He wanted more of her.
All of her.
And soon.
“Not a good idea,” she whispered. Yet her eyes stayed with his.
“’Tis a verra good idea,” he whispered.
“It won’t help matters.”
He shifted and willed away his ill-timed erection, grumbling, “I think ‘twill verra much help matters.”
Jackie bit back a grin as her eyes dropped to his groin.
“Looking in that direction will only get ye beneath me all that much faster, lass,” Darach warned, unable to stop his brogue. “That I can assure ye.”
Her eyes widened before she finally looked elsewhere. “Say no more.”
Only then did he take the time to appreciate the vastly different courtyard. Though the cookery, stables and warrior’s quarters were where they had always been, everything was wood and designed differently. Naturally, there were far fewer people, and the place had a renewed energy that it lacked in the future. But then this was just the beginning for Clan MacLomain without the added centuries of warfare that would not necessarily weigh it down but change it somehow.
The castle innards were even more astounding. Jackie explored with her friends as he joined his kin. Though some smaller tapestries were hung, the larger ones were years away from gracing these walls. Like all MacLomain men, Darach stopped and stared up at the barren space where the great Viking tapestry would one day hang.
“’Tis a bloody odd sight,” Rònan murmured.
“Aye,” Niall agreed.
Heidrek stood beside Darach and crossed his arms over his chest as he considered the wall. “It will be an impressive tapestry that hangs here one day. A good likeness of my uncle. And it will serve its purpose in connecting our people.” He paused. “But seeing the lack of it here now allows me to see renewed possibilities.”
Darach frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Someday Keir Hamilton will meet a bad end in that tapestry. Something that must happen because our timelines cannot change,” Heidrek said. “He must always be trapped between Scotland and Scandinavia. Between our people.”
“Aye,” Darach said. “True.”
Having clearly heard the Viking, Grant, and Adlin joined them.
“And such must happen until that timeline runs out,” Heidrek continued. “We focus on what is in front of us and what must be and forget that there is an era in which things can change. A place where we can choose to end the timeline before your nemesis does.”
Arms crossed over his chest as well, Grant eyed the blank wall and clearly saw the same possibilities. Ones that Darach and his cousins had yet to figure out. “Bloody hell, ye mean to bait the beast.”
Adlin had a wise look on his face as he eyed Heidrek. “And the reasons become even clearer why a Viking ancestor has joined you on your adventure.”
“Bait the beast,” Darach murmured, focused on one word.
Bait.
Only one person could possibly compel not only Eoghan but Balor, his demonic overlord.
The lass that got away.
Jackie.
“Nay.” Darach shook his head. “Dinnae even think it.”
His father’s eyes met his. “We will talk about this more once I’ve had time to mull it over.” He squeezed Darach’s shoulder. “And nothing will be decided without Jackie’s approval.”
“How can you even consider it, Da?” he whispered.
“Because there are so many lives at stake and the future of Scotland,” he said softly. “As it should be for all determined to keep our king and country safe, everything must be considered.”
“Not this.” Darach shook his head. “We’ll find another way.”
Their eyes held for a long moment, equally pained, before Adlin interrupted. “Though the castle isnae completed, there are plenty of chambers ready and available. I’ve already had some made up. Everyone should adjourn and rest up so that we might celebrate tonight. After all, we will be completing MacLomain Castle.”
This caught everybody’s attention.
“Aye, then.” Adlin smiled, his jolly nature temporarily abating Darach’s distress. “Whilst most of it has been built by the determined hands of its clan, even they agree ‘twould be best if the final touches are completed with MacLomain magic. Scottish wizards,” his eyes went to Heidrek, “and Viking ancestors.”
Grant squeezed Darach’s shoulder one more time and murmured, “We will talk more later.” His eyes went to Jackie, who was heading upstairs with her friends. “Enjoy the night with your lass, Son. ‘Tis bound to be more special than most.”
