Page 95 of A Dangerous Highland Affair

“Well, from what ye’ve told me, it all looks pretty solid. Marcas has betrayed us all in the worst way possible…,” the laird’s face clouded over a little with thought. “So, I shall investigate…!”

Pensively, Teasag glanced at Neacal. He was grinning on the inside, she could tell by the look on his blue eyes, but he was canny enough not to show it, at least, not in front of the laird.

However, Teasag was not so reassured. “Sir, can I ask ye, will ye let Neacal go? He has done no wrong…”

Surprised, the laird looked up, as if he had been thinking about something else entirely. “Go?” he said, looking around.

“Aye, sir,” said Teasag, patiently. “Afore he was a wanted suspect, had half the clan out looking for him…”

She waited quietly as he thought about this.

“Och,” said the laird, absentmindedly. His eyes had drifted off, and Teasag noticed that he was glancing up at the line of portraits in the helm of the wall. His eyes alighted on the last picture in the line, a slightly dingy oil painting of Brodie’s father, the previous laird.

However, the composition was slightly askew. Although Teasag had never met the laird personally, she felt sure that he was unlikely to be as trough eyed as his portrait suggested. Glancing at it again, she couldn’t help thinking she could do a better job.

“Och, of course, men,” said the laird, now giving his full attention to Neacal. “Release this lad,” he called.

Although not exactly holding Neacal, the laird’s men stepped away, melting into the backdrop of the gloomy room.

Then, with a wave of a hand, the laird dismissed them both, leaving Neacal and Teasag standing, on the outside of the castle, glancing out into the ardent gale raging all around them.

“So then, yer a free man at last, what are ye gonnae do?” Teasag slipped her hand into his as the pair walked along the footpath leading back out to Blackness.

Even as she touched him, she would never get used to the feeling of his hand in hers without immediately breaking out into a sweat. Instantly, the same tingly sensation came upon her, racing through her bloodstream and making her giddy.

He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her gently. Inside, a twitch of pleasure ran through her. Teasag felt the frisson of his touch on her body, seeping in slowly and deliciously.

She held him tightly, never ever wanting to let him go. Coming in close, Neacal grinned and then covered her in a shower of kisses, running from her shoulders to her lips.

Neacal looked at her enticingly. “Free ye say?”

He trailed off, finishing his sentiment with a warm kiss, which thrilled and surprised Teasag in equal measure. Tingling, Teasag embraced him passionately, her ardor rising all the time and making it impossible to think of anything else.

All she wanted was to pull him away, into some quiet corner, and make love. Outside, the gentle breeze danced through her hair, attracting his curious gaze.

Slowly, he pulled a lock of her hair and stood there, stroking it gently in his hand. Inside, Teasag could feel his heart beating, urging her on to lean in closer to him and kiss.

“Free is overrated, don’t ye think?” Neacal said, his hot breath on her cheek. “I dinnae want to be free anymore…”

He watched her, entranced. Then, his spare hand caressed her face. A tense quiver ran through her. It seemed Neacal had something to say.

“Nae, I want to be wi’ ye, lassie, so what do ye think?” asked Neacal, his eyes as wide as a puppy’s. Teasag gazed back at him, then laughed gaily, pulling him back into her kiss.

Excitement bubbled in her veins, as deep down something told her that this was just the beginning.

EPILOGUE

“Sold!! Are ye sure?”

Teasag leaped down from the chair she was perched on to rush towards the door.

Neacal knocked the mud from his boots and came inside the cottage. But before he got halfway in, Teasag jumped up.

“Aye, it’s true alright, the laird has commissioned ye painting! Yer an artist!” said Neacal, as Teasag swirled around excitedly.

“Och!” she said, suddenly elated. “I cannae believe it! An’ to the laird as well!”

She smiled broadly before dancing a little jig on the cottage floor. All the while, Neacal looked on, amused.