Page 48 of Highlander’s Burning Touch

Niven looked at her, surprised. “I’m sure,” he said, suddenly bringing his horse up to her. There, mounted on their two horses, they stood as he gazed awhile.

And just when she thought he was about to ride off again, he halted. Pulling in to where she sat, waiting, Niven came closer. Now his face was searching her eyes, running his sweet brown gaze over her deeply.

“I mean, I wouldnae blame ye, if,” said Deva, she flicked her long hair over her shoulder, out of the way of the wind. “I mean, after last time…”

Here, her voice faltered. Broaching the subject of the last time they had been together seemed risky. Risky for her heart and even riskier for her pride.

“About last time, listen, I,” Niven mumbled. He suddenly looked uncertain, as if he were not sure how to go on. “I shouldnae have turned away, but it was just…”

She was staring at his face so hard she almost didn’t notice him dismount and come over to where she was seated. The next thing she knew, he slid his hand into hers, pulling her down to his side.

Now the two horses looked on, as they embraced, in full view of the road. Niven’s soft fingers toyed with her skin, caressing it slowly and stroking it down gently.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, approvingly, as his touch scorched Deva’s insides. He brought her close, his hand weaving in and out of her body. Slowly, he stroked her spine, leaving her trembling.

“Yer cold,” he said, bringing her nearer. It was true. She was shaking, her gooseflesh shuddering in the cold. But the temperature wasn’t the only reason for her sudden shiver.

“Then warm me up,” she said, with a flash of the eye. Admiringly, Niven caught her by the wrists.

Niven looked at her meltingly, his perpetually warm hands stroking down hers. Just the very sensation of his touch made her throb.

She did not know how long they stood for, staring into each other’s eyes. Then, Niven brought his face over to hers, and after what felt like a very long time, kissed her deeply on the lips.

* * *

The scent of her tumbled all over like a wave crashing. The sweetness of her hair overwhelmed him, filling Niven with a crazy desire to have her there.

Of course, he couldn’t. This was madness. There they were, trapped on the road, heading for the hunting lodge. Anyone could come along. It was still just about daylight on the road visible from half of the land.

It was pure insanity. Why was he doing this? Standing there, in the middle of a highway, for all to see. All the same, he could not stop himself from pulling her close and sealing her lips with a sweet, lingering kiss.

“Niven,” Deva murmured, her violet eyes almost luminous in the darkening skies. Niven hadn’t noticed the shortened winter day drawing to a close. Now the heavy snow clouds were turning gradually dark.

Casting his eyes around the vista, Niven suddenly realized that they would have to hurry if they wanted to make it to the lodge before nightfall. But right then, he didn’t care.

Brushing her face slowly with his fingers, Niven marveled at the softness of her skin. This girl was flawless. It seemed impossible to find any fault in her.

Slowly, she took his hand and placed it on his waist, caressing it gently and rhythmically. Niven felt a spark shoot up his spine. He couldn’t stop. He had to have her. But it was impossible.

Niven turned towards her, an irrepressible smile hovering beneath his nose. Deva saw his changing expression and stopped in question.

“What?” she asked. Her eyes shot through with wonder. She looked so sweet that Niven just wanted to scoop her up and carry her off. But this was the problem, wasn’t it?

Niven cast his eyes back over the snow-laden landscape. The nip was biting, and despite his hot beating heart, Niven could not ignore it.

He wanted her so badly, but where? There was literally nowhere for miles. Struggling to get himself under some sort of grip, he smiled slowly, rearranging her wild curls thoughtfully.

Then, he cast an acidic glance to the gray mare at the roadside.

“Lassie,” he said. “We’re nae going to get anywhere unless we speed up… the lodge is still some way off, but the night is falling fast…”

Her breath was visible in the failing light. She looked so cold. Quickly, Niven placed his thick cloak around her shoulders.

“Come, let’s get going,” said Deva, making for her horse. Niven put out his arm to stop her.

“Nae,” he said, smiling. “Nae on her. She’s exhausted, the poor nag,” he said.

Deva looked at him, uncomprehending.