Page 64 of My Highland Love

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.

“Nae, 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.

Her eyes darkened, and she said, “It occurs to me, milord, that if you fulfilled such a promise, logic dictates it would be you who lay exhausted on top of me.”

“Indeed?” he said with the raise of an amused brow.

He whirled her into the final spin of the dance before the music ended. The dance crowd dispersed and new couples assembled as the music began again. They stood, still in each other's arms. She moved to step away, but he held her fast. She gave him a quizzical look.

“Come, take a walk with me, love,” he said.

The dancers began dancing around them.

Elise shook her head. “You can't abandon your guests, and I promised Winnie I would help with the food.” She pushed his arms from her and backed away.

A couple danced between them. He saw the bemused look the woman gave Elise and realized she had seen it too. She was clear of the dancers now.

“I had better go see if any help is needed in the kitchen,” she shouted above the music.

Marcus watched her turn and hurry away. So, the little minx had ventured a dip in the waters only to yank her foot back when it had been nibbled. Perhaps next time he would simply yank her in.

* * *

Marcus hadn't considered the possibility that Elise would wish to accompany the women the following day on the yearly tradition of swimming in the cool waters of Loch Katrine. Now, the procession had started and, per his order, his guards had stopped her from passing beyond the gates. He grimaced at seeing her agitated pacing as he approached. She stopped and glared at him.

“Do you mean to keep me here while the other women go to the loch?” Her narrowed eyes dared him answer yes.