Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat Book 5) (7 page)

“Nay, no’ only for tonight. For always.” Eyes twinkling, he embraced her breasts, kissing and licking until she arched into him. He took her nipple between his lips and rolled his tongue around it.

With her hips pushing against his, she clutched his broad shoulders, swept her hands over his roped biceps and down his arms. So big and strong. Needing to touch all of him, she stroked his smooth back and tapered waist. Her warrior protector was built to battle and conquer, and right now, he was doing a fine job with her. He sucked her nipples, both soothing the need deep within her and inflaming an equal need for more. Surrounding her, hot and hard, he intensified that heat.

“I have other places to devour.” He dipped his fingers between them and glided along the inside of her thigh. “Say, aye. I need your agreement afore I go further.”

“You can have all the agreement you wish for.” Craving a deeper touch, she eased her legs apart. Her mind raced in a hundred different directions but they all led to one place. “Don’t stop.”

“I’ll never hurt you. Do you trust me?” He swept his hand over her entrance, his intimate touch scalding her.

“With my very soul.”

“Then we will be one.” He plunged one finger inside, stroked deep then curled his finger into a spot that had her almost catapulting off the ledge and she would have if he hadn’t been holding her down. “This is just the beginning.” Head bent, he kissed along her inner thigh, his breath hot on her skin as he rubbed her clit.

“Please, yes please.” Eyes closed, she sank her fingers into his hair and massaged his scalp. Oh, John was about to take her places she’d never dreamed of. “More.”

“Look at me, Katherine. I want to see to your pleasure.”

“I want to see yours too.” She looked into his eyes, then reached down and skimmed the hard length of his cock. Caressing his hot flesh, she pumped him in time with how he stroked her.

He moaned, long and low, the sensual sound thrilling her as he slid lower. Then he spread her legs even wider and licked her flesh in the most intimate way. Every flick of his tongue over her clit was such exquisite torture.

She’d died once, and it appeared she was about to die again.

* * * *

John wanted Katherine with a thirst he’d never known, and saying no to her had been impossible. He’d longed for her since the moment she’d fallen through the veil and into his arms. Since that time, their bond had only strengthened further. He wouldn’t lose her. Not ever.

After raising her legs, he hooked them over his shoulders until her bottom lifted off the ledge and she lay even more fully exposed to him. “You’re beautiful, so pink and lush.” He parted her folds and plunged his tongue deep inside her. She bucked, her nipples hardening into tight points. “I see you like that.”

“I have a feeling I’ll like everything you do.” She gasped for breath.

“Then I shall make that my mission.” Lapping her, he eased two fingers in as he gently stretched her. Sensations stormed him and his cock throbbed as he imbibed at the very heart of her.

“John, that feels too good. Kiss me. I need your mouth on mine.”

He lifted up, took her mouth in a hot kiss as he continued to stroke his fingers into her below. As he did, she caressed his cock with long pulls and his spine tingled as the pressure in his shaft built to a crescendo. “I cannae hold on if you do that.”

“Then come inside me.”

“Aye, that I long for.” He kissed her again, covering her mouth with his and demanding a response that would distract her mind, then with his hands on her hips, he lifted her to him and moved between her legs. He teased his cock along her slick folds. “Open wider for me.”

She spread her legs farther. “I know there’ll be a little pain. I can handle it. I want this so don’t stop.”

“Naught can halt me now.” His cock brushed against her thin barrier and his mind went dark with lust. She was his, for all time. Now, his mission would be to convince her of that. Claiming her, he tore through her innocence and plunged deep inside her hot channel.

“Oh.” She gasped against his lips, clutched his butt and urged him to go faster. “That feels so good, as if there isn’t a part of me not filled with you.”

“You’re mine.” Frantically, he kissed her, pounding harder and deeper as their connection consumed him. Her soft moans encouraged him, and he took her wildly.

“I feel too much.” She raked his back then cried his name.

He was lost as her inner muscles tightened and dragged him in. His thoughts flew and his release exploded violently along with hers. Deep within, he spilled his seed.

“My woman,” he whispered and kissed her luscious lips. “I’ll never join with another. You’re a part of me, as I’m a part of you. We belong together, and I intend to prove it.”

* * * *

The wave of pleasure sweeping through Katherine had her struggling to gain a decent breath. This was heaven, and she never wanted their time together to end, not now, not ever. Flashes of white still burst behind her closed eyelids as her channel pulsed around John’s cock, over and over. It was too much, yet not enough. “I want more.”

