“Aye?” He dinna want to stop kissing and touching her.
“My body…”
“What, lass?”
Her eyelashes fluttered and she gazed down at him. “Is this the rare gift a man and woman share?”
“It’s passion, Helen—a very special gift, indeed.”
“I doona like how it makes me feel inside.”
“Nay? Inside here?” He pointed to her head.
She rewarded his foolishness with a half-smile. “Nay, not my head.”
“Here?” He placed his hand over her heart and felt the thumping against her chest. Was she afraid of being alone with him? “What about here?” This time, he nudged her knees apart and lifted the hem of her gown to reveal her slim legs.
Helen’s eyes squeezed shut as she eased back in the chair.
“Lass?”
“Aye,” she whispered. “Ye know the answer, Jamie.”
And he did. Temptation wielded a superior sword to Jamie’s resolve. He knew if he just lifted the skirt a wee bit higher, he’d see paradise. He imagined a crown of golden curls and folds of soft, wet flesh. He could take her now. Love her until morning’s light, then quickly get her abovestairs before anyone noticed she was missing. Hadn’t Keely given her approval? Alex, even?
Christ above!Jamie lowered her skirt and instead, gripped her by the hips and tugged her downward and onto his lap. She straddled him, and he placed a hand at the back of her neck, pulling her face level with his.
“Kiss me, Helen.”
She slanted her mouth over his, giving him exactly what he wanted. Her silky tongue tangled with his, and he deepened the kiss. If this was all they were ever to share, he’d make damn sure she never forgot him. In fact, he wanted to burn the image of them together into her memory. Who would she think about when Baran Munroe claimed her maidenhead…
Filled with jealousy, Jamie growled and flipped Helen underneath him. He hovered above her, unable to hide his excitement. She stared with utter fascination at the tent his erection made in his tartan.
“Are ye in pain?” She started to reach for him but thought better of it and lowered her hand.
“Aye, in a way.”
“Is there anything I can do to help ye?”
“Helen…” He said her name several times. The only relief would come if he could sink his length inside her and make her his. He dipped low and captured her perfect lips, his tongue seeking sweet sanctuary in her mouth. He kissed her long and hard until they were both breathless.
Then, unable to resist, he cupped her breast, finding firm flesh and a hard nipple through the delicate material of her gown. She had full breasts, the kind that would fill his big hands. He cupped the other, squeezing gently and kissing her at the same time. She writhed beneath him, her tiny moans and breathless noises making him harder and more of a beast.
Enough!he told himself. She deserved better than being bedded on a dirt-packed floor. He slowly broke the kiss, climbed off her, then pulled her up. “I’m starting to think keeping Miran with ye is the best choice.”
She smiled and wiped the dirt from the back of her gown.
“Let me help ye.” He turned her around and smoothed the wrinkles from her skirts, admiring the curve of her back and the shape of her lovely arse. Aye, Helen Sutherland was a fine lady in all the right places.
A soft knock sounded and Jamie cursed as he showed Helen where to hide before he opened the door. To his surprise, Miran was in the passageway.
“Master Jamie, tis time for me to take Lady Helen to her chamber. Laird Alex is looking for yeandher. Lady Keely told him she drank too much wine. But as for ye…”
He nodded with appreciation. “Helen.”
She appeared from behind a row of crates. “Aye?”
“Go with Miran, please.”
