Page 70 of Keepers of the Highland Crown
Tossing the dry cloak and blanket over his shoulder, in utmost care he set her feet on the mossy ground. The feeling was like cool goose down which almost met her face when her knees gave way. Ugh! She crashed into Callum’s thick torso while his arms were around her in an instant.
“Perhaps not,” she said, mortified.
“Here, hold upon my shoulders,” he directed. Her arms complied while he leaned her rearward against the massive boulder. He went to set her soles upon the forest floor once more. She became solid as the rock she leaned on after setting her backside against the boulder and gripping onto Callum’s broad shoulders.
“There we are, my lady.” His voice –huh, it had turned hoarse before his palms began pulling up her skirts at the undressing task.
Oh no, was he growing ill? “Callum, you must shed your layers for this dry blanket. Your voice grows deeper as if a cold has begun capturing you.”
His eyes rose after removing the gown over her head while she leaned her weight more on the boulder. Desire not illness lit his eyes when his gaze met hers. “’Tis not illness but my unbridled urge for you, my lady.” She had never held such power over a man before, and one such as this powerful a knight was… it was surreal;aye, that was the word.
All above, help her! It was also completely deliciously sinful like she had just stolen a ripe fruit from a forbidden orchard and yearned to devour every last bite.
She was only covered by her thin linen chemise, and his palm caressed a path up her body from thigh to her hip, over herribs, then cupped her breast. Her lips rose slightly at the silent invitation, and he crushed his over hers. The same lips which had given her breath now stole it as she wove her arms about his neck.
His neither region bucked up against hers and a groan erupted from her lips at the want he could brand her with raged between his thighs concealed under his braise and tunic. Callum ripped his lips from hers with a growl etching his words. “An urge I cannot indulge in your tender state.”
He caught her again when her knees buckled after he stepped back. His expression turned from passion to worry in a blink. “’Tis desire not fatigue which grants me wobbly legs,” she assured him while her palm cupped his bristled jaw. The hand still capturing her breast, she gasped as his thumb brushed over the sensitive raised nub covered by only the thin linen chemise.
A gust blew on them. The cold wind seemed to snap her back onto task. “Callum?”
“Aye?”
“Please, I have a tremendous ask. Would you close your eyes before my chemise is removed?” His thumb stroked over her pert nipple again. “I… I do not wish for you to see me completely bare.”
“My lady, you are bonny beyond comparison,” he assured, then his voice turned puzzled. “I have seen you completely bare before on our eves together.”
“Aye,eve.” She glanced skyward. “Not the day. Things appear more crisp in this light.” He paused. “Please, my knight.”
He nodded solemnly and his lashes shuttered. She waved her hand slightly before his face. Good, they were closed.
She had never seen his hands move so fast. He whipped her chemise over her skull before he wove her nude figure tightly in the fresh and thick and warm cloak all by touch. As if wrapping her tightly would form an iron wall between them.A low rumble still edged his throat when his palm caught her breast’s side accidentally.
“May I look?”
She glanced down, all covered and a complete coward? “Aye.”To both.
His eyes opened before he nudged his nose tenderly against hers. “I hear your despondent tone, Nella. Time, give it time, my lady. In a moment when you least believe it to be so, you shall be dancing with your arms twirling about in the midday sun for me to seeall.”
Her hand rested upon the bristle of his jaw. “Your patience is treasured more than you know, my knight.”
He grinned. “Let us set you by the fire.” He looked up at her hair. “So you may dry hastier.”
“What of you?” Concern laced her question.
“Once you are settled, I shall see to myself.”
“Nae.”
“Nae?”
“Aye, nae.” Her chin jutted up. “Callum, I am well, this was to be for you.” She grabbed the woolen blanket off his shoulder.
A rather wicked smile lit his face. “You simply wish to see me disrobe for your pleasure.”
“Would it be terribly naughty of me if I said aye?” Her cheeks warmed as her voice broke on the last word.
“Naughty and delicious.” His lips bore a sensual grin before he bowed gallantly to finish. “As my lady wishes.”
