Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

Enticed, she crossed the chamber and fingered the fine velvet gown. “Is this for me?”


“’Tis one of Mary’s. She must have sent it.” Archie closed the door behind the servants then held out a chair for her. “Come and eat.”

“Yes, please. This looks amazing.” She sat and breathed in the mouth-watering scent of mutton stew. Yum. A thick slice of bread was wedged half into it. She scooped it up, took a big bite then licked the richly flavored juices as they dribbled from the end. Delicious and hot.

“Is it good?” He knelt at her feet, tugged her boots off and set them before the fire to dry.

“The best I’ve ever tasted. Sit with me.”

He pulled out a chair and sat with his knees brushing hers. With a spoon in hand, he ate. The maids returned along with the lads, each carrying a steaming pail of water, and once the tub was full, they left.

She almost cried at the glorious sight of the bath. Curling steam beckoned. “At home we have both hot and cold running water. It’s piped straight into the bathroom where the tub sits. I don’t believe I’ll ever take the convenience for granted again.”

“Would you like to bathe now?”

“Absolutely.” She jumped up, slid her linen pants to the ground then reached for the hem of Archie’s stained tunic. She owed him a shirt.

“Marie.” Archie’s voice cracked as he muttered her name. “What are you doing?”

“Getting in the bath. You did ask if I’d like to.”

“No’ afore me.” He cocked a brow. “You dinnae wish to bathe alone?”

“Perhaps you missed the part where I spoke of seduction, so no, not if I can bathe with you. We’ll relax together. You can handle that, can’t you?”

He glanced from her to the tub. “I’ve never bathed with a woman afore. Are you certain?”

“I’m after pleasure, which you said was on offer.” She sidled against him. “Take this shirt off. I no longer need it.”

“Aye, then it would be my pleasure.” He hunkered down, skimmed his warm hands over her calves then slowly trailed them up as he rose. Heat raced along the path he touched, behind her knees and over her outer thighs. He lifted her shirt higher as he stroked upward. When he reached the lower curves of her bottom, he gazed into her eyes. “I feel naught covering you below. Where are your undergarments?”

“I’m wearing a thong. There’s a small triangle of fabric at the front then it narrows to a thin piece of cotton that slides between my cheeks. Where I come from, women wear them.”

His gaze burned a richer golden hue. “May I remove it?”

“I’m not sure why you haven’t already.” She turned around and wriggled her bottom. “Take it all off.”

Hands clamped on her hips, he gripped the material of her shirt then lifted it over her head. She gasped as he puffed hotly against her bare skin.

“Magic,” he moaned, caressing her bottom.

She leaned into him, against the hard length of his erection. “Yes, you wield a magic touch yourself. Feeling distracted at all?”

“I am far beyond that point.” He played with the thin strip of cotton before tugging the thong down her legs. “Turn around, my faerie. I want to see the rest of you.”

She almost slithered to the floor as she did. Such a need burned in his golden eyes as she fully faced him.

“So beautiful.” His gaze consumed every inch of her. “I want to touch, and taste.” He cupped her breasts, eased them together then licked one nipple. The raspy stroke of his tongue sent a bolt of pleasure to her core.

“I like how you touch me.”

He grinned then swirled around the tip. “I like it far more.”

“Then bring on the pleasure. I want my Highland warrior. I want you.”

“Aye, and I shall deliver.” He sucked her nipple deep into his mouth and her knees buckled. He swept her up then lowered her into the tub. The warm water cascaded over her skin, adding more heat to the fire racing through her blood.

“Come here.” She clutched his shirtfront and tugged it free of his pants.

“Let me undress first, lass.” He stripped off his shirt. Muscled shoulders, broad and strong, spoke of the hours he must practice with his sword. What a wickedly wide chest. His abs rippled, and that delicious tease of dark hair narrowing down his rigid belly disappeared into his pants.

“Take it all off.” Gawking at him was a pleasure all unto itself. After the trialing time she’d had, being close to him, touching him, was all she desired. “I can’t believe you’re going to be mine.”

“Aye, all yours.” He kicked off his boots then shoved his dark pants down his thickly muscled legs and off. His cock sprang free and brushed his belly.

“Mmm, mine.” She squirmed back to make room for him.

He stepped in and eased down, sloshing water over her chest. After nabbing the soap, he lathered it, his gaze smoldering as it remained on hers. “Lift your feet and place them against my chest.”