Page 84 of My Highland Love

“I haven't failed you yet.”

Her mouth parted in surprise.

He kissed her mouth and moved in her again. Kissed her forehead, cheek, then ear. “Admit you want me.” He quickened his thrusts.

Her muscles tightened around him in readiness for her release.

“Admit it,” he pressed. “You want me now and every day and night hereafter.”

Elise hugged him tight. “Yes,” she cried as her climax rolled over her.

“You are mine,” Marcus rasped. “You will not regret the choice.”

* * *

Elise found herself being pulled down the hall of Brahan Seer. Marcus intended to take her directly to his father to announce their betrothal. Her head whirled as much from his lovemaking as his proposal. He picked up speed, nearly dragging her down the hallway.

She needed more time. “Marcus, wouldn't it be wise to give this more thought before telling anyone?”

“Nae.”

“Slow down. I can barely keep up with you.” She tugged on the hand he grasped.

“I can carry you, if you like,” he responded, still striding in long paces.

“Good Lord, no. Marcus.” Elise yanked hard on his hand.

He came to an abrupt halt and she tumbled into his arms.

“Aye, sweet,” he drawled. “You wanted something.”

“Slow down. I'm not a sack of potatoes to be dragged along behind you.”

His gaze dropped to her breasts. “True, and I could easily forget myself even here in the common walkway.”

Surely, he wouldn't have asked her to marry him if he'd seen the notice in the paper? Could she live with herself for deceiving him? “You needn't marry me,” she said, then silently added, This is your chance, Marcus MacGregor. Save yourself. “I can't refuse you,” she said, “even here.”

His eyes jerked up to meet hers, the amorous light gone. “I believe we were on our way to see my father.” Taking her hand once again, he continued at an even more relentless pace.

Five minutes later, they entered the stables where Cameron stood with the young foal born that summer.

“Father,” Marcus called.

Cameron looked over his shoulder at Marcus, then her.

“We have an announcement,” Marcus said as they drew up beside Cameron.

Cameron's expression turned bemused, but Elise knew better.

“Elise and I are to be married.” Marcus's hold on her hand tightened. “And soon.”

Her heart jumped into a gallop. “No one said anything—”

“Hush,” he commanded, and looked at his father. “Have you anything to say?”

Cameron shrugged. “You are old enough to make your own decisions.”

Marcus grinned, and she muttered, “Bloody idiotic men.”