Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“Dinnae let Colin hear you say that.” Arthur led her through the dance’s intricate moves with practiced ease. “Did you hear about James?”


“Aye, he’s taken ill. One of his warriors gave my maid his apologies. I was told he does no’ wish to spread his sickness about, but that he’ll return as soon as he’s able to ride. What of you? Have you heard any gossip swirling about the time I spent alone with James at the tavern?”

“Everyone is too excited by the ball to worry about such a thing. You’re very fortunate with the timing.” He leaned forward. “Colin told me of your handfast. My congratulations.”

“Thank you.” She couldn’t hold back her smile. “Is everything sorted for this eve? I’m aware of your plans.”

“Aye, but for one last matter. I need a maid to deliver the tower guardsmen a celebratory tankard of ale at midnight.”

“Whatever for?”

“Stirred into the brew will be a sleeping potion.”

“If there’s no danger to the servant, then I could ask my own maid. She’d no’ speak a word of what she’s done.”

“Can she wear a mask? Most of the serving lasses have done so this eve and I had intended to ask one of them under the guise that the Captain of the Guard had made the request.”

“Of course she can wear a mask. I have more than one in my trunk. Where do you need her to meet you?”

“Your chamber would be best, a quarter afore twelve and no later. I’ll procure the ale now and leave it hidden in your room. When she delivers the drinks, I’ll be watching over her. I’ll no’ leave her alone.”

“I know you—” Someone brushed against her from behind then slid his large hands over her hips. Colin. She would know his touch anywhere. “Oh, it appears our dance is done.”

“Aye, your Caesar is here.” Arthur bowed and moved away into the crowd.

“I’ve missed you.” Warm words whispered in her ear. “Let’s take a turn outside.”

“I thought you’d never ask.” She slid her hand through the crook of his arm and as she walked past her guard, stopped and whispered to him, “’Tis my guardian. You may wait here.”

Her MacLeod guard nodded.

Colin steered her outside and into the dark recesses of the palace’s moonlit garden. He pressed her against a wide trunk, tipped his mask up and stared into her eyes. “I never would have guessed you’d have worn a wig.”

“I couldnae find you either, no’ when I searched for a monk.”

“A change of plans.” Slowly, he traced a finger down the deep V of her bodice then leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “I cannae believe you are wearing something so risqué. You cannae unmask with this costume on and bring your good name into question.”

“No one’s good name is brought into question once the masks are removed.” She slid her mask off, wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. “Thank you for my gift. The rose was beautiful.”

“I wish I could give you one each day.” He nipped her skin then laved it with his tongue.

“Mmm, so do I.” She more than wished it.

“Dance with me.” He slipped his arms around her waist, tucked her cheek against his chest and swayed slowly to the gentle melody of the tune drifting on the breeze.

“This is no’ how one dances.”

“’Tis the way I wish to dance with you.” He rubbed his body against hers.

“Oh, I like it.” She stroked down his arms and tangled her fingers with his. “Are you ready for this eve?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“How will I know all has gone well?”

“There’s no way for me to send you word.” He backed her deeper into the shadows where thick bushes rose either side of them. He eased one finger under her shoulder strap and slid the flimsy chiffon down her arm. Her nipple puckered in the cold and she ached for the warmth of his mouth on her. “You are barely dressed.”

“And you are making it more so.”

“I long to touch you.” He cupped her breast, rubbed his thumb sensuously over the peak then dipped his head and drew the bud deep inside his mouth. He laved it with attention, until her knees wobbled and she clutched his broad shoulders. He was so big and strong, and all hers.

“Colin.” She caught his face and brought his mouth to hers. She kissed him, one breathtaking kiss she hoped he wouldn’t forget as he headed out on his mission. “Come back to me once all is done.”

“I will.” He slid her shoulder strap back into place. “I wish I never had to leave.”

“I wish it too.” A shooting star flew in a wide arc across the sky and she closed her eyes to claim a wish on it. “I wish we were no’ about to be parted. And I wish for a honeymoon, where there are no chiefs to rescue and no’ a soul to disturb us.”

“You shall have your honeymoon, the moment I come for you.” He kissed her closed eyelids. “’Tis time. I must be away.”