Page 6 of Highland Warrior

Her eyes rolled back, and she felt herself falling, only to be caught by strong arms lifting her into the air.

5

Ian stroked Natalie’s hair from her face as he adjusted the blanket over her shoulders. He suspected that with her fainting spell, the truth had dawned on her. But now he had some thinking to do.

Sitting down in the chair before the fire, he leaned his head back and studied the ceiling. Her presence meant she was the one. His true love. Marrying her would stabilize the clan and secure his place as laird. But how could he convince her?

What if she left?

From listening to Donell’s stories, he was aware that he could send her back to her time by tapping three times on the brooch. Sadness filled his heart at the image of her leaving. The odd feeling unnerved him. He wasn’t one to experience such a thing. He hadn’t conceived of settling down for years. In fact, he’d been on a mission to bed as many women who were willing and able.

Glancing toward the bed at the tiny figure nestled in its softness, he sighed. When had he changed? Several instances transpired in his mind. Seeing Donell’s happiness had been a rude awakening to what he was missing. Holding the little nymph in his arms had been another. Further still, his emotions were in turmoil about her leaving, and he was trying desperately to come up with reasons to convince her to stay.

Perhaps he would keep to himself for a little while so that she could return. Maybe she would settle into life within the clan, with him. If she did, he would broach the topic then.

A moan from the bed caught his attention as Natalie’s eyes opened and she immediately spotted him.

“Welcome back,” he drawled, moving to the side of the bed.

She blinked a few times, twinkles of light flickering in her eyes from the blazing fire in the hearth. Fear and confusion flitted across her face to be replaced by acceptance.

“I always believed I was meant for a different time. I just never fathomed I would be so lucky as to land in your bed.” She smiled shyly, rolling over, he lifted on one arm, and laying her head in her palm.

Ian felt like he’d been knocked off the bed. This was not the reaction he’d expected, planned for. At once, jubilance raced through his veins.

“Ye are not angry?”

She shrugged her tiny shoulders in a delicate motion, and Ian couldn’t help but caress their silkiness.

“What can I do? I am here, and I believe everything happens for a reason. Perhaps my obsession and study of Scotland was a part of life’s plan for me.”

“Ye will stay then?”

“Do I have a choice?” Her gaze burned into him, piercing his soul.

Ian struggled with what to say. Dare he tell her she could return at any moment? He didn’t want to, yet at the same time, he didn’t want her not to trust him, either.

Leaning down, he brushed his lips against hers, and instant yearning to kiss the rest of her body took over. He need not answer her questions now. Nay, he would distract her for a bit and see if he couldn’t get her to enjoy herself once more.

Deepening the kiss, Ian was pleased when Natalie thrust her tongue hungrily into his mouth. She was a fiery lass to be sure. He slid his length on top of her, loving the feel of her supple body beneath him.

Ian ran his tongue down her neck, nipping and sucking along the way. He grazed his teeth over her puckered nipple, reveling in her sweet moans and her nails digging into his shoulders. He paid tribute to her other breast and growled when she bucked her hips.

Yes, that was what he wanted. He wanted to taste the juices swiftly gathering between her thighs, making her slick and wet. Sliding the sheet from her body, he kissed a path down her belly, his hands massaging her waist.

Ian nipped the inside of her thigh and was rewarded with her sensual yelp.

“Let us both enjoy each other,” she moaned as he breathed hotly on her mons, watching her legs quiver with anticipation.

He should have known from this bold one that she would have such tawdry notions in mind.

“As ye wish, lass.”

Rolling over, he drew her on top of him for one luscious kiss before she sat up, straddling him. Her eyes twinkled mischievously.

“You still didn’t answer my question, Laird MacDuff,” she said, her voice husky with desire.

Ian opened his mouth and then shut it again. His cock ached and pulsed from the tantalizing vision she’d placed in his mind of her velvety mouth sucking him.