John’s lips lifted, every inch of his body fully aligned with hers. “You’ll be sore if I give you more.”

“Right now, I don’t care.” She caressed the corded muscles of his damp back. “I love the feel of you on top of me, inside me. I never want to forget this moment.”

“Are you certain?” His breath tickled her ear. “I dinnae wish to hurt you.”

“Very certain. In fact, I dare you to show me what else you can do.”

“Well, I adore a dare.” He rocked his hips and his shaft stirred and lengthened inside her.

“Mmm, I can feel every little movement you make.” She cradled his face in her hands, brought his mouth back to hers and kissed him. “I love it.”

“Then I shall make it my mission to pleasure you. I want you to reach for the stars again and fly.” He chuckled then rocked faster.

“Great plan. I’m totally on board.” She sighed as he continued to rise and fill her. “We’re one and nothing has ever felt so right.”

“I’ll never relinquish you.”

His words sent a thrill through her, and his next kiss took her places she more than desired. Below, he stroked deep, his shaft hot and slick as he pumped within her. She wanted more, and as much as could give her in whatever time they had left. As he increased his rhythm, he rubbed her clit. Oh, sooo good. She moved with him as he pushed his long length in then out, his kisses matching the same ebb and flow as below.

Her orgasm built. “Too fast. I want this moment to last forever.”

“Nay, I need to hear you scream my name.” He grinned and with her breasts bobbing so close to his lips, he suctioned his mouth around one tight bud and sucked, hard.

She came, crying out his name and convulsing around him. She rode the waves as his seed jetted inside her, her heartbeat a pounding mess against his. A more perfect union she’d never known.

Peace invaded her, to the depths of her soul.

* * * *

John rolled onto his side, taking the brunt of his weight off Katherine.

“Where are you going?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him.

“I’m too heavy and this ledge is hard.” He tipped her over and smoothed his hand down her back. Her creamy skin appeared a little pink but bore no scrapes. He settled her back on top of his leather trews which had protected her from the stone. “Next time, I shall ensure there is a bed.”

“Will you now?” Her seductive tone, so achingly sweet, caused his cock to twitch with life again. Hell, he should be well sated by now. He’d certainly never returned to life so quickly before. ’Twas a shame the cavern had darkened further and little light now shone through the vent. Night was falling and they needed to return.

“They’ll be a bed and I shall see to it. For now we must leave.”

“This place is so special.” In a saucy swirl, she trailed a finger down the center of his chest. “Honestly, I’d rather stay here.”

“As would I, but ’tis best we return.” He picked up the scrap of material she’d called panties, and on his knees, slid them up her legs to her knees. Her soft flesh and bare mound made his cock pulse with need. When he’d first removed her underwear and seen the smoothness, he’d almost come right then and there. He touched the smear of blood along her inner thighs and his chest pumped out. She’d given him her innocence, the right allowed only to her husband. Whether she realized it or not, the precious gift was one he’d now claimed and would honor to his dying day.

“What are you thinking?” Her blue eyes softened. “You’ve a very possessive look in your eyes.”

“I crave you.” He needed to take care with his words and not push her too hard. She had no of intention of changing his future path even though he certainly intended it. He’d give her time, sway her gently to his way of thinking.

Leaning over the ledge, he scooped hot water from the pool. Tenderly, he washed her clean, and once done, tugged her panties up and pressed a soft kiss against the pink satin.

“I crave you too.” She stroked along his hip, dipped down and palmed his balls. His cock surged to life, and when she eyed the tip and dipped her head, he shuddered with need.

Oh hell, he would never be able to stop her if—

She licked him with one long teasing stroke of her tongue then settled her lips over the head and took him deep.

“Katherine.” He jerked as her sweet mouth seared him.

“I need this.” She caressed the top of his sac, her fingers sliding so sensuously around him. ’Twas torture, unlike any he’d ever suffered before.

“Halt,” he croaked.

She sucked harder and he rocked his hips, pushing deeper inside her mouth. He should stop her. He should pull out. A sexual haze consumed him and he shoved the crotch of her panties to one side and impaled himself within her delicious heat.

“Yes,” she cried out, her shoulders lifting off the rock at the fast impact of their joining.

He stretched her, fighting for control as he thrust in and out.

“I want this. Harder.” Her voice, raw and needy, had him moving faster.

“There was supposed to be a bed,” he growled as he rolled them over until she came up on top. “Ride me, and dinnae stop.”

