Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers #3)

“That chair appears terribly uncomfortable to me.” She slid one hand over his, her touch so soft, so gentle, then she tangled their fingers together and a level of calm rolled through him. “Claws away, my tempting bear.”


He drew them back in, lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. Slowly, he breathed in, drawing her delectably fresh scent deep inside him. “Thank you for taking solid form, except now my bear wants to roll around with you in that bed and smother you in our scent, as do I.”

“Rolling around in a bed with you sounds rather thrilling.” She tugged him toward the end of her bed, gripped his shoulders and pushed him down until he sat. “Although afore we considering doing so, I would like to show you something.”

“Whatever you wish.” She seemed so accepting and it sent both shock and fierce need racing through him. Likely his mouth gaped open. Aye, it did. He tapped it shut.

“Nessa has convinced me that I need to be more willing to allow the bond. In truth though, I doubt I would have been able to stay away from you much longer. You are the other half of my soul and that I cannae deny.” She uncloaked, so swiftly his heart lost one very necessary beat. Just as well he was sitting. Her vivid blue eyes, as glorious as a summer sky, dragged him right into her very soul. And her skin, so creamy and smooth, sparkled as if capturing the sun’s rays and reflecting them.

“Am I dreaming?” He blinked repeatedly.

“Nay. There are so few I uncloak in front of because my skin is rather distracting to look upon, although I wish to be my true self with you, that’s if you so desire it.” An uncertain look flashed in her eyes. “You dinnae need to answer me now if you wish. Think on my offer if you prefer.”

“No thinking is needed. Your skin is a distraction I will completely adore.” He caught her hands and tugged her in between his spread legs then cupped her hips and kept her locked in place. “I want to see you, to never have you hide yourself from me again. How come your skin sparkles? I’ve never met another of fae blood whose does.”

“My father’s was so, and his father’s afore him. It denotes the eldest born in the royal line and always has.”

“How many siblings do you have?”

“I am one of seven.”

“It’s almost impossible to look away from you. One could almost say you’re spellbinding.” Reveling in her nearness, he rubbed himself against her. “Are you truly willing to accept the bond?”

“I am.” Two words, and the strength behind them spoke to his very heart. “My word is the truth and always has been. I must also apologize for doubting you and your own word. I shall never do so again.”

“Apology accepted, and since you’re the king’s eldest born is there any particular protocol I need to take care of when being around you?” He stroked around to her bottom, his hands getting lost within the mountainous folds of blue silk. Gently, he squeezed her rear. “I wouldn’t want to overstep any particular mark.”

“I do believe you are becoming far too familiar with me, although that I shall allow and henceforth encourage.”

“Thank heavens for that, because I intend to get a whole lot more familiar with you before this day is out.”

“In what way?” She wriggled around and sat on his lap, her skirts puffing around her. “And be specific.”

“I want the right to kiss you, anywhere and everywhere you might please.” He trailed one finger along the lush swell of her breasts pushed up by her corseted bodice edged in blue satin. Licking his lips, he leaned in and kissed the mark he’d given her on her neck. Wicked pleasure at seeing the evidence of his bite on her flesh rippled through him. He played with her hair, long golden locks that swayed about her waist, the exquisite color as bright and rich as the sun beaming in the sky out the window.

“Mayhap then we should set some boundaries to begin with.” She tipped a finger under his chin and lifted his gaze back to hers.

“I love boundaries. Let me start.” He took her with him as he laid down on the soft fur blanket. “Wherever you go, is where I need to go. You’re not to flutter away across time without taking me with you, or disappear on me again. Never again.”

“Once we have joined as one, ’twould be painful for either of us to be parted for any great length of time, the same as any mated pair, although should I get called away without any warning and need to travel quickly, then you can be assured I’ll return for you the first moment I can.” She threaded her fingers deep into his hair and raked her nails lightly across his scalp. His bear fairly purred at her deliciously bold touch, one of absolute claiming. “What of that for a compromise?”

“Detail the moments for when you might get called away without warning.” He never intended to let her go, not now she’d finally accepted their mated bond.