Page 12 of Highland Warrior

Until then, she’d have a lot of thinking to do.

9

“Where do ye come from?” Ian asked as he assisted her from the horse.

They’d decided to take a walk along Loch Ness to stretch their legs. Fingers intertwined, they rubbed each other’s hands as they spoke, looking like a love-struck couple.

“I come from the year 2008. I live in America.”

“Ah, so that is your accent. I have never met anyone from the colonies before.”

“What year is it now?”

He gazed at her as she examined the grounds. “1647.”

She turned, her eyes sparkling, a broad smile covering her lips. “My favorite time period.”

“Ye studied me time?”

“Yes. Scotland and the Highlands are both my passion and my work. I studied your lands, your time, your way of life, the people, and your language. All of it is so fascinating to me.”

“I’d like to know more of your time.”

Natalie laughed, leading his hand to her lips. “It is much different.”

She started explaining cars, ovens, air conditioning, and toothbrushes. Not only were the words completely foreign and confusing, but Ian was astonished at their uses. None of it made sense. “And Donell wanted to live this way?”

Natalie stopped walking, turning to face him, her little body pressing fully against him. The look of contentment on her face was heavenly. Her amber eyes filled with emotion. “It’s because he loves her, Ian. When two people are in love, they will endure and learn new things for the other.”

Raw emotion snaked its way around Ian’s mind and body, consuming him. He recognized what he was feeling. He’d never before sensed it with any other woman. The need to hold her and never let go racked through him. He was in love. Amazing how swiftly and violently it happened. Just one day. Gazing deep into her eyes, his own emotions were reflected in their depths.

“We are in love,” he stated, his brows rising as he came to the realization.

“Yes,” she whispered, biting her lip.

Ian was in awe at how overpowering his affection for Natalie was. He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers, breathing in her feminine scent. Eagerly, she kissed him back, rubbing her tongue provocatively against his. Growling deep in his throat, he heightened the kiss, his mouth slanting over hers again and again. His hands held her face, caressing her smooth cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. The world around him cascaded into a cloud of intense lust and love.

Lifting her into the air, Natalie wrapped her legs around his waist. The heat of her seeped through the fabric of their clothing. All he wanted to do was rush her back to the keep, up to his chamber, and take her there on the chamber floor.

“Oh, Ian,” she moaned, kissing him all over his face, nipping at the sensitive skin on his neck. “I want you, now.”

Her demand set a fire to his ardor. He wouldn’t be able to make it back to the keep. Sweeping his cloak from his back, he spread it on the frozen ground. Lying her down, their fingers fought furiously to shove their plaids out of the way. Thank God for tartans...

Finding her slick opening, Ian maneuvered his throbbing shaft into position and then plunged inside. The warm velvet of her core drew him in deeper. They made frenzied love, nipping and sucking on each other’s skin, their moans surrounding the wilderness. Natalie’s hips met each thrust with a keen tempo until he savored the fiery vibrations as her release rocked her body.

Ian smiled as he stared at her sated and glassy eyes. “I want to take ye another way⁠—”

“As you wish.” Her voice was throaty with desire as she repeated his words.

Drawing away from her, the cold air didn’t faze his overheated body.

“How would you like it?” Natalie’s gaze was wicked and alluring.

“On your hands and knees,” he said gruffly.

A tantalizing smile covered her face as she rolled over and lifted her luscious ass toward him. Oh, how he’d enjoyed this position the last time… Ian slid his hand along her tender flesh and grasped her hips. He entered her slowly, his body coming over hers. He kissed her neck. She pressed her hips back against him.

“Harder,” she moaned.