Highlander's Kiss (Clan Matheson #1)

“I still need to ensure everything looks well.” He perched his backside on the stone windowsill, turned her around and tugged her in between the V of his spread legs. With her hair separated at the back, he began his examination.

She gripped his muscled thighs either side of her hips. Never had she been in such close proximity to a man before, and neither did she want to be anywhere else. What was wrong with her? Never had she acted so wantonly before. Perhaps the bump to her head had caused her to lose all good sense?

“There’s no sign of any infection, although there is a bruise. If you feel sore, or if your head aches, just ask me for some more painkillers and I’ll ensure you get them.”

“I’m sure I shall be fine.” She stepped out of his hold and walked around the bed toward his private bathroom. If he intended to show her around, she needed to dress, and in far more than just his shirt.

“Wait up a moment.” Stealthily, he followed her then swept in front and blocked her path. He slid one hand over her hip and the other around to the small of her back. “Would you like me to rustle us up a breakfast tray and bring it up here for us both, or for me to take you downstairs to the great hall so we can eat with my clansmen?”

“I would love to meet your clansmen.” She pressed her hand against his chest, right over his heavily beating heart. Its beat, so sure and strong, pounded underneath her palm and the red tingeing the white of his aura blazed brighter and surged with more heat. Even the gentle purr he emitted rumbled louder, his bear incredibly close to the surface. “What’s your bear like?”

“He’s been antsy of late, particularly since the last full moon should have led me to my mate but instead led me nowhere.” He covered her hand with his and trapped her fingers against his warm skin. “Julia, we need to talk. I actually wanted to speak to you about something very important last night, right after you showered, but with your injury I thought it best I keep this coming discussion until this morning.”

“What did you wish to discuss?”

“As your doctor, I’m not permitted a relationship with you, therefore I’m giving you notice I’m no longer your physician.”

“Oh, ah, all right.”

“Instead, I would like to ask for your permission to court you.”

“Pardon?”

“I would also like to ask your permission for a kiss.” He ran one finger along her lower lip. “Every time I woke you, all I wanted to do was kiss you. I still do, and it’s becoming a craving I can’t ignore.”

“But what of your mate?” She couldn’t allow him a kiss, not when he was soul bound to another.

“You are my mate.”

“Nay.” She stepped back from him. “I can see when two are soul bound, and your aura does no’ tug toward mine or mine toward yours.” Only those who were soul bound did. “I’m sorry, but we arena mated.”

“I say we are.” He drew her back against him, until the entire length of her body touched his. “You also have the lushest lips and I need to know what you taste like.”

“We truly arena mated.” She shoved one hand up between them. Desire had never risen in her before, but it had with him. ’Twas a shame they weren’t soul bound, that he was meant for another. “No kissing is permitted.”

“Your scent is driving my bear crazy right now.” Leaning in, he breathed deep. “So too you’re wearing my shirt and I love it.” He nuzzled her neck, right over her pounding pulse. “The need to bite you, to mark you as mine is strong. Forget about the aura-tugging. Every sign I can see leads me to only one conclusion. You are my chosen one.”

“Aura-tugging is the only sign that matters to me.” She ducked under his arm and whipped into the bathroom and shut the door. She couldn’t be his chosen one, even if she wished it. She pulled his shirt over her head then folded it carefully on top of the counter. From the heated rail, she nabbed her shift and slipped the dry and warm linen over her head. Thank goodness for the wonderful inventions of this time. Heated rails. Truly impressive. She lifted her gown from the hook on the back of the door and brushed the odd bit of dry dirt away. In the basin, she rinsed a spot of blood from one shoulder then donned the cream gown as best as she could with the stays that laced at the back. With her slippers on, she searched the drawer for the brush Tavish had tidied her locks with the night before and ran it through her hair.

“I have some clothes for you, Julia.” Tavish knocked.

“Come in.”

He opened the door wearing faded blue trews and a billowy black tunic with ties that swayed free at the neckline. Belted at his waist, his mighty sword gleamed while in his hands, he carried a bundle of clothing which he set on the counter. “Megan heard you were here from Cherub and just dropped these off. She’s the chief’s wife. I also informed her that I’ve found my mate.”