Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“I’ll bite you if you don’t get dressed.” She stalked away. The man shouldn’t be showing off so much flesh, not unless she was the only one ogling the wondrous sight.

His chuckles followed her as she clomped toward the fire. Yes, those were totally irrational thoughts, but he’d kissed her, and she’d relished kissing him back. He was her Highlander, for now.

After plunking her tray down, she accepted a bowl of stew from Mary then marched along the shoreline to find a quiet spot to eat.

She was here for a reason. To perform some magic, and to get her Highlander to listen to her.

Stubborn man.



“Here, I’ve mended this one.” Mary tossed Archie a clean shirt. “Now behave, and go look after your faerie. She appears put out, and I’ve no doubt you’re the cause of it.”

“My thanks, Mary.” He pulled the tunic over his head then followed Marie. Such a spitfire, although her frustration clearly matched his own which had ridden him hard since they’d kissed.

Past a clump of bushes, she set her stew on the grassy edge, sat and tucked the sides of his shirt under her knees. She glared at him, her lush lips tightening. Feisty too. Just how he liked his women.

“You didn’t have to follow me, not unless you want to apologize.”

“I apologize, and I missed your agreeable company. Did you glean any further information from Mary?” He eased in beside her.

“Yes, that you’re up against a warrior chief of immense strength, both of body and mind. He’s also a man I still can’t allow you to kill. Now I have to find a way to convince you too, a task which would be infinitely easier if you just went along with me.”

“I see.” He’d never agree to her request. He stretched out and lay on his back, hands clasped behind his head. Now to make her understand his position. “You willnae succeed in swaying my mind. I know MacLean, and he’ll continue to attack unless I dispose of him.”

“Do you truly love to war this much?”

“’Tis my life.” He’d never veer from protecting his clan and seeing to his duty.

“Life should be treasured, not tossed away.” She eased onto her back next to him, sighed and stared at the sky. “If you’re going to be this obstinate then so am I. When you leave for this war, I’m coming. We need to stick together.”

“Nay. Our women arenae permitted to travel into battle. I need you here.”

“You made your wish, and I can’t aid you from a distance.” She rolled onto her side and faced him. “I’m coming. You, Mr. Highlander, have met your match.”

“No amount of persuasion will change my mind.” But damn, he liked her tenacity.

“Persuasion doesn’t even come into it.”

“You’re a contrary lass.” A spirited woman drew him in as no other could.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” She leaned in and touched her nose to his. “I have a feeling contrary women appeal to you. Am I right?”

“Resilience is a worthy attribute, but so is abiding by a man’s word.”

“I only cared for the first part of your answer.” She kissed the tip of his nose. “You don’t currently have a resilient woman do you?”

“Nay. I would no’ have kissed you otherwise.”

“I liked your kisses.”

“Would you be agreeable if I offered more?” He wanted to take what they’d done earlier, further. He cared far more for this turn in their conversation too.

“I could be persuaded.” She brushed a finger along his lower lip. “Where I come from women speak openly about these sorts of things. We also care for ourselves, ensuring we’re protected.”

He’d given her his word he’d protect her, unless she spoke of getting with child. Aye, that was likely it. “I would protect you against all things.”

“How do you propose to do that?”

He settled a hand over her hip. “When I was old enough to understand why my mother had passed after giving birth to John and me, that she’d lost all strength from blood loss, I made a vow. I’m content with finding pleasure in a woman’s body, without allowing my seed to take root.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing.” Frowning, she stroked his chest. “I’ve spent years with my mother, cherishing every single moment. We never knew when or if her illness would ever take her, or at least not until the end. It’s awful you never even had any time with your mother.”

“My brother and I were never without love. Our clan cared for us, and now we guard and protect them.”

“So I see.” Her gaze softened. “You are one very intriguing man. There is a soft heart under all that hard muscle.”

“Nay, no’ soft. Weathered and tough from the trials of time, but I find pleasure where I can.” Aye, and she was a treasure trove of new experiences. He’d certainly never had such a deep conversation with a lass like this. ’Twas refreshing, and enjoyable all in itself. “If you are ever willing, mayhap you will allow me to give you pleasure.”

Her eyes sparkled. “I thought Highlanders were all about maintaining a lady’s honor.”

“Your honor would never be in jeopardy with me.” He brushed a kiss across her lips.