Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

She nudged her horse, climbed the verge and joined Arthur.

“Next stop, Holyrood House.” Arthur tapped his heels to his horse’s sides and rode into the dark.

“Come here, trouble.” Colin leaned across, caught her hand and kissed her knuckles.

“That’s scamp to you.” She slapped her reins on her horse’s neck and lying low, followed in Arthur’s tracks through the forest.

Never had she felt so safe, regardless of their mad dash through the night.

Throughout her life, Colin had always been there, and she didn’t want to know a day when he wouldn’t be. Aye, she wanted him in her bed and holding her each night as he had at Holyrood. Hopefully, he wished for the same.

As the night sky lightened, they left the forest behind and galloped toward the palace with its ever-watchful guardsmen patrolling the barbican.

“’Tis almost dawn.” She rubbed her cold nose.

“Aye, but we’ve made it back in time.” Colin sent her a reassuring look as they drew up before the stables. He jumped from his mount, slung his satchel over his shoulder and swung her down beside him. “You look cold. Time for a warm bed and plenty of rest.”

“Aye, please. I’ve had enough riding for the day, although I need to see Elizabeth first.” Exhaustion seeped into every muscle and she swayed against him as they walked inside. They snuck through the side entrance near the service quarters and once at her aunt’s door, she knocked. “Aunt Elizabeth, ’tis Annie.”

The door flew open with a whoosh. “Oh, my dear. Thank goodness Colin found you.” Her aunt squeezed her tight, her soft lavender scent floating around her. Over her shoulder, she said to Colin, “Thank you. I knew you’d return with her as you promised.”

“Aye, and now I’ll remain in her chamber, guarding her with my life while she sleeps.”

“Good. I dinnae know if my poor heart could take anymore.” Elizabeth rubbed her thumbs under Annie’s eyes. “Go and rest so these dark circles will be gone for this eve’s ball. I’ll let Rory know of your return.”

“Is he very upset?”

“He knew Colin would find you.”

“I’m sorry I caused you any concern.” She hugged her again.

“You’re back, safe and well, and that’s all that matters. Rest well.”

“Good night.” She trudged into her chamber, Colin her ever-present shadow.

He bolted the door and built a fire to roaring life, although his damp clothes clung to him.

“Let me help you.” Yawning, she leaned over him from behind, her white-blond hair sliding forward around his face as she freed the front of his padded leather cotun. Carefully, she eased it off his shoulders and hung it over the chair next to the fire.

“I’m used to the elements. Being a little wet will never hurt me.” He added another log, rose to his feet and faced her. “Ready yourself for bed.”

“After I’ve seen to you.” She loosened the top laces of his tunic, gripped the hem and lifted his clammy shirt over his head. His wide chest held a smattering of hair, the same dark shade as his head, and his arms and shoulders were hard and packed with muscle. So beautiful, if one could call a hardened warrior that. Her tiredness fluttered away and unable to help herself, she trailed a finger over his contoured abs and down to the waistband of his leather trews.

“Annie.” He groaned and shook his head. “I can undress myself.”

“I’m sure you can, but you’re wet because of me.” She swished to the side table and grabbed a drying cloth. Carefully, she rubbed the remaining moisture from his chest and arms then sashayed around him and stroked his shoulders and back. Muscles flexed and rippled, everywhere. Nay, not just beautiful, but glorious.

“You have to cease.” He caught her hand and tugged her around to face him. “You’re killing me.”

She flicked him with the cloth. “Death by a drying cloth? I think no’.”

“You know what I mean. I have very little willpower when it comes to you.”

“Nay, you have far too much willpower.”

“I want to kiss you, and I’d prefer no’ to stop.” He slid his hand under her hair and around her nape, his fingers firm and warm on her skin. “Except that’ll only lead to danger.”

“You always meet danger head on. Dinnae stop now.”

“I’m running out of time.”

“Because you intend to rescue your chief?”

“Aye, this coming eve, the night of the masquerade. I’ll be gone soon after, and unable to protect you.”

Unable to court her either. Pain lanced through her. His intentions were clear. He was leaving, and soon. His duty to his chief and clan came first, something she adored and would never halt him from.

Shakily, she stepped back. “All will be well. I have Rory so you must no’ worry. I’ll take the utmost care while you’re gone.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll never stop you from doing your duty. I understand.”