Page 96 of A Dangerous Highland Affair

“I tell ye, I could get jealous, being so excited o’er another man!” he quipped. “Most brides to be would have other things on their minds!”

He placed his arms around her, slyly glancing up at her flowing blonde locks. Instantly flames erupted through Teasag, setting her alight with passion.

Entranced, Neacal stroked her softly. Laughing, Teasag looked up. “Are ye accusing me o’ not paying ye enough attention?” she asked, caressing his hair dreamily. Nonchalantly, she flicked his light brown locks on her fingers, as deep down, her insides burned.

“Ah, well, ye ken,” said Neacal, leaning in to kiss her again. “Yer going to have to try harder if ye wanna become Mrs. Matheson!”

There was a pause as Teasag wrapped her hands around Neacal’s neck and kissed him. She wondered if she could wait that long to delve into his muscular body. They had said they would wait until their wedding night, but suddenly, she could not.

Neacal continued excitedly. “But aye, yer portrait is taking pride o’ place, right at the top hall, where all the bigwigs can see it! Ye’ve done it lass, yer, an artist!”

He picked her up in his arms, throwing her around like a doll until she shrieked.

An excitement burned all the way through her, sending a delicious buzz into her very depths. The last few weeks had raced by as they prepared for their upcoming vows.

And now, this was their very last night together before becoming man and wife. Finding out about the painting was just the icing on the cake.

“I cannae believe it,” Teasag said, looking at Neacal fondly. “An’ it would ne’er have happened if ye’d nae encouraged me…an’ o’ course, if ye hadnae asked the laird for me…”

Neacal took her hand. “I did nothing; it’s all doon to ye,” he said softly, gazing into her eyes. “An’ noo he’s told all his family, there’ll be plenty more paintings for ye to do!”

Teasag felt herself pop with excitement. She still couldn’t get used to being paid to paint!

“An’ there’s one right here ye could get started wi’!” teased Neacal, lowering her onto the bed.

Tentatively, Teasag glanced around. To her surprise, Neacal was draped in front of her, naked.

Slowly, she blinked, doing a double-take at the sight of her lad, spread-eagled on the narrow bed at the front of the house.

“Neacal!” Teasag squealed. Quickly, she looked around. “Someone will see!”

They were still sharing a cottage with Gaie, at least, until after the wedding. For the time being, that meant being constrained and careful about who might see them.

But the strain of waiting was taking its toll on Teasag, who felt herself burn and sizzle with a deep desire. Inside, something was hotting up, and by the looks of him, Neacal felt it too.

“I ken we said we’d wait until our wedding night…but…,” said Neacal, wearing nothing but an alluring smile. It was true, after their first time together, Teasag had wanted to wait. But suddenly, she could not.

“We didnae say anything about ye painting me, unclothed,” he added, with a smirk.

Teasag looked at him, trying her hardest to get her feelings under control. Just how had he managed to undress so fast?

Tantalizingly, she ran a finger along his chest. Instantly, it unleashed a spark, which turned into a fire, burning the very depths of her.

Teasag reached down, pressing on top of him and caressing him with her lips. She knew they were meant —to wait —but it was so hard.

Neacal’s hand reached gently towards her midriff, caressing and toying with her navel, sending joy flushing through her. An exquisite shiver started in her that demanded remedy.

He brought his face closer to hers, teasing her with his eyes. Just seeing that spark within his deep blue gaze was enough to make her want him.

“Nae,” she murmured, but she wasn’t convincing anyone, not even herself.

Neacal kissed her with a slow burn that was sweet enough to make her want to rip his flesh to shreds. She craved his silken touch on her shivering skin.

Sensing her tension, Neacal gave a laugh, then he brought his fingers close to her, right into her danger zone, teasing her with cruel abandon.

Wantonly, he reached down, sliding his hand between her thighs and feeling her soft spread.

“Moist,” he murmured approvingly. Then, laughing, removed his hand again.