"Nay, sweet." She tried to break away, but he held her fast. "You don't kiss a man thusly and expect him no' to want more."
Elise dropped her gaze to his chest. Warmth flooded her midsection at sight of the tan chest visible through his open shirt. She had sped past embarrassment into idiocy. Michael MacGregor and the Sunday Times be damned, she should have stayed in bed.
"It was just a simple kiss," she said.
His masculine laugh rippled through the air. "I would say then that gives me much to look forward to."
She jerked her head up.
Marcus released her. "I had better go." He gave her a roguish wink. "Or I won't be going at all."
"Wait," she said. "I have a request."
"A request?" He turned to test the cinch on his mount's saddle.
"Michael hasn't arrived at Brahan Seer as Erin said he would. Lammas begins tonight, and he promised to be here yesterday. I would like to make a quick visit to see if he is well."
Marcus turned his gaze on her.
"I know there is a lot to do," she added hurriedly. "But I would only go there and back."
"Lass—"
"You can send someone with me. I don't mind."
"'Tis best—"
"You cannot deny me. It isn't right—"
Marcus grabbed her and she yelped as he clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Hush," he said. Eyeing her suspiciously, he loosened his hold, then removed his hand from her mouth altogether. "I will send Erin to fetch his father."
"And if Michael isn't feeling well?"
"I will send someone along with Erin. If Michael is unwell, the man can fetch someone to tend him. Erin will accompany me this morning. I'll send him to his father's this afternoon. They will be back in time for the festivities."
Her heart sank. "I wanted to see for myself that he is well."
"If he feels too poorly to make the trip, he'll need a more experienced doctor."
She scowled. "You think yourself clever, Marcus MacGregor." His mouth twitched and she gave him a dry look. "All right." Before realizing her own intent, she gave him a quick kiss on the jaw.
Surprise flashed in his eyes.
Elise backed away. "I have work to do." She whirled and hurried toward the castle.
A hard day's work hadn't dampened Marcus's anticipation. He spotted Elise standing on the far side of the courtyard, winding her way through the throng gathered in honor of Lammas. Her hair, piled atop her head, left the soft contours of her shoulders bare. With his gaze, he traced the low-cut bodice of the olive green gown that hinted at the tender, creamy flesh of her breasts. She had adorned herself with MacGregor colors—his colors. A red and green sash of plaide crossed one shoulder and fastened at her waist. She paused in the crowd to speak to one person, then another.
Musicians struck up, fiddle and bagpipe leading the music, and the crowd cleared the center of the courtyard for those who joined in dance. Brian MacGregor swept Elise into the barn dance being played. She threw her head back, her delight in her companion obvious. Marcus waited a few turns, then caught them as they neared.
"You can't keep the lady to yourself, Brian," he said.
"Laird," Brian replied, and released his hold on Elise.
Marcus pulled her close. The music ended. He remained motionless, his gaze holding hers until the band began The Scottish. He realized the quickening of her breath in the rise and fall of her breasts as he swung her to the right in unison with other dancers.
Her gaze broke from his, her lashes dropping demurely. A tremor passed through him. Was she toying with him? Her fingers tightened on his shoulder as he executed a quick turn. Elise leaned into him, her hair brushing his jaw. She tipped her head up slightly. He felt her breath against his neck. A tiny smile lifted one corner of her mouth, then her brow puckered.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"Nay, love."
"You seem deep in thought."
Marcus dodged another couple who strayed perilously close, then looked down at her. "I was thinking how I would like to take you from here and ravish your sweet body until you cry 'enough!'" Her mouth parted in a tiny gasp and he went on. "Then I would slowly and methodically make love to every inch of your body until you lie exhausted beneath me."
She stumbled. If not for his tight grasp, she would have fallen. Delighted, he pulled her closer. "I see the idea appeals to you."
Her gaze dropped. When she brought her eyes back to bear on him, she looked at him through her lashes, a shy expression on her face. "I can only wonder, sir, if you have the strength to fulfill such outlandish claims."
Deviltry played in her eyes, and Marcus felt his body harden at seeing more than a little curiosity mixed in the bargain. "Aye." He pressed her more intimately against him. "I have the strength."
Her intake of breath told him she felt his arousal.
"Do you not agree?" he asked.
She remained silent for a moment. The noise of the crowd filled the air, the music winding between the spaces as if for them alone.