“No stopping.” She gasped as she moved up and down. “Ohh, nooo stopping.”

“I’m going to lose my mind.”

“I want you to lose more than that.” She tipped her head back, her silky blond hair trailing behind her and onto his legs as she picked up her speed.

The intensity of the moment shook him. Grasping her hips, he rocked them harder until her tight channel hugged him all the way to his balls.

“John, I’m—”

“Let go. I’m right here with you.”

“Oh, oh yes,” she cried out as she pulsed around him.

With no choice, he came hard, shattering right along with her.

“Ahh, wonderful,” she murmured then drooped on top of him, her breasts mashed between them.

“More like magnificent.” He couldn’t move. ’Twas as if she’d drained his life’s blood, and not on the battlefield, but within the magical cavern he’d found as a lad. This place had always entranced him, and now he adored it even more so. He’d never forget this moment, or the depth of satisfaction that consumed him, heart, body, and soul. “You wield the ultimate power over me.”

“I do?” She dragged her gaze to his and smiled. “Care to elaborate?”

“’Tis best I dinnae.”

She wriggled her hips, and he groaned. “Oh, I believe I’ve found the power.”

“Cheeky, lass.” He swatted her bottom. “Remain still.”

“All right, but only because you asked so nicely.” She spread her palm over his heart then lowered her cheek to his chest and sighed. “I truly love the sound of your heartbeat.”

He wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes as the steamy air created a sultry haven.

Warm and soothing, her breath whispered across his skin as she went lax and fell asleep. A little rest wouldn’t hurt either of them. A few minutes, no more.

He allowed sleep to claim him.

A pretty bird’s trill drifted into the cavern from outside and John stirred. He blinked his eyes open and squinted at the sliver of sunlight beaming through the vent above. ’Twas morning, and Katherine lay tucked against his side, wearing only her pink panties and her skin warm from the steamy heat swirling through the cavern.

“Sleepy,” she mumbled as she nuzzled his neck. “Need more sleep.”

“’Tis morn. They’ll be a party out searching for us if we dinnae return soon.” He eased away from her, hooked his legs over the side of the ledge and slid into the water. If he remained next to Katherine while she remained so underdressed, they’d never leave this place. He dunked his head and came up, water sluicing down his face. “In you get. We need to wash, dress, and be away.”

She stood on the ledge and stretched her arms high, her breasts swaying, full and heavy. Her nipples, a sweet rose color, were the same luscious shade as her pouty lips. She nabbed her bra, donned it then flapped out his trews. “These are half dry. Gosh, I slept right through the night without waking. No nightmares and no visions.” A smile lit her face. “Making love to you obviously agrees with me.”

“I know it agrees with me.”

She laughed then glanced at the ledge where it met the black boulders. After bunching his trews into a ball, she inched onto the first boulder and tossed them. They flew in a wide arc through the air and landed with a soft plop on the sand. “You can thank me for the dry clothing later.”

“Wet clothing does no’ bother me.” Daily training involved long ocean swims, conditioning him against the elements. He was more often wet than not. “Come bathe with me.”

“This’ll be fun. I’ve never bathed with a man before.” She scrambled off the rock and into the water. It wasn’t deep where she stood closer to the beach, the water only rising to her waist, but she slid under the surface and then emerged, her blond hair streaming over her shoulders and hiding her perfect breasts.

He slogged toward her, flicked her hair away and stroked one nipple through the almost transparent satin bra until the tip puckered into a tight ball. “I fear I’ll never get my fill of you.”

“Take what you wish, John. While we’re here in this cavern, I’m all yours.” She clasped his face. “Please, kiss me. I don’t want you to hold back, not here.”

Hell, she held such a potent enchantment he couldn’t resist. Holding her close, he brushed his lips across hers and memories surged from the night before, of their shared passion and joining. One kiss would never be enough, but ’twas all he had time to take for now. Aye, he’d break down her defenses, wooing her as she deserved until she gave in to what he already knew to be the truth. They would be together, forever, and not only for one single night. He just had to convince her of that.

“You make me feel too hot.” She rubbed her chest against his, her nipples, so incredibly hard, scraping across his flesh. “I want to stay.”

“I wish we could, but ’tis best we dinnae cause an uproar and we’ve been gone from Dunyvaig long enough.” He released her and waded into shore. After swiping his trews, he shook the sand out, jammed them on and collected his tunic and boots.

Katherine joined him. She tipped her head to the side, wrung the water from her hair then tugged her teal gown over her head. The crinkled velvet skimmed her hips and fell in a whoosh to her ankles. “So, what’s the plan for today?”

