Down the Rabbit Hole

“I think you tease me, my lady. But even so, I must do my best to change your heart.” He leaned close and brushed her mouth with his.

It was the merest touch of his lips, but she was forced to absorb a shocking jolt to her system.

“We shouldn’t . . .” She reached out a hand to the front of his shirt, thinking to push him a little away.

“Ah, but we should, Bethany.”

At his gentle, mocking laugh, feelings pulsed through her and, despite her intention to hold him at arm’s length, her hand fisted in his shirt.

“Forgive me, my sweet Bethany, but I can wait no longer.” His arms came around her and he dragged her close, while his mouth covered hers in a kiss so hot, so hungry, she could feel it vibrating through her entire body, all the way to her toes.

When at last they moved apart, his eyes narrowed on her with fierce concentration. “Tell me true, my lady. Are you using your special powers over me?”

“I have no powers.”

His smile came then, and he gathered her close. Against her temple he whispered, “If you believe that, you are lying to yourself. There is something magical about what is happening between us.”

He lifted his hands to frame her face. “All my life I have known that there would be one special woman who was meant to be mine alone. I knew that when I met her, I would know her. And now, though I know nothing at all about you, and though I fear that you have come here to betray me, I cannot deny what I know to be true. Even if I leave myself open to pain and betrayal, I must have you, Bethany Campbell. We are meant to be together.”

“Colin . . .”

The protest died in her throat when he laid her down in the heather and drew her into the circle of his arms, kissing her with a thoroughness that had them both sighing.

His hands moved over her, lighting fires wherever they touched. Their kisses grew more heated, their breathing labored, their lungs straining. They were practically crawling into each other’s skin, and still it wasn’t enough. Nothing could satisfy the need that was building, heating their blood, threatening to consume them.

As he reached for the buttons of her riding jacket, a great shout went up from the hunters.

Colin and Beth sat up, looking around in surprise.

A line of village lads stepped out of the forest, staggering under the weight of a stag. It had been skinned and gutted, and now its legs were secured to several saplings resting on the shoulders of the lads who had been ordered to transport it back to the lodge.

Colin stood and offered his hand to Beth, who got to her feet beside him.

His face was as dark as a thundercloud as he watched the procession of villagers, followed by the mounted hunters. In their midst rode Ian, laughing and slapping the others on their arms as he boasted of his trophy.

Without a word Colin helped Beth into the saddle and then mounted his own stallion, just as Jamie rode up with his leather pouch filled to overflowing with game.

Seeing the dark look on the laird’s face, the lad drew back his mount, allowing Colin and Beth to lead the way.

In silence they rode side by side to the lodge, with the lad trailing behind.

When they arrived, the women spilled out of the hunting lodge and hurried down the lane toward the stables.

The mounted hunters drew near, and Ian came thundering up to the head of the procession, wearing a look of supreme satisfaction as he dismounted.

When Colin drew near, Ian held out the sack of coins to his stepbrother, calling in a loud voice, “I know I gave my word, but you must admit your command was unjust, since it would have cost me a fortune I could ill afford to lose. I was not about to let such a bounty pass me by.”

Hamish, who rode up behind Ian, looked sheepish.

Colin’s voice held a note of cold fury. “You gave your word, knowing you would not keep it? So now your word will mean nothing to all who know you. You prove to one and all that you revere gold more than our father’s good name.”