Highlander's Caress: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 2) by Joanne Wadsworth Page A

understood.”
    “Here we are. Your meal, Mistress Ella.” An elderly woman with a loosely tied brown apron covering her ample waist and gray hair coiled into a knot atop her head, set a tray down on the scratched wooden surface. “Mutton stew and fresh bread, and another cup of honey-sweetened tea for ye.”
    “You’re a treasure, Miriam.” Ella grinned and accepted the food, picked up a spoon and dunked it into the stew. She moaned as she ate her first mouthful. “Mmm, this is delicious and exactly what I needed.”
    “Ye voice sounds so much better already.” Miriam set a bowl of stew before him. “Welcome to Scalpay, sir. I’ll tend to your men as well.”
    “Aye, please. You have my thanks.”
    “You’re most welcome.” Miriam bustled across the room with her tray and disappeared through the side door into the kitchens.
    Ella scooped up her bread, dunked it in her stew and took a dainty bite.
    He ate his own stew, the richly flavored juices hearty and delicious. “I have an admission,” he mumbled as he ate.
    “I’m listening.”
    “In the past, whenever I’ve met a woman who remotely appealed, I couldnae do more than steal a few kisses afore being overcome with the urge to step away from her.” He’d certainly never allowed a lass to touch him, and when he’d approached his brother about the issue, Coll had decreed he’d never been able to tumble a lass proper either, even feared he’d might never be able to.
    “Those who are mated can rarely abide the touch of another, no’ unless their mated one has chosen willingly to forego their bond, or of course if they’ve lost their mate due to death. Only then is it possible to move on. I’ve only ever allowed your touch, will only ever allow it.” She set her spoon down, her voice a seductive drawl across his senses, her sweet presence even more so.
    “I wish for your touch.” All he wanted to do was drown in her heavenly brown eyes, the flecks of gold twinkling so bright.
    “Then we should speak, although in private. Move along and allow me out.”
    He shuffled off the bench, took her hand and aided her to her feet.
    “Meet me in my chamber when you’re ready. First floor, third door on your right.” Her compelling voice swirled so sensually around him, her decree to meet him one he couldn’t turn down, not that he wished to.
    “I shall be there as soon as I’ve collected my belongings from my galley.” He leaned in and kissed her, licked across her tongue then delved deeper and molded their mouths together until she clutched his arms, her breathing ragged.
    “Goodness, I love your kisses.”
    “I love yours.” Rough words, his mind still hazed by the sheer joy of touching her so freely. His men watched on and he reveled in the moment. No longer did he need to hide his desire for her.
    “From this day forth, Duncan MacKenzie, you’re mine. Never will I forego our bond.” Whispered words between them and he cherished each and every one.
    “Aye, I’m all yours, as you’ll soon be all mine.”
     

Chapter 5
     
    Within the warmth of her chamber, Ella nabbed another block of peat from the wicker basket and tossed it onto the flames while the storm raged outside. The fire sizzled and the flames danced orange and red while the wind rattled the pane. At her back, her chamber door creaked open then clicked shut and she held perfectly still as Duncan’s heady scent enveloped her.
    “Thank you for the invitation to join you.” From behind, he curled one hand around her waist and touched his lips to her ear. “I had the need to change first, didnae mean to take so long.”
    “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters.” She turned in his arms, slid her hands around his neck and threaded her fingers through his silky black hair. Tingles raced across her fingertips as she leaned into him and stroked the back of his head. He now wore his great plaid belted low at his waist, the tartan slung up and looped over one shoulder