Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“He never returned and once it appeared they would lose, they retreated.” He stroked her cheek as longing to hold her rushed through him. “From now on, you dinnae leave my sight.”


“That works for me, and I’m going to make sure you don’t forget what you just said.” She lifted onto her toes and inspected a scratch on his chin then another along his jaw. “You need to take more care. I couldn’t stand leaving you the way I did.”

“I would no’ have been able to focus had you been there.” Hell, the danger she’d been in this past day had driven him to the edge. He’d had to get her back.

“What do we do now?”

“We return to Dunyvaig. Mary and James are my responsibility, and I must ensure they are kept safe.” He tugged her toward the birlinn.

Mary and James were onboard, as well of most of his men. A few still took dips in the water before climbing aboard. The salt was good for the wounds, and the water cleansed away the overpowering stench of blood.

At waist-depth, he turned Marie by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Would you care to take a dip?”

“Absolutely.” She plucked at her shirt. “I’m sorry about the stains on this. You’ll probably never loan me clothing again.”

“I’ll loan you a tunic whenever you wish. Hold on and dinnae let go.” He wrapped her hands around his neck then pushed her backward. Down they went, his mouth covering hers as the water closed over their heads. He kissed her, sharing his breath until he had no more to give. Not yet ready to let her go but having no other choice, he hauled her to the surface.

“Oh.” She shivered then twined her fingers into his hair. “You make taking a dip fun. I’m not going to argue if you ever want to do that again.”

“Let’s get you warmed up. There are plenty of blankets onboard.” He led her to the birlinn and gave her a boost.

She clambered over the side, wrung out the ends of her shirt and tottered to the seat at the stern.

From under his area near the rudder, he nabbed one of his tartans and bundled her in it. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes sparkled, although she must be tired. Facing his men, he ordered, “Hoist the sail and set course for Dunyvaig.”

Once they’d seen to his bidding and were well on route, he eased in beside her.

“Do you want to share this?” Marie unraveled one side of her blanket.

“Nay, the wind will dry me quickly. I want you to rest.” He tucked the tartan back around her, tipped her legs onto the bench and settled her head in his lap.

“I’m not really tired.”

“Aye, you are. ’Tis the rush of war that keeps you awake. It’ll calm when you do.” He tucked her drying hair behind her ear. “Sleep. Now. That’s an order.”

“You can’t order someone to”—yawning, she patted her mouth—“sleep.”

“Orders are what I know best.”

“So I’ve seen.” She curled a hand around his thigh and snuggled. “Although if I fall asleep it’s not because you ordered it, but because I want to be wide awake for later.”

“For what reason, lass?”

Her eyelids drooped as she murmured, “To seduce you. I know what kind of man you are, and I want more.”

Every muscle in his body tensed. “You’ve already done so.”

“Oh, I haven’t even begun to seduce you yet.” She stroked the soft leather of his trews. Her breathing evened out, and slowly, she drifted off.

He relaxed.

She was safe, and close.

Exactly as he needed her to be.



The boat rocked and dipped. Waves slapped against the birlinn’s sides, the sound pulling Marie further toward wakefulness.

“Go back to sleep.” Archie’s voice floated over her then his lips brushed her cheek. “Sleep.”

She stretched, wriggled onto her back and pushed her eyes open. Night had fallen, and the moon, hidden behind a layer of darkened cloud, cast Archie’s face in shadow. “Where are we?”

“We’re almost home.”

“Oh, good.” She cupped his stubbly jaw. “Thank you for coming for me. I’m not sure I actually told you that during my angry spiel.”

“’Twas my duty. I gave you my promise of protection and I willnae fail you again.”

“I know, but—” Using her elbows, she edged up and kissed his chin. The man took everyone’s protection right to heart. A soft heart indeed. “I realized something out there. I had no doubt you’d come. Your fighting nature was rather appealing at that point.”

“You find me desirable?”

“I find you completely distracting, and I like it.”

He frowned. “I too find you distracting, and at a time when I must concentrate on the battle ahead. I cannae allow you to become a part of it.”

“You’re too late. I already am.” She kissed him again, this time on his bottom lip. “Let’s distract each other. How soon until we’re in your chamber and all alone? I have a terrible need to distract every inch of you.”

“Careful.” His cock hardened and poked into her lower back. “We’re no’ alone yet.”