He couldn’t help but recall his father as an imprisoned teenager more concerned about the welfare of his friends and even perfect strangers than he was of himself. Even to this day, his da carried a great weight on his shoulders being their arch-wizard. So though he rebelled against the idea of putting Jackie in harm’s way, he wouldn’t argue with his father right now. This was a night to be enjoyed and cherished by all. A night that would not only see the completion of MacLomain Castle but time Grant could once more spend with his beloved mentor, Adlin.
“All right, Da,” he said softly. “Ye enjoy the night as well.”
Yet as he sat in a steaming tub of water an hour or so later, his thoughts kept returning to what Heidrek implied. What he knew his father and Adlin approved of. Jackie being put in harm’s way to lure evil. Something he knew she would do without hesitation if it helped.
“You’re overthinking it,” she whispered into his mind.
Darach’s frown deepened. Of course, she heard his thoughts. Which meant she had followed everything. “’Tis impossible not to.”
“I suppose.” Yet she didn’t sound upset in the least. “But I’m pretty sure you told your father you would relax and enjoy tonight.”
“I implied it,” he said. “No promises were made.”
“I see.” Her voice grew softer. “So what are you doing?”
“Bathing.”
“Me too.”
A wry grin tugged at his lips as he remembered their time as Devlin and Gwendolyn bathing in Ireland. “I suppose if there’s one way to distract me, ‘tis telling me that, lass.”
“I thought as much.”
“I can just imagine how you look at this moment all wet and...clean.” He tried to clear his throat to continue but only ended up coughing.
She chuckled. “Dirty talk isn’t really your thing, is it?”
Dirty talk? Is that what she wanted? Darach eyed his raging erection. “It can be verra quickly.”
“I don’t know,” she said, unsure. “Either you’re a natural, or you’re not.”
“Oh, I’m a natural,” he assured. “Hence envisioning your full breasts all wet and...” He swallowed, unable to push more words into her mind as he imagined all the things he wanted to do to them.
“All wet and what?” she prompted.
“Wet...nipples,” he stuttered, picturing one in his mouth. “Erect.”
“Erect?” she said, voice husky. “My nipples or your cock?”
Darach had been to the twenty-first century enough. He understood its women. He understood Jackie. Or maybe not. No, it seemed he was meeting another side of her entirely.
One he liked immensely.
“Darach,” she purred. “You’re awful quiet considering I’m about to touch somewhere I’d bet you’d rather touch.”
Images flashed through his mind. Her hand sliding down her smooth stomach. Her thighs spreading. A low moan as she slid her fingers between her legs.
“Bloody hell,” he growled and swung out of the tub. Enough with this ‘dirty talk.’ He wanted more than that. Right now. And she was only a few chambers away. He didn’t bother drying off, just wrapped a plaid around his waist and headed out the door.
Only to stop short.
Dressed in a gown of light satiny gold and so damn beautiful his breath caught, Jackie leaned against the railing across from his door with a devious grin on
her face. “Hey there.” Her eyes trailed down his body. “You might want to get dressed.” She licked her bottom lip. “Or a little more dressed than that.”
“You werenae in your bath then?” he said, eyes wide.
“Clearly not.” She grinned. “Just having some fun. Trying to lift your spirits.”
“Aye, you did that, lass.” He took a step toward her and gestured at his billowing plaid. “And lifted something else as well.”
“I can see that.” Her eyes narrowed, and she sidled sideways when he moved in her direction. “It was all in good fun.” She ran her hands over her skirts. “Look at me. All ready to go.”
“Aye, ye better be ye little tease,” he declared and leapt at her.
“No!” she squealed and took off.
“Get back here!” he roared, not caring in the least if they gained the attention of the entire great hall. Bagpipes sprang to life, and people laughed as he flew after her. She only made it as far as the end of the walkway before he caught her and pulled her into a small alcove hidden from sight.
“Look at me,” she cried. “My hair’s all done up. I’m dry.”
