Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“I’m sure it won’t.” What a revelation. There were many sides to Archie she’d had no idea existed. She liked. “May I kiss you?”

“You never have to ask.”

Time for him to experience her twenty-first century way of taking charge. Grinning, she pulled the neckline of his shirt wider and exposed his glorious chest. Thank goodness she hadn’t told him where she wanted to kiss him. She pressed her mouth to his flat nipple then teased the tight flesh. Ah-huh, she could get used to the Highlander’s way of retribution.

“’Tis an interesting kiss.” He caressed the sides of her breasts. “I wish equal rights to do the same.”

“You’ve already—”

“Nay arguing.” He rolled her onto her back, lifted her breasts clear of her shirt then laved the tips in the most erotic kiss. “So beautiful. My mouth waters for these sweet morsels.”

“I’d say help yourself, but should we be doing this out here in public?” Even though surrounded by low bushes, anyone could walk around the corner.

“My chamber would be best for the way I wish to kiss you.” He righted her shirt. “My apologies. You have a way of making me lose track of my thoughts.” He heaved to his feet and tugged her up. “Let’s return to the others.”

“Good idea.” There was no need for them to take things quite so fast. They wandered back to the village. His men had returned to work, and several labored on each wall. They molded clay into large bricks, and with a touch of water, smoothed out the surface. Others shaved the bark from a half dozen cut logs, preparing them for the high roof beams. “They work together so well.”

“We’re one clan. Do the fae no’ labor equally as so?”

“I’d say they’re too busy playing, or that’s how it appears to me.” Beside the fire, Mary was bent over a pot, rubbing her lower back. “I need to go and help her.”

He gripped her hand. “I’d rather you take Mary home so she can rest. She tires easily this near her bairn’s birth. James will aid you.”

“It’s still early. Will she go?”

“Night falls quick this close to winter, and ’twill be upon us within a few hours. She’ll go.”

James whistled as he worked, his arms coated to his elbows with the clay. “He loves it here.”

“Aye, this is his clan, and one day he’ll be chief. Mary finds great comfort in having him close while his father isnae here. He’ll understand why he must return with you.” He called out to James, “I need you to travel with your mother.”

“Coming, Captain.” James dashed to the water barrel, dipped his arms and scrubbed them clean.

This was what she’d missed in life, having family like this. A clan. She squeezed Archie’s hand. “Stay out of trouble while I’m gone, okay?”

“I’m never in trouble, and I will see you this eve so we may continue our earlier discussion.” He dropped a soft kiss on her lips then crossed to George and clapped him on the back. “Take our ladies home.”

“Aye, Captain.” George sauntered to the barrel, cleaned up and ruffled James’s gloriously bright red-gold locks.

Hmm, provided they indulged in more kisses, that discussion could get mighty interesting. She hiked down the hill toward Mary, George and James on her heel.

Mary groaned and rolled her eyes as they approached. “I should complain. Three against one isnae fair.”

“As you wish, my lady, but home you go.” George offered her his arm, which she grudgingly took, then he pressed his other toward Marie.

“Thank you, George.” Together they wandered across to the cart and she seated herself next to Mary on the front bench.

The driver slapped the horses’ reins, and their guardsmen rode into their positions. They were off, following the trail beside the coast toward the forest. James bumped about on the bare raggedy boards behind, his feet swinging over the tail edge. The birds chirped and James added his own pretty trill.

“He’s so content.” She nudged Mary’s arm. “You’ve raised a wonderful son.”

“There’s naught James loves more than being around his clan, although he is ready and longs for his training. I dinnae want to see him go, but ’tis past time he’s fostered.”

“Where will he go?” Fostering seemed like such a sad thing to do, to lose one’s child when they needed you the most.

“To his Uncle Donald on Skye, provided the king has released the Chief of Sleat.”

“Hold.” George flung up a hand and the driver hauled the cart to a rumbling stop. “I’ll scout ahead. Listen for my call.” He galloped away and the warriors accompanying them inched their mounts closer. Such care was taken for their safety. She relaxed against the backboard. Even with the frustration she’d experienced today, there had been an equal number of new firsts. Archie for one, and his kisses for—

“Did you hear that?” Mary peered into the trees then gripped the driver’s arm.