Highlander's Magic (Highlander Heat #2)

“What about your decision to ’path me? That has to stop too.”


“Once we’re done here, I won’t get in touch.”

“Promise me.”

“Sure. Now let’s get moving on this job you’ve got to do.” He released me and jumped along the rocks. Carefully, he untied my camisole from the stick, folded the silk and slid in into his front shirt pocket. Grinning, he patted his chest. “Thanks for this. It appears I don’t mind it at all.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I intend to swap that for a pair of old woolen socks, and as soon as I can.” I grabbed my fallen Stetson and jammed it on. Mates. So frustrating. How did Hope and Faith cope with theirs? Hmm, maybe I needed to stand my ground a little more.

“You ready to go?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He led the way back to the watering hole. After checking the straps on the saddle, he mounted then extended a hand. “Since there’s one horse, we’ll ride together.”

“I should make you go saddle your own horse, except I don’t want you near the stables.” I slipped my hand into his. He lifted me up and settled me in front of him. I nabbed the reins. “But I’m in charge. I know where this horse needs to be led.”

“So do I. Away from those smoky hills. Let’s get the cattle moving.” Arms around my waist, he held on.

“We’re heading to the river. That’s what Goldie’s asked. It’s the safest place for them on the station.”

“Who’s Goldie?”

“Goldwyn Wincrest is Donaldo’s daughter. She’s nineteen, the same age as me. Her and Hope are close since they grew up together. She keeps the girls’ secret too. She certainly won’t be happy to hear I’m mated to a protector, but I’ll explain that it’s over.” I tugged on the reins, guided the mare around the cattle.

“You ride well.” He leaned against my back, nuzzled my neck. “And this cocoa butter of yours smells good. I like it. Too much.”

“I’ll be sure to lather it all over those old socks.”

He chuckled then tightened his arms around my waist.

“Hey.” I smacked his hands. “A little less of that. I have weapons and I will use them.”

“Of course you will.” He blew a soft breath along my neck. “I enjoy a little excitement with my danger. Don’t you?”

“No.” I nudged the horse’s flanks and kept a weaving pattern going as I skirted the cattle, urging them forward. “It might pay for you to stop talking, Mr. I-love-danger.”

He chuckled. “It appears I also like teasing you.”

“Well, you’re doing a slap-up job.” The sun dipped along the western horizon behind us, sending a flare of red into the clouds of swelling smoke. Bushfires were so destructive, taking everything in their path. I had to get this cattle as far out to the east as I could.

“Will we get to the river by nightfall? This terrain is pretty rough.”

“There’s a half moon tonight. It’ll be enough to guide our way if we don’t.” The cattle bawled as I continued to press them on. “You sound anxious. If you need to leave, I won’t complain. Don’t you have duties to attend to?”

“Usually, but after training today the rest of my day was free. I had intended to visit my parents. Dad’s got a special project on and needed a hand with it.”

“What kind of—” Nope, don’t let him draw you into any personal conversation. Bad, bad move.

“You were right about there being a furniture maker in the family. Dad’s building Mum a glorious new desk. Wedding anniversary coming up. She’s gonna love it.”

“Will it be initialed?” No. No. No. Don’t ask any questions.

“He monograms everything. It’s his thing. Look at me.”

I glanced over my shoulder. I really shouldn’t have done that. The gold flecks in his brown eyes shimmered powerfully, weaving me under their spell.

“We’ll get through this, Lieska.” He cupped my cheek.

“I’d rather we not get through anything at all. There must be something I can say to convince you to leave.”

“There’s danger, so no.”

The horse snickered, and I faced front. That’s it. Keep your attention where it should be, and ignore the hot hunk at your back.

Only I couldn’t. I leaned back against him, surrounded myself in his solid warmth. His spicy scent enveloped me, comforted me. The hunter in me settled. I was with my mate, and since he wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon, I might as well enjoy this stolen moment.

I wouldn’t have him for long.

Argh, but if only he’d stop breathing on my neck. Each time his warm breath glided over the pulse in my throat, it sped up.

I rode on, pressing the cattle forward.

Slowly the sun dropped behind the hills and the sky darkened. Twinkling within the darkest blanket of midnight blue, the stars added a touch of light to the moon’s glow.