Seconds from throwing myself at him, I drew in a sharp breath. “I need some air,” I muttered, hurrying away before I did something I hadn’t thought through.
The room was packed with so many guests, I had to push my way among them to reach the corridor that led into the staff area. It was off-limits to guests, but not to me.
Hurrying down the carpeted hallways, desperate for the breezy sea air, I pushed out of the emergency side exit and stepped onto the gravel driveway that surrounded the entire castle. My stiletto heels hated the stuff, but I got across it without falling. It was only as I moved onto the forked path that I could enjoy taking in a cleansing breath. A soft wind ruffled my hair and whispered cooling kisses across my skin.
Unbuckling my sandals, I carried them as I took the path leading to Loch Evelyn. It wouldn’t surprise me if people were celebrating at Loch Ardnoch, since it was larger and occupied by some of our staff. I’d more than likely find privacy to gather my thoughts down at the smaller loch.
It took me ten minutes to walk there, and by the time I reached the loch—black in the night, except for the moon glow glinting across it—my skin had cooled. I threw my sandals down by the edge and considered pulling my dress up to dip my feet in. Lowering myself to do so, the snapping of a branch behind me drew me to a startled stop.
Fear froze me.
And then melted away in an instant as Mac appeared on the path, marching toward me, kilt flipping upward with his powerful stride.
“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he lectured, the moon illuminating the determined hardness in his expression.
I opened my mouth to protest, but suddenly Mac was upon me. He hauled me against his body as his lips crashed down over mine.
Gasping in shock, more than a little aroused by his hungry kiss, I allowed myself barely a few seconds to decide whether to kiss him back or push him away.
But then his hand slid down over my arse, pulling me deeper against him, and just like that, my desire overcame rational thinking.
I moaned into Mac’s kiss, licking at his tongue with mine. His other hand tightened around my nape as he groaned with a need that rumbled down my throat and made my nipples harden behind my bra.
I wanted nothing between us.
Years of pent-up longing burst forth, and I pushed at his jacket. Mac broke his hold on me to shrug out of it and then I started on his waistcoat.
“No time,” he panted against my mouth as he took me to the ground.
Cool grass prickled my upper back, the scent of soil and salt air mingling with Mac’s aftershave as he bracketed my head with his hands, covering my body with his. His lips moved from my mouth, his stubble scratching my skin as he kissed a trail down my throat to the rise of my breasts. I stared up at the evening sky in a daze, the stars watching as my body hummed and throbbed with a need unlike anything I’d ever felt. Every inch of me experienced his touch, his scent, his taste, heightened in a way I’d never encountered. There was a surrealism to it.
Years.
Years I’d dreamed of this moment.
“Fuck,” Mac bit out, and I brought my gaze down to his head as he scattered reverent kisses across my cleavage. His eyes flew to mine, a savage edge glinting in their darkness.
Damn if that didn’t excite me.
“Mackennon,” I whispered, arching my hips into him.
Something triumphant flickered in his expression, and he tugged the front of my dress down, taking the bra with it. His breaths grew shallow as he tugged a little harder until both breasts were free. My nipples peaked in the cool coastal air. “Beautiful,” Mac murmured hoarsely, cupping me in his large hands.
I whimpered, arching my back, and he squeezed, brushing his thumbs across my nipples.
“Yes,” I said, pressing his hands firmly to me.
Mac squeezed harder until a pleasure pain shot through me and I moaned. He grunted and seconds later covered my right nipple with his hot mouth.
Streaks of arousal darted through my body, centering between my thighs as Mac sucked my nipple, licked and laved and tormented it while he caressed and fondled my other.
Wet heat dampened my underwear.
Just from him touching my breasts.
“Fuck me,” I murmured thickly. “Mackennon. Please.”
His head jerked up in surprise.