A Highlander's Obsession (Highlander's Beloved) by Vonnie Davis Page B

eyes. Slowly her eyes darkened to the shade of heather on the Highlands in springtime. Heaven help him, he was gazing into the soul of his mate. He ground his back molars.
She has a fiancé back in Virginia. I’ll do well to remember that—if I can
.
    Something about this lass enticed him, and her appeal was stronger than any other woman’s. For the first time in his life, he wanted something he could never have if she returned to America.
    “I don’t know what to make of you, Creighton Matheson.” A wrinkle buckled between her eyebrows and he yearned to kiss it away.
    He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her back against his groin, ignoring his cock’s immediate reaction. “Perhaps we need to work harder at becoming friends, then. We’vegotten off to a rocky start. I didna mean to insult ye in any way.” No doubt he should remove his arm from her, but it felt too good holding her close. Perhaps if he kept talking, she wouldna notice. “What tale would ye like Ronan to tell next?”
    “Well, on the way here from the airport, he said there was a story about how bears became extinct in Scotland.” As she spoke, her hand covered his and pried it from her waist.
    For some reason, her movement pleased him. He never cared for a woman who was too easy to get. A man loved the chase, after all. “Ronan.” His gaze stayed locked on hers as he spoke. “Our American guest would like to hear the myth about the bears and the Vikings.” He slipped his arm around her again and snuggled that appealing arse of hers to his groin.
    The room grew quiet as eyes turned toward them. A few eyebrows arched at Paisley’s proximity to him. None of them would dare say anything. Nay, none of them would dare remark on a woman obviously in the protection of his attentions.
    Bryce removed his daughter from Creighton’s shoulders. “Aye, and do ye ken she can’t hear with yer breathin’ heavy into her ear like that?” A few smirks and giggles filled the large room.
    No one, except his smart-mouthed baby brother, that is. “Mind yer manners, Bryce.”
    Ronan was the experienced peacekeeper of the clan. “Aye, the Viking story.” He glanced around the room. “Who’s up for the hearin’ of our favorite legend?” Several voiced their approval and the wee ones clapped. Earnan, their great uncle, pounded his cane on the floor.
    As the wind howled and icy rain pelted the windows, the fire crackled and popped behind Ronan. “Aye, ’tis no fit time to be out and about as night closes in around us. ’Tis best ye stay here in the walls of our ancient castle, drink yer tipple, and honor our ancestors with pride.” Ronan raised his glass in a mock toast as he spoke.
    Creighton leaned over her shoulder to whisper in her ear. The sweet fruity essence of her smell wrapped itself around his senses. He inhaled deeply. He wanted to remember her scent forever.
    She scowled at him over her shoulder. “Did you just sniff me?”
    He fought to suppress a smile. “Aye, lassie, I did. What is that sweet perfume ye wear so well?”
    “It’s body lotion. Cherry blossom. Now, stop invading my space.” Her arched eyebrow issued an order, or a challenge, and it stirred his loins even more than her nearness. He’d nevercared much for timid women. Nay, spark and sass were more to his liking.
    “Watch me brother as he weaves his spell. ’Tis an accomplished storyteller, he is. Taught by our uncle Graham, famed storyteller of our clan for decades. Likely Ronan will lay it on extra thick to impress ye.”
    “Do you really think so?” She favored him with a small smile, and he wanted to kiss those luscious lips in the worst possible way—damn her fiancé.
    His hand splayed across her from midriff to abdomen. “Aye,
leannan
.”
    “Leannan?”
Her forehead crinkled in question. “What does that mean?”
    “It’s a Scottish term of endearment.” He gave a nonchalant shrug so he wouldna make her feel uncomfortable. “We have many we enjoy