“For you to remain safe at Dunyvaig while I continue searching for the MacLean warrior. If he’s on Islay, I’ll find him.” He strapped on his sword belt and wrist daggers.

“I can’t live my life trapped behind Dunyvaig’s stone walls. That’s not a life at all.” She laced her gown’s front stays to the top of the square-cut neckline trimmed with a white ribbon, slid her matching slippers on and wandered across to the tunnel. Using the rock wedged half under it, she clambered up and into the darkened shaft.

He grabbed her damp sark from the sand and followed her along the tunnel carved of stone until the crashing sounds of the waterfall and life beyond their secret haven echoed toward him. The passageway thinned and ahead, Katherine wedged herself sideways to fit through the thin slit in the rocks. After wriggling through, he joined her on the slick rock ledge where a clear sheet of water arched over them and pounded into the pool below.

“This place is so magical.” She pressed herself against the wall as spray misted lightly. Morning sunshine glimmered through the water and sent a kaleidoscope of beautiful yellows, pinks and blues dancing over her sweet face.

“We’ll return as often as my duties permit. I give you my word on that.” He stroked a finger under her chin and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.

“You shouldn’t be making promises like that to me, not that I don’t appreciate your offer.”

“You’re still insistent you willnae change my future?”

“Absolutely.”

Except she already had, not that he was prepared to tell her and do battle over it right now. She’d learn soon enough of his intentions to woo her in the coming days. With his hand on her lower back, he guided her to the end of the ledge. Below, white water tumbled over wide gray boulders, the river flowing fuller and swifter from the recent rains.

“It’s like an art form in motion, nature at its most chaotic and singing of life.”

“Aye, and we shall respect its life.” He took a step back and leaped onto the grassy bank.

“Wait for me.” She followed his lead and grinning, jumped.

He caught her with a chuckle and swung her down beside him. “You need to give me more warning afore you do that.”

“Nope, I prefer to keep you on your toes.” She twirled, her damp blond locks streaming behind her and her flushed cheeks and skin glowing. Her blue eyes captivated him, the color like precious sapphires with their deep glittering hue. An ethereal glow encircled her, as one had after her mother’s visit. Aye, she was part fae, and she’d certainly cast a heavenly spell over him.

“I fear your mischievous ways will be difficult to tame.”

“That’s right. No taming for you.” She patted his chest, right over his heart. “Why the wistfulness?”

“I’ve been entrusted with a piece of your soul and I never intend to relinquish it. Come, or I shall drag you back inside.” He led the way through the forest alive with the twittering of birds and the rustling of small creatures hurrying through the undergrowth. As they neared the hunting trail, horses’ hooves pounded toward them.

Archie galloped around the corner, his padded leather war coat donned and claymore strapped to his back. Half a dozen men rode behind him, all prepared for battle. Damn. His brother’s scowl couldn’t hide his worry. He should’ve returned last night.

Pulling his horse to stop in a cloud of whirling autumn leaves, Archie eyed him. “Were you forced to find shelter from the storm?”

“Aye. We found somewhere safe to spend the night.”

Archie’s destrier snorted foggy air and he patted his mount’s neck and calmed the beast. “The party of men you sent out into the forest yesterday returned afore the storm with word they’d found tracks. We ride, no’ only to find you, but to continue the search for our enemy.” He extended his hand to Katherine. “We didnae bring a spare horse. You’ll need to ride with me. Marie awaits your return.”

Katherine glanced at him and he nodded. “Go with Archie. I’ll be right behind you.” He boosted her into the saddle in front of his brother then doubled up with another warrior. After they returned to Dunyvaig, he intended to ride out with the party in search of Finlay MacLean. Aye, the sooner he removed the threat against Katherine, the sooner he could return to her.

They pounded down the trail, branches brushing his arms as the path thinned before they burst out of the forest and galloped across the moors toward the castle with its ever-watchful guardsmen patrolling the barbican.

Katherine peeked at him over Archie’s arm and rubbed her reddened nose.

“Are you cold?” he called out.

“Only a little.”

They rode under the arched entrance and into the inner courtyard. He jumped to the ground, strode to Archie and swung Katherine down beside him.

Archie dismounted and whistled to a stable lad. “Saddle John’s destrier and ensure he has adequate supplies.”

“My thanks. I willnae be long.” He clapped Archie on the back then steered Katherine inside. He bypassed the great hall where his clan had gathered to break their fast and led her up the winding side stairs. At his chamber on the third-floor, he ushered her in and shut the door.

