Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

They crested the rise and the wind blew Marie’s blond hair across her face. She tucked the flyaway strands behind her ears. A beautiful wide stretch of sparkling blue sea lay before them. A few fishing skiffs bobbed beyond the breakers, and the birlinn Archie had sailed away in, rocked where anchored near the water’s edge.

The village lay spread within the bay’s basin and up along the rising moors scattered with rocks. Where the grass grew thick, children played tag, and to the side of the trail they followed, a dozen or more bare-chested men heaved the ashy remains of someone’s home into a clumpy pile.

Their guardsmen veered toward the stables and two stable hands rushed out to take their mounts.

“There’s Archie.” James jumped from the back of the cart and raced alongside them.

Archie stood alone on an exposed beam at the top of a longhouse away from the others, his bare back glistening with sweat. He walked across the arched wooden slab, and in the center, slammed one foot down as if testing its strength.

The driver stopped the cart near him. He offered Mary a hand and she nodded her thanks as she hopped down.

Marie slowly stood and smiled at her Highland warrior. His body was hard and packed with muscle, his shoulders and arms thick and strong. His chest held the finest smattering of hair, the same color as the dark brown of his head. Oh, and below the planes of his glorious chest, his abs, layer upon tight layer, rippled as he tested another cross beam.

“Down with you.” Mary tapped her leg. “We have a cart to unload.”

“One second.” She wiped her drooling mouth. Archie’s powerful form was magnificent. She’d certainly like to get more up close and personal with him. “Hey, Mr. Wish Maker,” she called out. “Be careful up there.”

His gaze flew toward her then down her body. Deep frown lines formed across his brow as if he’d assessed her dress not up to standard. Without her coat, her pants were far more obvious. Women didn’t don such clothing in this age, but her loosely styled slacks should still be acceptable.

“Dinnae move. I’ll be right there,” he muttered. Or maybe they weren’t acceptable.

“I heard you might need a touch of magic.”

“Aye, always.” He strode to the end of the beam at the side of the house, crinkled up his leather pants at the knee and jumped. His booted feet thumped on the ground and lifted scattered ash into the air.

The man was too impressive by far. She cleared her throat. “You shouldn’t leap from buildings. You’re not Spider—no, never mind.”

“It was a mere hop.” He grasped her waist and swung her down beside him.

“This longhouse looks okay.”

“It’s structurally sound and will only require re-thatching. Three homes though will need to be rebuilt.” He lifted a brow toward Mary. “Did you journey well?”

“’Twas good for me to get some air, and my clan need me.” She toddled past him with a smile. “I’ll go and help where I can.”

“I’d expect naught less.” He jerked his head toward James. “Go fetch the midwife and have her keep an eye on your mother. Once that’s done, find Will and he’ll assign you a task.”

“Aye, Captain.” He dashed away.

“And you. Come with me.” He caught her hand and tugged her along behind him into the building. “Lass, explain yourself. Why can I see right through your blouse?”



Never had Archie expected his faerie to be wearing such sheer clothing under her coat. A lacy chemise covered her, but not nearly enough for his liking.

“It’s just the fabric.” She plucked the silk away from her skin. “I’m decent underneath, and this clothing is quite respectable where I come from.”

“I dinnae care for it. My men’s thoughts will wander with you dressed this way. Mine are.” He fingered her locks, a cascade that touched her waist. The sun’s rays through the open roof feasted on her, setting the white and gold strands ablaze. “’Tis far too suggestive.”

“Well, you’re not even wearing a shirt. You can hardly call this blouse suggestive when all I can see is your bare skin.” She licked her lips as she ran her gaze over his chest. “My thoughts are definitely wandering.”

“Take care, Marie.” He should not be so fascinated with his faerie, not when she was here to grant his wish and no more. However, he couldn’t halt himself from inching closer to her. “Since you arrived with Mary, I take it you’ve spoken to her.”

“We spoke at length last night. She told me all that’s happened these past five years between your clan and MacLean’s. I was aware the blood feuds ran rampart, but not the exact reasons why. I have a far better understanding now, although I could use more knowledge. What can you tell me?”

“That I intend to set out after MacLean.”

“More retribution?”

“’Tis the only way. MacLean does no’ listen to reason. Angus’s attempt to speak with him at the beginning only escalated the feud.”