He caught her in his arms, thinking to himself that he was the luckiest man alive. Dylan couldn’t believe the happiness he enjoyed as he nuzzled her neck, her scent drifting to his nose and sending an alert throughout his body. In the past, he was always out the door before there was any time for talking, sharing or getting close. He couldn’t imagine doing that now, not with Maggie. He wanted to spend every waking—and every sleeping—moment with her.
Maggie pulled herself up so she could straddle him with her legs. She giggled and wriggled against his groin. “What’s this I feel?” A seductive smile caressed her lips.
“I think you know what it is.” Dylan grabbed her waist, deftly lifting her and switching places, putting her beneath him. He flipped his hair out of his face, so he could get a better look at her. Again, he considered how lucky he was to have found her.
“Are we going to do it again?” Maggie asked with a knowing smile.
“I think we are,” Dylan responded with a smug smile. “And I think I’ve created a monster.” He tickled her sides and she squirmed with laughter, trying to get away. “Where do you think you’re going, miss? I’m not done with you yet.”
Squeals of laughter echoed throughout the room as they wrestled with each other on the bed, until Dylan stopped teasing and began to kiss her. Maggie’s soft moan let him know she wanted more, but the sound of hoof beats from close by had both of them freezing on the spot and listening to the clip clopping as the sound approached the cottage. Dylan leaped out of bed and swiftly wrapped his kilt around him, while Maggie scurried about the room searching for her own clothes.
“Stay here,” Dylan ordered.
Maggie threw her clothes on as quickly as she could manage and much to Dylan’s dismay, she followed him to the closed door. He shook his head, knowing there was no time to argue with her, they needed to find out who was approaching. Pulling open the door, he saw a lone rider heading their way. The man was dressed in black from head to toe and rode a massive black destrier. Dylan was immediately on guard. “Maggie, get my sword. I left it inside.”
Maggie did as he asked, retrieving the sword from beside the fireplace and handing it to Dylan. The rider stopped just short of the cottage and casually dismounted.
“Good morning,” he said. “I was passing by and noticed smoke coming from the chimney. I thought I’d stop by, to see who was here.”
Dylan silently sized the man up, wondering if he’d be able to take him in a fight. He had gotten quite good with a sword, thanks to the MacKenzies’ practice sessions. Even so, he hoped he wouldn’t have to use the skill now.
The black-clad man continued. “My name is Sir Richard Jefford. I’m travelling north to visit some,” he hesitated for only a split-second and then continued, placing emphasis on the last word, “friends.”
Maggie poked Dylan in the back and Dylan turned to glance at her. She raised her eyebrows and widened her eyes in an exaggerated gesture, which he assumed she thought he’d recognize.
“Sir Richard, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Dylan Sinclair and this is Maggie MacKinnon.”
Sir Richard bowed in Maggie’s direction, giving her curious clothing the once-over as he did so. “Is this your cottage?” Richard asked.
“No. We’re also travelling. We arrived here yesterday afternoon and found a note from the owners, giving travelers permission to use it as shelter.” Maggie continued to elbow him, but he ignored her for the moment. “We were just about to break our fast,” Dylan lied. “Would you care to join us?”
“I would love to join you. Are you certain you wouldn’t mind? Miss MacKinnon seems a little distressed by my presence.” Richard nodded his head in Maggie’s direction.
“I wasn’t expecting company. One can never be too careful,” Maggie responded. Dylan couldn’t imagine what was wrong, but as soon as he and Maggie were alone for a moment, he was going to find out.
“I’ll just take care of my horse then.” Richard unsaddled his horse and left the massive destrier to graze, before heading back to join them. He had a relaxed manner about him and Dylan decided there was nothing to worry about from the newlyarrived stranger. He was generally good at reading people and this guy didn’t seem as if he was interested in causing trouble. Just in case, though, he’d keep his sword close by. Dylan directed Richard inside and Maggie went first, stomping on Dylan’s foot as she swept past him.
“Is she upset about something?” Richard questioned as he passed.
Dylan merely shrugged his shoulders and followed them inside.
***
Maggie sat on the edge of the bed, sullenly staring daggers at them, while Dylan and Richard sat at the table and helped themselves to the food. She couldn’t believe that Dylan hadn’t understood that she was trying to give him a warning. From what she had heard about Sir Richard, the man was no doubt up to something. She assumed he was heading to Breaghacraig, to cause more trouble for the MacKenzies. Auntie Edna had warned Maggie that he was in league with Brielle. This was not good. She had to find a way to get Dylan alone to tell him, but all she could do for now was watch as he sat having a friendly conversation with a man, who was in her mind, their enemy. The only good thing about the situation was that Richard had no idea who they were.
“I’m on my way to visit the MacKenzies,” Richard announced.
“The MacKenzies? What a coincidence—”
Maggie jumped to her feet before Dylan could utter another word. “Dylan, might I have a word with ye please?”
“Sure, Maggie. What is it?” Dylan asked.
“Alone, please.” Maggie knew this was all piquing Sir Richard’s curiosity, but she had to tell Dylan about the man, before he said something that could only lead to trouble.
“Okay, no problem.” Dylan stood and turned towards Sir Richard. “I’m sorry. Please excuse me for a minute. Go ahead and enjoy the food.”
Richard merely smiled warmly, and tucked into the food on the table in front of him.
