Highland Escape - Cathy MacRae Page 0,85

have to stand back and watch as any one of them has yer permission to attack.”

“But Duncan, they will be attacking, not stealing kisses. I need this exercise as much as they do to keep my skills sharp. You know they will not harm me.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I want to spend a pleasant afternoon with ye, not quarrel. I cannae change how I feel, but I agree to not let it get the best of me, if ye promise to be careful.”

She didn’t want to argue either, but felt his concerns unwarranted and his expectations unfair. After considering his request, there was no harm in agreeing. “I promise to be careful around the men,” she replied with conviction. Such a general agreement didn’t seem limiting. However, her promise appeared to pacify him.

Arriving at the loch, Anna followed him through a stand of trees until they came upon a deep, narrow finger of water. Shielded by a large outcropping of rock on one side and dense woods on the other, the inlet made a perfect place to bathe uninterrupted.

Duncan took her hand and led her to a flat grassy area below the large rocks. He placed a plaide down, and together they unpacked the food. They laughed as Trean shoved his nose into the basket, eyes wide and pleading as they shared a meal of thick sliced ham, dark, grainy bread and wine. After finishing, Duncan repacked the basket and tossed him a hambone. The pup settled against a large rock, gnawing the bone contentedly.

Duncan strolled to the water’s edge and peeled off his clothes. Anna sat and watched, entranced, as he stood bare, climbed onto a rock and dove into the loch.

Seeing his naked body kindled heat deep within her. Her betrothed was a powerfully built man, as well-formed as any of the images of Greek gods in the books in her father’s library. As he surfaced, she admired the rugged handsomeness of his face, the sunlight glistening on his wet hair.

“Come join me.”

She experienced a moment of modest hesitation, but he gave her a heart-melting smile and chased her uncertainty away.

I want this man as much as he wants me.

Anna swiftly stripped down to her short shift and braies. Grinning at his look of surprise, she took them off and waded knee deep into the lake. He stared at her, his mouth open wide, draining her fragile confidence. Doubt crept in, and she crossed one arm protectively over her chest and the other over her mons.

“What is it?” she asked, her voice small.

Duncan swam to her and she took a step back. He reached a hand out in invitation.

“Sweet Mother Mary, ye are breathtaking. Come swim with me, my boidheach laoch, and wash away the sweat of this morning’s training.”

His beautiful warrior. The familiar endearment renewed her confidence. Anna took his hand and joined him in the depths. He settled her in his arms before she could catch her breath from the cold, rubbing her back as he pulled her tight. The slide of their water-slicked bodies stole her breath more than the chill of the water. The warmth of the sun, combined with the heat of his skin on hers, banished any thoughts of being cold.

He took her mouth in a gentle kiss. As his lips caressed hers, he loosened the leather strip holding her braid in place, winnowing his fingers through her hair until the tresses fell about her shoulders. She opened her mouth, her longing for him pushing away any sense of shyness. His tongue sought hers and softly suckled.

The feel of her nipples brushing against the hair on his chest, coupled with the magic of his tongue, blanked her mind. She sank into the water, but he held her tighter, his arousal bumping against her belly. Inexplicably weak, Anna offered no assistance as Duncan slowly swam them back to shore. He brought an arm under her knees and lifted her out of the water.

“Duncan, your wounds,” Anna protested.

“Hush, love. I will gladly take the pain to have you in my arms.”

She frowned, but he eased her concern by kissing the furrows in her brow. Gently settling her on the plaide, Duncan lay beside her. Propped on one elbow, he looked her up and down, his scorching gaze telling Anna how beautiful and desirable he found her. His gaze turned her brazen, dispelling all thoughts of modesty. She wanted nothing more than to see yearning in his eyes when he