She leaned into his big, warm hand, liking his touch, finding herself in desperate need of it. “Ye only want me to what, Master Jamie?” She gazed up at him. The cool and confident warrior had transformed into a man who dinna look so sure of himself. Did he feel the same way she did? Confused and afraid of what they felt for each other?
“Nothing,” he said, slowly withdrawing his hand.
Without thought, she caught his fingers and pulled his hand to her face again. “I find yer touch comforting.”
Jamie’s eyes narrowed as he let out a deep growl, plucked her off the boulder, and cradled her on his lap as he sat down. Her heart drummed as he locked his arms about her, his hot breath tickling her neck.
“Do ye know what ye are saying, lass?”
She couldna think straight being so close to him, feeling the strength of his body wrapped protectively around her, his scent as satisfying as the fresh winter air. She lowered her hood, snuggling closer against him, letting her guard down for the briefest moment as one of her hands dared touch his unshaven cheek, the coarseness of the red stubble as pleasing to her fingertips as linen.
“Do ye?” he pressed.
“I-I think so,” she whispered.
“Have ye ever been kissed, Helen of the Highlands?”
The mischievousness returned to his eyes, and she grinned. “A thousand times,” she lied.
“Och,” he said. “Then ye havena been truthful about yer sire or brothers, for if ye were my sister, I’d keep ye locked away where no lad could touch ye.” His hold grew tighter, more possessive. “Do ye want to know what I think?”
“Aye.”
“I think ye’re a wee bird that finally escaped her cage, that ye doona know what to do with this new-found freedom, that ye crave the same wild things I crave, that ye desperately need to be kissed and caressed—shown the world from a different perspective.”
Helen swallowed hard. How could he know what she felt like? She’d always been caged, smothered under the relentless control of her father. The first step she took outside Dunrobin Castle in the middle of the night, felt like being reborn. And when she ran to the stables and then rode away, she felt like a beautiful bird soaring high in the sky, her wings no longer clipped. She held Jamie’s heated gaze with awe and desire. Something about this man made her want to risk everything.
And then, as if he had read her thoughts, he lowered his mouth to hers, gentle at first, testing her will. She was more than ready, but wished she knew what to do. Helen had never been kissed, had never even held hands with a man. Every touch, every panting breath, every noise he made, cast her into a world of wonder. Men were earthy creatures, hard as stone. But now, pressed against her, hungry for her taste and touch, Jamie dinna resemble hard stone. Instead, he reminded her of malleable clay. And if she surrendered what he sought from her, what would he be transformed into?
The kiss deepened, his tongue seeking entry to her mouth. Stunned, she opened up to him, and his tongue met hers in a breath-stealing way. He cupped her face between his hands, sealing their mouths together.
Helen slipped her hand to the nape of his neck, wishing for more.
“May the Almighty have mercy on me,” he whispered against her lips.
Helen opened her eyes, staring into his, artless wonder taking on a darker meaning—threatening to explode all around her. Kisses were not innocent—not these kisses, and definitely not withthisman.
“Helen…” He rested his forehead against hers. “Tell me ye want more.”
She slipped her other hand around his neck and laced her fingers together, tugging him down again, until their mouths collided. This time he dinna hold back. His fingers danced down the sides of her body, finding her bottom. He squeezed tight, lifting her, granting her a full measure of his passion.
He tasted like the earth and ale, and she returned his kiss with equal ardor, exploring the depths of his mouth with her tongue, holding onto his strong arms, feeling the size and shape of his muscles underneath his linen shirt.
Then without explanation, Jamie separated from her, setting her back on the boulder, alone. He turned his back to her as he adjusted his tartan.
Had she done something wrong? Disappointed him? She could hear his heavy breathing, see how agitated he was.
“Jamie?”
“Aye, lass?” He dinna turn around.
“D-did I fail ye in some way?”
He muttered something unintelligible before he swung around, the expression on his face as dark as the clouds above. “Fail me? Jesus, Helen, ye are perfect in every way. Too good for a man like me.”
“I doona understand.”
He let out a frustrated breath. “Nor do I.” He gestured for her to stand, and she did, still afraid she had offended him. “We must go back to the keep. Now.” He held her arm more out of consideration than need, steering her up the footpath toward the MacKay keep.
