Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“I was getting there.” She kissed a scratch on his neck then nibbled along to his ear. “This could take a while afore I get to that bruise.”


“Then we need more privacy.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her deeper into the forest where they could be guaranteed just that. He sat on the lush grass surrounded by brush and rested back against a thick trunk with Annie in his lap. The sun’s rays snuck through the thick foliage overhead and played across the ground. Unable to hold back, he kissed her. Damn. She tasted so sweet, and he’d missed her, in the worst possible way. He plundered her mouth as the need to be closer still drove him. Touching her, having her body pressed against his was heaven, a sensation he never wanted to be without. He stroked down her thigh then slid his hand under the blue velvet folds of her gown and caressed her soft flesh.

She writhed against him. “Should we be doing this out here?”

“We’re alone, and I need to touch you, to know you’re back in my arms.” He trailed along her inner thigh and sighed as her heat pulsed, so close. Beyond aroused, he slid a finger inside her and rubbed her tight nub. “I’ll remain alert.”

“Colin.” She pressed her hips higher. “I ache.”

“And I shall ease that ache.” Spreading her legs farther apart, he stroked deeper until she panted for breath.

“Kiss me, please,” she whispered, arching into his touch.

He captured her mouth and allowed his desire for her to soar free. Her heartbeat thumped against his and below, he added another finger and thrust deeper until her channel tightened exquisitely around him. With his fingers alone, he drove her over the edge until she trembled in his arms.

She was all he’d ever longed for, the only woman he’d ever love.

Contentment and peace rolled through him. “My love, a lifetime with you will never be long enough. I want forever.”



Annie breathed in Colin’s intoxicating fresh scent as she relaxed against him. “Forever sounds wonderful. A bed even more so.”

“Then we need to return to Holyrood.” He kissed her softly as he straightened her skirts.

“I cannae wait to join fully with you.” The brilliant golden depths of his eyes and the love she saw reflected back at her, touched her soul. She stroked his chest. “I’m sorry for making you ride out here after me. I should never have left my chamber.”

“Aye, and you should have alerted the guards when given the chance.”

“I couldnae let Hugh speak out against you. ’Twas your life on the line.” She kissed his cheek. “How come you didnae free your chief? What went wrong?”

“When we arrived at Lachlan’s cell, he told us he’d received an offer, one he couldnae turn down. For his agreement, the king intends to look into the return of his lands on Islay.”

“You mean the Rhinns?”

“Aye, the ownership of that piece of land has been in dispute for many years. Lachlan also informed us the MacDonalds had been removed from the cells and locked in a secure chamber in the palace. They’ve agreed to the king’s demands.”

“That does no’ explain why you remained?”

“’Tis doubtful the guards will be able to identify us.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You disabled three of them.”

“No’ the last one.”

“The remaining guard held Lachlan captive, but Lachlan called us Malcolm and Munro, and with our masks in place and our identities hidden, there’s no reason why we couldnae remain.”

“There’s still a risk.”

“A small one, and a risk I was prepared to take to remain with you.” He breathed out, long and deep. “Although Rory is now aware of what happened.”

“And Hugh.”

“Hugh’s words will no’ hold much sway considering your kidnapping.”

“There’s still a risk if you return, even if only a slight one. You and Arthur should continue onto Duart.”

“I cannae leave you now, and dinnae ask it of me.” Arms wrapped around her, he lifted his knees and kept her securely imprisoned against his chest. “No’ when you have a terrible tendency to find trouble.”

“I fear trouble is my middle name. You may well come to regret marrying me.”

“My only regret will be that I didnae marry you sooner.” His husky words held a world of promise and lightened her heart. “Do you intend to be a biddable wife now?”

“Aye, very biddable.” She twined her arms around his neck. “Whatever you ask, I shall do.”

“I’ll hold you to that promise.” He nibbled her lower lip then sucked it into his mouth. “I want you naked underneath me.”

“Aye, please.” She wriggled as tingles raced through her body. “I cannae believe we’re in the middle of the forest, and so far from a chamber with a locked door.”

“That is your fault.” He chuckled and kissed her again.

“’Tis also a mistake I need to rectify.”

“Good.” He eased to his feet and set her down on hers. “We need to return, but first we need to break our fast. Are you hungry?”