“Aye, ye’ve never looked more bonnie,” he agreed as he walked her back against a wall. Before she could utter another word, he cupped her cheeks, pressed close and kissed her hard. The second their lips connected, everything else fell away. The kiss deepened and their tongues twisted.
He slid his hands into her hair and pressed his thigh between her legs, eager to further ignite the burning need she already felt. More than eager to fill that need, she clenched the sides of his torso as the kiss intensified and they struggled to get closer.
“Oh, Jackie? Darach?” called an all-too-familiar, irritating singsong voice. “Where are you?”
“Nay,” he murmured against her lips. “Dinnae respond.”
“I won’t if you won’t,” she managed before their kiss deepened again.
“I know you guys are here somewhere,” Nicole chimed, drawing closer. “We all saw your mini-show. Before it becomes a grand finale, you need to come downstairs. Adlin’s request, not mine.”
Jackie tore her lips from his and pressed her forehead against his chest, muttering, “Of all people why did they send Nicole to look for us?”
Darach groaned and rested his chin on her head. “’Twould be my guess that she volunteered.” He inhaled the scent of her hair and did his best to will away his arousal. “Though she seems to be mellowing with pregnancy, am I wrong in saying Nicole likes to be at the center of most dramatic situations?”
“Not wrong in the least.” There was a smile in her voice. “So I suppose this is a dramatic situation?”
“Aye,” he breathed. “At the verra least.” He pulled away and tilted her chin until their eyes met in the dim light. “We’ll be finishing this as soon as we have the chance, lass.”
“I don’t know,” she said. “It seems like Fate keeps getting in the way.”
“Not this time.” He kissed her again. Softly. Gently. Not with just his lips but something deeper. His heart.
“Ah, there you are!” Nicole declared.
Jackie allowed the kiss to go on for another moment before she pulled back, and met his eyes.
“Yup, here we are.”
“Big night.” Nicole grinned as they finally turned in her direction. They must have looked equally displeased because she shrugged and gave them an apologetic look. “Listen, I think the whole yelling, screaming I-don’t-want-you-but-really-do sex display was great, but big things are happening.” She looked at Darach and pointed over her shoulder. “Things having to do with this castle that I know you’re not gonna wanna miss.”
Honestly, lying with Jackie sounded better than anything else, but he knew Nicole was right. What was happening below stairs was important.
“We’re coming.” Jackie stepped away from him and tried to adjust herself. “Just give us a minute.”
Jackie knew how important this was. She understood. How could she not? They were so inside one another’s minds now he was shocked her ring didn’t shine brightly with the color of his eyes. But no. Right now it was dull and lifeless. He pushed aside any thoughts of it twirling with both black and blue. Because he’d be damned if Eoghan would ever have her...or be her bloody true love.
“Okay. You sure?” Nicole eyed them up and down. “Because you both seriously need to pull yourselves together.”
Jackie touched her disarrayed hair and peered down at her damp dress with dismay.
“We’ll be down shortly.” He pulled Jackie after him and winked at Nicole. “Thanks, lass. See you there.”
Before Jackie could grumble more about her appearance, he pulled her into his chamber, shut the door and put a finger to her lips when she started to talk.
“Dinnae say a word.” He touched her dress, murmured a chant and dried the fabric in an instant. “And before you thank me, remember that you asked for this.”
“I had no intention of thanking you.” She fluffed her skirts and scowled. “And I’m pretty sure I never asked for it.”
“Oh aye, you asked for it.” He whipped off his plaid and grabbed another. “You just didnae expect me to act on your dirty talk so quickly.”
When Jackie went silent, and thoughts of desire bombarded him, his eyes shot to hers. Her lips were parted. And based on the angle in which he stood, it was hard to tell if her gaze was locked on his arse or his cock. Mayhap a bit of both.
“You’re,” she started and held up a finger, “it’s,” she shook her head, “good.” Then she clenched her hands behind her back as her eyes sort of drifted over him. Finally able to say a solid stream of words, she mumbled, “You’re naked, Darach.”
