Page 25 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

CHAPTERTEN

"Can I sit at the front this time?" Lara asked when they were about to set off once more. Inwardly, Darragh hesitated. It was bad enough having her arms around his waist and her thighs pressed against him when she sat behind. But in front? The way she made him feel, it was inviting in disaster, he knew. However, as much as he wanted to say no, but she looked so eager, he found himself agreeing.

He swung into the saddle and pulled her up in front of him, so she was leaning against his chest. As the horse trotted away, Lara snuggled against him, the warmth of her body seeping into his bones. Her scent surrounded him, and he couldn't help but breathe her in, his heart beating faster with every breath. He could feel her heartbeat too, strong and steady, beneath his fingertips. It was intoxicating, being so close to her, and Darragh couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same way.

"Thank ye," she said, her voice low and husky. "For teaching me how tae defend myself."

"Of course," Darragh replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked down at her. "It was my pleasure, Lara." They started to canter along the dirt road.

The highlands sprawled before Lara and Darragh like a painting as they traveled along the narrow track that meandered through the lush green landscape. The rode for many hours like this, enjoying the scenery and their closeness.

The sun cast its golden glow upon the rugged terrain, casting long shadows in the late afternoon. Their path led them alongside a lively burn, where the water sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight as it fell over flat rocks and hurried downstream, while the sweet scent of blooming heather filled the air.

As they rode on, they spotted a flock of sheep grazing peacefully in the distance, their soft bleating drifting through the air. Birds flitted between the branches of the trees, their song a joyful melody. Darragh noticed when Lara inhaled deeply, clearly reveling in the freshness of the Highland air.

She was so beautiful, and yet she didn't seem to realize it. Darragh was entranced by her innocence and wonder, a stark contrast to his own cynicism. His eyes drank in her features, committing them to memory. She was everything he'd ever dreamed of and more, and yet she was beyond his grasp. As if sensing his gaze, Lara glanced at him, her blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. A blush spread across her cheeks, her creamy skin turning rosy.

"Darragh," she asked. "Is everything all right?"

"Aye," he replied, giving her a small smile. "I'm just… admiring the view."

Lara bit her lip, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered his words. After a moment, she let out a soft chuckle.

"I've never seen anyone admire sheep before," she teased. Darragh couldn't help but laugh, the sound escaping his lips before he could stop it. Suddenly, a flock of birds took flight, startling the horse.

"Steady boy, steady," Darragh cooed, calming the steed by rubbing its forehead.

"Are ye all right, Darragh?" Lara asked, noticing his pained expression.

"Aye, it's just a wee headache left over from that bang on the head I got in the cave," he replied, trying to downplay the severity of his pain. "Nothing to worry about."

"Are ye sure? Maybe we should stop for a bit," Lara suggested, her voice laced with concern.

"Nay, we cannae afford tae stop," Darragh insisted.

They had been riding for some more time when Lara started shifting about, as if trying to get comfortable in the saddle.

"Is something bothering ye?" he asked her, acutely aware of her movements.

"Nay, I'm fine," she answered, but kept squirming. Darragh felt her behind pressing against him, sending waves of pleasure through his body. He tried to ignore the feeling, but it was becoming increasingly difficult with each passing moment. He could feel his desire growing, his manhood straining against his trews. He shifted in his saddle too, trying to ease the pressure, but to no avail.

"Are ye sure about that, lass?" Darragh asked again, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm fine, I told ye," she replied, sounding slightly annoyed, but at least she stopped wiggling. However, it did no good at all. The way her behind was pressing into his hips was driving him crazy.

He knew he had to do something to alleviate the tension between them or he'd go mad.

"We need to stop, now," he announced. "I mean, for a rest," he added. “Maybe it’ll help me head.”

Darragh got down from the horse, secretly trying to both disguise and calm his arousal as he helped Lara down from the saddle. She looked at him with worried eyes.

"Darragh, ye seem a bit flushed."

"I'll be all right, lass," he assured her. "Dinnae ye worry."

They rested for a few minutes in silence while Darragh tried to gather his thoughts again. Lara was going to be the death of him, he was sure. She was such a temptation, and he didn’t know what to do to ease the tension between them.

When he had taken control of his primal urges again and the horse had drunk some water, they remounted. Determined not to be affected again, Darragh was about to kick up the horse when Lara suddenly reached behind herself and pulled the tie that was holding her hair back. A shining river of deep-brown tresses cascaded down her back to her waist. A tremor of lust ran through Darragh's body, and he knew he was lost. Yet it appeared Lara was completely unaware of the effect she was having on him.