Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat #5)

“But my legs are itchy. I’ve never let them get so hairy.”


“I said nay.” He held out his hand for his dagger. “Women do no’ shave their legs.”

“They shave an awful lot more than that in my time.” She passed it back, trod to her navy canopied bed and clambered under the covers. “I’ll ask Mary for a blade in the morning.”

“And I’ll make sure she does no’ give you one.” He settled in his armchair, the pillow tucked behind his head.

“Then I’ll pinch one from one of the warrior’s when they’re not watching.”

“I’d like to see you try.” He rolled his neck, scrunched his face then rubbed his nape as if in pain.

“John.” She patted the space next to her and sighed. “Come and sleep beside me. I can’t stand to see you so cramped and this bed is plenty big enough for both of us.”

“Are you certain?”

“Yes, and the fact you’re not saying no proves just how much you need to rest somewhere more comfortable than that chair. Please, it’ll ease some of my guilt. It’s my fault you feel indebted to remain.”

“Aye, a fortnight in this chair has been long enough.” He walked to the door, slid the bolt home then grabbed his pillow and ambled toward her. After sliding in under the covers, he stared at the wooden paneled ceiling above, a thoughtful look on his face. “I shouldnae ask, but where else does a woman shave? You’ve completely baffled me.”

“I’ll tell you, but only if you spill a secret about yourself as well.” She snuggled into his side. The man exuded heat from every pore and the bed was cold. She may as well take advantage of the fact he could warm her quicker than anything else.

“Aye, that I can do.” He wrapped one arm around her waist as he rolled onto his side and faced her. “Ladies first.”

“Well, I’ve always preferred to remain bare below. I’ve waxed for years and I like feeling smooth, very smooth.”

“Surely you cannae mean you wax your—” His gaze traveled down her body and he groaned.

“Yes, I wax down there.”

“Oh hell. Clearly I shouldnae have asked.” His cheeks flushed and she smiled.

“Waxing doesn’t hurt, and I’m used to it although these days the candle wax I’m using takes a little more care and preparation compared the modern day formula. Now it’s your turn. Tell me your deepest, darkest secret.”

“My secret isnae as personal as yours, but when I was a lad, I set out on an adventure. As I scaled Islay’s cliffs, I discovered a hidden shaft covered by thick bushes.”

“Oh, I love exploring. What did you find?”

“This particular shaft led to a sacred underground cavern. Except I couldnae wriggle through the last few feet to the interior, so instead I backed out and scoured the forest beyond the cliffs for another way in. That’s when I discovered a tunnel winding deep into the earth. It came out afore a heavenly pool of crystal clear hot water.”

“And you’ve never spoken of this to another?” She tucked a lock of his hair that had flopped forward, back behind his ear.

“I’ve no’ told a soul, no’ even Archie. This place is mine alone.”

“Where is it, exactly?” There were cliffs all over Islay. It could be anywhere. “I’ll never tell another soul either. I promise.”

“’Tis no’ far from here.”

“Will you show me?” Please say yes.

“That might require us making another bargain.” He picked up the amulet at her neck, closed his fingers around it and gently tugged her closer. “What do you wish to offer up for such a valuable piece of information?”

“The ultimate gift.” She touched her nose to his and grinned. “I promise not to argue with you for one entire day.”

Hmm, let him try not to take that bait.



John chuckled as mischief danced in Katherine’s big blue eyes. She knew just how to tempt and entice him as no other woman ever had. “That is one tempting offer, little imp.”

“I do try.”

“I will need to think on it.” He slid his fingers through her long white-blond hair glimmering gold in the firelight. “But mayhap from that chair. Being in the same bed as you is addling my senses.”

“Nothing addles you.” She traced the indent in his chin then kissed the spot. “Please, I’d love to see your sacred cavern.”

“Mayhap if you spoke of your nightmares and shared the burden, I might consider that a justifiable bargain.” He stroked down her sides and over her hips. “They haunt you and I cannae stand it.”

“You strike a hard bargain.” She breathed deep and slowly nodded. “All right. In my nightmares I see my death.”

“What?” Surely she jested, only from the firm expression on her face, she didn’t.

“When I’m asleep, I keep reliving the moment before I arrived, while I was stuck between times inside the faerie circle. I see myself bleeding from a wound on my neck.” She nibbled on her lower lip and he rubbed his thumb along the reddened mark.

“Continue. I wish to hear it all.”