound ledgers scattered on the smooth tabletop into the middle then perched on the edge.