Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

He would only rest once Annie was back in his arms.

Hurrying, he collected his belongings from his chamber and strode to Annie’s room. ’Twas time to court his wife, and make her his in every way.





Chapter 8


“I’m sorry you’ve been so worried, Elizabeth.” Annie paced her chamber, wishing she hadn’t left Colin. ’Twas too soon to have him out of her sight after all she’d gone through.

“I cannae believe Hugh MacDonald’s nerve. That man deserves all that is coming to him.” Elizabeth stepped in front of her, her voice harsh but still a whisper with her maid in the room. “What did he want from you?”

“He intended to force my hand, to take me as his wife once we reached Dunscaith.” She shuddered and rubbed her cold hands together.

“Despicable man.” She pulled her into another hug and patted her back. “We’ll have you warm soon enough, my dear.”

At a knock on the door, Maggie rose from where she stoked the fire, dusted her hands on her white aproned skirts and opened the door. A servant entered with a tray and set it on the side table while two barefoot lads with sooty imprints on the knees of their breeches heaved a tub in and set it before the hearth. They all left along with her maid to fetch the water.

“Sit.” Elizabeth pulled out a chair. “Warm food in your belly will be good for you.”

For Elizabeth’s sake, she selected a morsel of salmon and took a bite. The roasted potato and seasoned vegetables looked delicious, but she couldn’t manage them when her belly was still in revolt with worry for Colin. She pushed the plate away. “I’ll eat more once Colin is here.”

“He’ll be fine.” Elizabeth’s gaze softened. “I’ve heard the two men who attempted to free Lachlan were sighted riding out afore Colin and Rory took off in pursuit of you. They wore MacLean plaids.”

“Oh, you should have said sooner. That is good news.” Ian and Murdock must have provided an alibi for Colin and Arthur. “I wonder if Colin knows?”

“If he does no’, then he will soon enough.”

At another knock, Elizabeth opened the door and the maids returned along with the lads, each carrying a steaming pail of water. They filled the tub, and heat pulsed through the room. “We’ll let you bathe and rest.” Elizabeth squeezed her hands. “I’ll see you in the morn.”

“Aye, in the morn.” She shut the door after they all filed out, her troubled thoughts more at ease after hearing Elizabeth’s news.

Perhaps a bath would relax her further. She tugged her riding boots and stockings off then quickly shed her clothes and sank into the glorious water. ’Twas wonderful and warmed her through. She dunked her head and when she came up, Colin stood inside the room, his molten gold gaze roaming over her.

“You’re free?”

“Ian and Murdock ensured that, as well as Rory who just vouched for me.”

“And Hugh and Fergus?”

“In the cells.”

“Then all is well?” She eased back against the rim, her breasts bobbing along the surface.

“Aye, although I’m feeling rather achy.” He knelt at the tub’s edge, cupped one of her breasts and stroked the pebbled tip. “I’m hungry.”

“There’s food on the table.”

“Nay, my love, ’tis you holds the feast I need, and I cannae stay here while you’re in there.” He kicked off his boots and removed his padded cotun and tunic. His tanned chest and rippling abs gleamed under the dancing firelight.

“I’ve never bathed with a man afore.” She squirmed back against the rim to make more room for him.

“I should hope no’, otherwise we’ll need to have words.” He lifted a brow as he gripped the waistband of his leather trews. A delicious tease of dark hair narrowed down his rigid belly and disappeared below. Now she hungered too, every inch of her.

“Mmm, watching you undress is a pleasure all unto itself.”

“Then I best no’ disappoint you.” He shoved his black trews down his thickly muscled thighs and stepped out of them. His cock bobbed free and brushed his belly, rigid and hard and all hers. Sloshing the water, he stepped in and eased down. His gaze smoldered as he nabbed the soap and lathered it. “What would you like me to clean first? Your ticklish toes?”

“If you touch my toes, I’ll kick you.” She’d been six and he twelve when he’d first discovered how ticklish she was there. One summer’s day when he’d been aiding her into the saddle, his fingers had slid between her bare toes and she’d squealed and jumped so high, she’d flown right over her horse and landed on the hard ground instead. He’d raced around to check on her, but seeing she was fine, had grinned and begun tickling her in earnest. She’d laughed so hard until tears had streamed from her eyes.