“I want to come with you.” She squeezed her hands, making tiny fists, her knuckles white with the strain.

“Nay, you’ll remain here.” He shucked his tunic, swiped his coal black shirt from his trunk and hauled it on. With clean trews and his padded leather cotun donned, he strapped his weapons on and gathered his bow and satchel of arrows from behind his chunky corner desk.

Katherine watched him as she edged from foot to foot. “You look like you’re readying for war. I don’t like it. It feels wrong.”

“One must take every precaution when there are MacLeans about.”

“I only saw one MacLean, and now I wish I’d never told you about him. I’ve no desire to escalate this war, and with you on the hunt for him, that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

“You must never think that. ’Tis my right and duty to protect you.” He grabbed his traveling bag, flipped the top leather flap and stuffed a change of clothes inside.

“How long will you be gone?”

“As long as it takes.” He crossed to her, slid a hand under her hair and around her nape. “The guardsmen will be under orders to ensure you dinnae leave these walls. You’ve yet to give me your word you’ll remain.”

“You can’t bully me into submission, John.” Clearly frustrated, she jerked away.

“If you followed my orders when given, I wouldnae have to demand your submission.” He detested having to leave her this way, but Archie waited. He strode to the door with his gear. With one last look over his shoulder, he gritted out, “Be here when I return, and that’s an order.”

“You’re also not allowed to order me about.” She crossed her arms. “You need to worry more about yourself. My life depends on your survival, so if you get hurt, so do I.”

“Aye, I’ll take all care.” He desperately wished to wrap his arms around her and offer what comfort he could, but now was not the time. “Stay safe, my love.”

“I’m not your love.” She straightened her spine. “We’ve had nothing more than one night, and it’ll probably have to remain that way.”

“Trust me. We’ll have plenty more. I must go.” He marched out of his chamber, his gut gnawing in the most vicious way with each step he took away from her. Leaving her was pure agony.

“Captain.” George joined him as he strode outside and into the bailey. “Any orders while you’re gone?”

“Aye, watch Katherine for me, like a hawk.” He strapped his bag onto his steed and checked the cinch. “She acts without thought for herself and you’ll need to keep a vigilant eye on her.”

“Will do, Captain.”

“Inform the sentry to bar the postern gate and be alert to all who come and go through the main entrance. When she retires for the night, remain on guard outside her door.” He slid into the saddle. “Be assured, if aught happens to her while I’m gone, your head will roll.”

“I’ll see to your orders. All will be as you’ve asked.” George dipped his head and stepped back.

He trusted his man. George wouldn’t fail him.

Archie brought his stallion in beside him. “What worries you, John?”

“My woman intends to travel to Mull. She visited the circle and one of the fae spoke to her, instructing her to complete what Marie has set in motion. She’s certain she must bring peace between the clans.”

He snorted. “’Tis an impossible task, and Marie has already told me there will be no peace between the clans for some years to come. Katherine must have misheard.”

“She does no’ believe so.” Although he’d discuss it with her further, the moment he returned. For now, he had an enemy warrior to find. He nudged his horse and with Archie at his side, galloped out the gates, their men riding in file behind them. He’d never allow Katherine to journey beyond Islay’s shores. Losing her to her MacLean kin would never happen, not on his watch.

* * * *

Two days John had been gone and without any word on how his hunt for Finlay MacLean fared, Katherine’s nerves were frayed. She gripped the stone windowsill of the ladies’ solar window as Marie and Mary sat behind her in padded forest-green chairs either side of the roaring fire.

“Are you all right, Katherine?” Marie pinned cream satin cups into place on the bra she’d made.

“I will be, when John gets back.” She needed a distraction from her frustrating thoughts.

“I worry too when the men are away.” Mary sighed. “’Tis difficult to always be the one waiting.” She continued repairing a rip in the sleeve of an embroidered tunic.

“It’s at times like these, I miss cell phones.” Marie glanced at Katherine. “Do you still have yours on you? You took a snap of us that day I traveled. Did you keep it in your pocket?”

“I did. I fell through the veil with it, but John took it away from me the other day when I showed him. He buried it somewhere in the forest. Said he didn’t wish for anyone to find it and question me.” Arms crossed, she huffed and pressed her bottom against the windowsill. “Can you believe he did that? I was still paying my iphone off on a twenty-four month plan. An iphone. No one in their right mind buries an iphone.”