Page 16 of Highlander’s Burning Touch

“Niven,” Deva moaned. The only thing in her mind right then was a vision of them making love. As if reading her mind, Niven pushed her back, lightly pressing her against the tree nearest by.

Briefly, he stopped, leaving her staring up into his face.

“Ye want it?” he said, a matter of factly, and Deva was once more unsure if this was a question or a statement.

Unable to stop herself, she gave the nod. Instantly, Niven’s lips resumed their conquest of her chest, working their way slowly from left to right before heading down towards her navel.

Shivering beneath the weight of his touch, Deva gave herself to him. Pressing in tight, she pulled at his léine, trying to get beneath it to explore him further.

His skin was smooth and warm, and Deva’s fingers worked through every inch of his well-proportioned torso, delving into their curves and discovering the outlines of his muscles.

Maybe she couldn’t see everything, but she could feel it. Deva’s fingers explored what she could not see beneath his plaid and over his sheer silken skin.

And all the time they were kissing. Deva couldn’t remember when it had begun or when it stopped. Just the sensation of his tongue, probing her gently and caressing her lips lived with her.

Oh, she moaned, lightly, as his wanton fingertip circled her belly button until something pounded in deep beneath. A kind of crazed euphoria overcame her.

Dampness spread through her, softening her up for his delight. By now, they were utterly consumed, sliding into the tree trunk together. Niven pressed her back against the oak and placed her on top with a kiss.

She caressed him again, continuing her exploration of him; she couldn’t get enough of his manly chest. Lowering her head, she pressed in deep, kissing and suckling his smooth, firm skin.

“Strong,” she whispered, feeling his iron contours. His muscles were taut and firm, and just begged for her touch.

She brought her hands all over him, reaching beneath the layers of his clothing. Barely able to stop herself, she ran her fingers all through him, centering down on his abdomen.

“Now what?” she breathed, sighing into his ear, “Are ye sure ye want this?”

“Nae ye fash, darling,” said Niven, propelling her further back until she was horizontal against the trunk. Deva’s eyes widened so hard she feared they were going to pop.

“And I ken when I want something this muckle much, the real question is, can ye handle it?” Niven said, a devious grin torquing the sides of his mouth.

He was staring at her intently. His breath coming hard, Deva saw the craziness in his eyes. She could see that beneath his plaid, he was hard, and instinctively she placed a hand upon it, sensing his contours with her touch.

“I can handle it, don’t worry,” she said. But her eyes belied her uncertainty. Despite confident tones, doubts assailed her.

Seeing the change in her eyes, Niven pulled back and looked at her. His tone changed. “Are ye sure?”

Now he was gentle, tender, concerned, the villainous smile he had been smirking banished entirely. He stopped caressing her and instead brought his hand over to hers, squeezing it tight.

There was a pause as she gazed into his amber eyes. Inside, she was grateful to him for stopping in time; although her body was screaming to go further, deep down, she knew it would not be right.

Apart from anything else, she was due to be married to someone else. Now that thought was in her, it seemed impossible for Deva to unthink it. Try as she might to get away from it, her heart was not hers to give. Let alone her body.

Hooves sounded, faintly at first, scraping along the dirt track that led from the MacLean castle. On high alert, Deva glanced about.

“Aye,” said Niven, answering for her, “This isnae the right way, is it?”

His eyes flickered wistfully as he backed away, straightening his plaid tightly. Quickly, Deva followed suit, fastening her stays together with lighting fast speed.

“Nae,” murmured Deva. Now, she was more embarrassed than anything, the fact she had allowed herself to go so far and out in the open.

Anyone could have seen them, including her father. The thought of being discovered by him gave her the kick she needed to pull away and fast.

All the same, though, she was disappointed. Her insides had started to tingle and were already beginning to moisten at the hint of his touch. As if reading her mind, Niven went up to her, caressing her on the elbow, sending sparks all the way through her once more.

“Later,” he assured her softly, “When it’s right. When things are right, an’ when…”

“We ken each other better?” said Deva chastely. She looked at her hands in a flash of disbelief. She had very nearly given herself to this man, gift-wrapped like a parcel, and in broad daylight too! Deva blushed heartily at the thought of it.