Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“I said I would protect you against all things. I explained my position.”


“You did, but where I come from, women truly do care for themselves, ensuring we’re protected as necessary. I can’t get with child, or at least not for the next couple of months.”

“Because of your clever magic?” He kissed her nose. “’Tis still too great of a risk.”

“Well, it’s not magic as such. I had a, hmm, let’s just say I took precautions, and they’re ninety-nine percent effective.”

“What precautions do you speak of?” He frowned, not caring for her talk of the future again. She was fae, yet she continually argued she came from a time far from now.

She patted her arm. “Something I had done right here.”

“And you believe your arm can protect you against what goes on far below? Lass, your notions are becoming more far-fetched by the day.”

Smiling, she tapped his nose. “You should see what options are actually available for far below. In my time men can wear condoms, thin films of rubber that slide around your—” She rubbed against his groin with her bottom. “Well, that part of you right there. In fact, in the future, women rarely die from childbirth. We’re medically more prepared. Do you truly not wish for a family of your own one day?”

“I’ve nay desire to take a wife and see her lose her life. What of you? Do you wish bairns?” The thought of her body ripe with another man’s child had his gut clenching, in the worst possible way.

“I’d be lying if I said no. I’d like three or maybe four.”

“Captain.”

Eric motioned toward land. Damn, he’d been so engrossed with his faerie he’d sailed off course. The rocks loomed. He jerked the rudder and steered them back alongside the coast.

“That must have been a first.” Marie laughed and he swatted her backside.

“Behave. You are far too distracting.”

“Yes, but I thought we were in agreement for that. Captain, in case you missed it, you may distract me as often, and in as many ways as you’d like.”

He should like very much.

Far too much.



Marie’s heart lightened as they sailed along the coast. Hours had passed and they now cruised up the western shoreline, the beach a thick ribbon of golden sand more similar to her homeland. The grassy moors rolled into the distance, awash with tiny white clover flowers.

“This is such a beautiful place.” She squeezed Archie’s arm. “I can see why you love this land so much. Is that Nave Island?”

“Aye, it sits opposite the entrance to Loch Gruinart. Gruinart is a thin stretch of water, nay more than a mile wide for the most part, but it runs four miles deep. There’s little room for maneuvering once we enter. On the low tide, ships can become trapped by the sand bars. John will have made berth no’ far from here to ensure that does no’ occur.”

A flock of birds took flight from the north and soared across the inlet to the south where thick rushes swayed in the brisk sea breeze. “Where will John have made camp?”

“The forest, farther inland. He’ll be lying in wait for MacLean, or searching for him.”

A mile in, they came across John’s birlinn anchored in the shallows with two guards remaining onboard. Archie ordered the sail down and his men rowed until they made berth beside the other vessel.

She grabbed her clothes and followed him to the bow where his men bounded into the water. He too jumped. No wonder these men were so conditioned to the cold water since they were always in it. She firmed her resolve, scooted over the side.

Archie caught before she hit the surface. “Only one of us needs to get wet, my sweet.” He juggled her higher against his chest and waded in.

“Well, I’m glad it’s you. I’m sick of water squidging about in my boots. So, what’s the plan? A nice long romp across land? I can’t believe how much exercise I’ve had lately. People pay big-time for such things at their local gym back home.”

“Nay, there shall be no romping for you.”

“But we agreed we’d stay together.”

“We shall, though once I’m assured of John’s position and that I’m no’ leading you into any danger.” He deposited her gently on the sand. From the stockpile of weapons his men had laid out, he grabbed a wrist sheath and dagger. “Come with me.”

“Captain, we need to have words.” She was back to square one. With him, but not with him. Argh, how frustrating.

“Words arenae needed. That was an order, one you must obey.” He tugged her over the sandy dunes then checked the area. “You’re out of view. Change now while I keep an eye out.”