Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

Curled on her side, her bottom snug in the curve of Colin’s groin, Annie woke more content and rested than she ever had before. She wriggled around and squinted as the late afternoon sunshine streamed through the wooden shutters over her narrow window.

With a hand shielding the glare, she smiled at her new husband who still slept so soundly. A beam of sunlight played over the wispy blond ends of his brown shoulder-length hair and across his high cheeks. His chin, sharply defined with a deep cleft in the center, held such rugged appeal. She kissed the delectable indent then nibbled along his bottom lip. His breathing changed, and even though he showed no other outward sign of having awoken, he clearly had.

“Do you intend to sleep the day away?” she teased him.

“I’m enjoying your touch too much.” He opened his eyes and his molten gold gaze melted her.

“You are a temptation beyond aught I’ve ever known.” She hooked one leg over his and pressed her breasts against his chest. The fine dark hairs tickled her nipples and made them stiffen. “Take me with you when you leave with Lachlan. You know I can ride fast.”

“Nay, if you got hurt, it would kill me.” He wrapped his arms tightly around her. “Naught has ever felt so right holding you, loving you, but the day is disappearing and I must ensure I have all that is needed in place for this eve. Arthur will be wondering where I am.”

“Then you must go.” She hated the thought of letting him leave, but she couldn’t hold him back from his preparations, not when his life could very well depend on it. She rolled away, rested her back against the headboard and pulled the bed sheet up. “Will I see you at the masquerade?”

“Of course you will.” He shuffled out, dressed and strapped on his weapons.

“What will you be wearing?” She’d had a gown specifically made for the ball, one a little too risqué, but nevertheless perfect for the masque.

“I procured a monk’s habit afore I arrived.” He slid his hand underneath the sheet and caressed her leg. “I want you to enjoy yourself this eve, and no’ to worry about me.”

“I will worry, but I also have faith you’ll succeed in your mission.”

“Aye, I have you to come back to and that knowledge will spur me on.” His fingers skated higher then he groaned and stepped back.

“Could you find me a clean sark so I too can dress?” She lifted her arms and the sheet slithered to her lap.

He glanced away, raked a hand through his hair and strode to her trunk. With her undergarment shielding his gaze, he returned and slid it over her head. “You’re a vixen.”

“Aye, but your vixen.”

He perched next to her on the bed and pulled his boots on.

“Promise me you willnae take any unnecessary risks.” She crawled in behind him and massaged his shoulders.

“I give you my word.” He pressed back against her. “Lachlan will be freed, then Arthur and I and the two men who’ll be joining us will ride hard and fast for the Isle of Mull. Once all is calm, I’ll come for you.” He caught her hands, brought them around his neck and kissed her palms.

“Once you’re gone, I’ll have to tell Rory of our handfast,” she whispered in his ear. “I’ll have no choice.”

“’Tis my responsibility to tell him.” He caught her around the hips, swept her onto his lap and took her mouth in a slow and tender kiss. “I wish I’d claimed you three years ago.”

“I wish you had too.”

“I love you, Annie. Never doubt that.” He stood, set her on her feet and slung his satchel over his shoulder. “Bar the door.” He slipped outside and took a piece of her heart with him as he did.

“I love you too,” she breathed into the still chamber, her heart an aching mess as she slid the bolt home. “And I want a lifetime with you.”



Colin’s gut gnawed in the most vicious way as he strode down the passageway toward his chamber. ’Twas pure torture leaving Annie, as was the thought he might have missed his chance with her. Unbelievably, he had James MacDonald to thank for spurring him to action.

“Captain.” Arthur caught him up as he walked into his room. “I’ve just returned from the city.” He closed the door, dropped his traveling bag on the end of Colin’s bed, flipped the top leather flap and pulled out a black hooded robe and plain white mask with eye cutouts. “I realize you intended to dress as a monk, but I spoke to a merchant and discovered many of the men attending this eve would be wearing garb such as this. I procured three identical costumes, one for you, myself, and Lachlan. The dark fabric will shield our identities when we take the tower, as well as when we ride out.”

“Good thinking. Leave a robe and mask for me. I’ve no problem wearing that instead.”