“I am,” he agreed, realizing it was the first time she had seen him like this. When they laid together, it had been so quick and passionate there was little time to appreciate one another’s body. He grinned. “Would you like me to remain this way?”
“Yes,” she breathed then shook her head. “No.” She looked away and started fiddling with her hair. “We should go.”
He’d much rather throw her on the bed and forget about finishing MacLomain Castle. He wanted to rip that dress in half and see her naked. But she was right. They should go. This night was too important.
So he wrapped his plaid correctly, pleased to see a MacLomain brooch. He pulled on tall black boots and a sleeveless tunic. Though he knew she was determined to avert her eyes, Jackie watched him every step of the way.
By the time he stood in front of her, ready to go, she had a far away, lost look on her face. So he cocked his head and tried to meet her eyes. “Are you ready, lass?”
She sighed, her eyes floating to his. “I doubt it.” She frowned and touched her hair. “It was so well arranged. Not so sure it is anymore.”
“Do you really care?” He touched a strand. “You’re bloody bonnie, lass.”
“I do.” Her eyes met his. “I should.” She licked her lips. “Tonight’s important...for your clan that is.”
“Aye,” he whispered, realizing she wasn’t referring to his clan at all but something else altogether. Something so unexpected, his heart twisted into his throat. She was talking about him. Her.
Them.
She wanted this.
Lust, yes, but mayhap more.
Mayhap risk.
Almost as if she’d been cast beneath a spell, he sensed the guilt she suddenly felt about her desire. About putting him in danger. So when she started to shake her head, he cupped her cheek and stopped her. “You’re allowed to want this, lass.”
“No,” she whispered, eyes moist. “I’m not.”
He could try to convince her but knew it would make this small window of opportunity grow smaller. So he ran his fingers through her soft hair.
“What are you doing?” she whispered as her eyes drifted shut.
“Fixing it,” he murmured, so tempted to close his lips over hers that it took immense strength to remain focused. “H
air like this should always be down.”
“Most people like it better up,” she said softly, her eyes on his lips. “They say it looks more professional.”
“Professional? Mayhap. But better?” He pulled the pins out. “Nay.”
“I should look a certain way if I’m going to represent,” she started, but he interrupted her.
“Represent what?”
When she frowned, he tilted up her chin and made her look at him. “Represent what, Jackie?”
“This,” she said. “Us.” Her brows shot together. “I should look put together. Your dad and Adlin should know I’m up for any challenge.”
Darach pulled back as though he’d been slapped. “What do you mean?”
Jackie raked her hands through her hair, notched her chin and headed out the door. “If Heidrek has a plan to use me as bait to save everyone, I intend to do it.”
He should have known she was still contemplating that.
“Ye’ll do no such thing,” he declared as he followed her.
“I will.” She headed downstairs. “I’ve made up my mind.”
“Bloody foolish mind,” he growled, right behind her. Nobody was in the great hall. Everyone had gone outside. “You’re not thinking straight.”
“I’m thinking straighter than ever.”
“Nay.”
“I am.”
“You’re not.”
“Just leave me be, Darach,” she said before muttering under her breath, “Forgive, forgive.”
“Jackie,” he said.
“Just come on.”
“You’re only saying this because you think you’re dying.”
“No, I know I am.” Jackie spun on the last stair, glared at him and pressed her temple. “I have a tumor in my frontal lobe. It’s growing fast. In my case, it seems to be affecting my sense of sensation and scent first. Especially when I get upset.” She pulled her shoulders back. “It’s inoperable. I’m dying. That’s not going to change.” Her eyes narrowed even further. “And don’t you dare pity me.”
She spun and strode away, saying as an afterthought. “Even if you do, I forgive you. Forgiveness is the key.”
“Always the key,” she kept muttering before she exited.
The MacLomain Series: Later Years - a Scottish Time Travel Romance Boxed Set Page 100