Devils Highlander (Clan MacAlpin 1)

Could it be possible? Battered hope sprang to life in her heart. She blinked the rain from her eyes, fighting to breathe.

He was silent, and fear speared her through. Would he feel regret? Was this kiss to be her first and her last?

“Cormac?” she asked, her voice tremulous. Cold rain spilled down her cheeks, and she felt chilled for want of him.

“Ree,” he said simply. “You. It's always been you. ”

Slowly he eased closer, ever so slowly his mouth came back to hover just over hers. She felt his breath on her lips, and she knew such a rush of pleasure, of completion, it was like her soul expanding from her body.

He gently wiped wet strands of hair from her face, their gazes locked.

Could this mean he was to make her his? That he'd include her in his life? “Does this mean you'll include me in your… plans?”

Shaking his head, Cormac let out a low laugh. “Does it mean you'll not let that swine Archie touch you again?”

“Never. Never will any man touch me. Any overman,” she amended with a smile.

She'd spoken lightly, but he grew grave. He gave her a tight nod, the look on his face inscrutable.

“So?” She reached up and cupped his cheek, giddy with the freedom of it, the intimacy. The faint scrape of stubble was rough in her palm. He'd never be so shining and clean-shaven as one like Archie, and it made the heat in her belly rage anew. Cormac was rough and raw and all man. Her next words came breathily. “Can I stay with you?”

“Aye, Ree. You'll stay with me. ” He kissed the top of her head with a husky laugh. “Woman, I ken you, and if I don't keep an eye on you, you'll be back in those trews and trolling the docks by yourself. ” She'd tasted his jealousy and found it irresistible, and so she couldn't resist jibing him. “I always had Archie to help me. ”

“The devil I may be, and I'll be damned twice over if I let that ninny help you. ”

“Archie's not a ninny. He's merely—”

“I know. A physician surgeon. ” He gave her a mock glare, and she giggled despite herself.

“No lass, I've had enough of this Archie. Knowing the bailie,” he muttered under his breath. “As though that's of any use. ” He inhaled, touching his forehead to hers. “It's not child's play we've ahead of us, Ree. Do you swear to mind me? There'll be danger, and you'll need to trust that I know how best to protect us. ” Ahead of us. She nodded. Us. She swelled at the thought.

“You'll need to take a different name,” he went on. “It's too dangerous. I'll not let you be recognized. ”

“Of course. ” The excitement stole all other thoughts from her head. She and Cormac would work together. They would find Davie. Together.

Cormac cared for her, wanted her even. Did it mean he forgave her everything? She pushed away the thought, unwilling to let it pierce her joy.

Because he would help her, they'd find Davie; she knew it. How could they not? Such a joining felt too perfect for failure.

Cormac turned his head to look out at the waves. She watched him deep in thought, waiting patiently, trusting him.

“Your uncle will be safer if this doesn't lead to him. ” He looked back at her, and resolution had smoothed his brow. “You'll need to tell Humphrey, and tell that meddling maid of yours, too, that my sister has invited you for a prolonged visit to Dunnottar. I'll not have you compromised. We can't be discovered off alone together; the scandal would be too great. Tell them you need to go away for a time. ”

“Go away where?”

“With me, lass. ” He placed his finger gendy beneath her chin. “Away with me. ” Chapter 13

Fiona stood on the threshold of Westhall Manse, meticulously dusting and straightening her skirts. It was strange, Marjorie's request that she deliver news to Archie. But it meant Fiona could see Archie once more and on her own, so she'd leapt at the chance.

She was to inform Archie that Marjorie was going away for an extended visit to Dunnottar. Only on the walk over did it strike her what an odd turn of events it was. Why was Marjorie leaving now?

And why didn't her mistress tell him herself? Was it to distract Fiona from something? Or did Marjorie simply suspect the fancy she harbored for Archie?

Fiona couldn't imagine why any woman wouldn't be fascinated by the young physician surgeon. Archie was proper and kind, and though he was beyond the reach of a mere maid like her, she relished every chance she got to see him.

Marjorie could have a man like him in an instant, and it baffled Fiona that she'd chosen not to.

“Just knock, chit,” she scolded herself, her heart thudding in her chest. She grew light-headed trying to catch her breath, and that made her even more anxious.