Highland Games Through Time

by Nancy Lee Badger

  His fist grabbed her hand before she slid much farther, so Haven draped her entire body over his chest. A groan broke the silence inside the darkened tent. Had the noise come from him?

  Might have been me.

  Romance wasn’t on the menu, tonight. She and Kirk would never form a lasting relationship, but this didn’t keep her from wondering how he’d taste. She giggled.

  “What are ye laughing at?”

  “I wonder how you taste.”

  “My lady has forgotten? We kissed along the banks of—”

  “I want to taste more than lips.”

  “Ye either speak in riddles, or tease a man no end. Which be it?”

  Haven smiled. The air had grown thick and sexually charged, especially when he threaded his fingers through her hair to keep her in place. She licked one nipple until he squirmed then turned her attention to the other. He tasted deliciously salty.

  “‘Tis wondrous what yer doing, lass.”

  “You taste like heaven.” His musky scent made her ache between her legs. His fingers loosened as he gave in to pleasure. Desire welled up inside her, but she wanted him to come, this time.

  Inside the dark of the tent, Haven purred and licked her way lower until the huge head of his cock connected with her hungry mouth. She wondered at his cries of distress, as if he’d never had a woman pleasure him in such a manner.

  Her tongue and lips made fast work of his pulsing erection. Too soon, Kirk exploded in her mouth, and she swallowed before releasing him.

  Sweet.

  She pressed delicate kisses to his quivering flesh and listened.

  Kirk lay immobile and quiet.

  Too quiet.

  Haven crawled up his thighs and rested her head on the lightly furred blanket of his powerful chest, and reveled in the erratic beat of his heart.

  I caused that, she thought, smiling.

  Before she could think of a polite way to ask for her own release, he flipped her on her back. With his face soon planted between her legs, she squirmed in protest. She hadn’t expected him to satisfy her in return, but she felt her muscles weaken as her resolve fled. Orgasmic bliss peaked too quickly. She bit down on her own palm to keep from waking the whole camp with her screams.

  * * *

  Morning came early. Haven rose with a grumbled curse on her lips. She was still sleepy. The others were breaking camp, so she dressed in haste. She noticed she’d woken alone. Haven swallowed hard, then stepped outside. Reid brought her pony to her then assisted her by strapping her saddlebag onto the borrowed pony. He helped her mount then passed her a water skin.

  “Thank you, Reid.”

  He offered up a shy smile, nodded, then trotted toward his place with the wagons. Other men casually walked around clad only in their boots before slipping into their plaids. As the group started their trek once more, she thought about these men and their simple ways. They flaunted their nakedness without a second thought.

  Yet, when she had wrapped her lips around Kirk’s erection last night, he’d arched off the bed as if bitten. When she refused to give up her prize, he eventually lay back and gave in to her seduction. She warned him numerous times to keep quiet, since the tent walls were paper-thin.

  Pleasant memories tempered the aches in her shoulders and thighs as the hours passed. Traveling through desolate stretches of open fields and rocky mountain valleys, a yearning to taste him again made her lick her lips.

  The group rode past miles of ever changing landscape. Tall pines gave way to boggy fields bordered by scrub trees. High peaks melted into rocky-topped hillocks and convinced Haven the day would never end. She also feared they traveled in the wrong direction.

  She clenched her teeth and tried to keep her cool, but anxious energy made her jittery. Enough was enough. She pressed her knees against the sides of her pony, forced her way to the head of the column, and rode beside Kirk.

  “Aye, Lady Haven?”

  “Tell me who spied on me. Then, tell me where we are. I need to get home.”

  “Ye sound in a hurry to leave us. I thought ye enjoyed our protection, our food, and our company.”

  “I don’t recall having much to eat last night.” Suddenly, her cheeks felt like they were on fire. She fought to recover her composure while memories of last night shot through her like a bolt of lightning.

  Kirk had made love to her with his fingers and mouth. She’d fallen asleep cuddled within his embrace. Until he slipped away before morning.

  “I recall you had quite the appetite.”

  “Yes, last night was lovely, but I want to go home,” she lied. Haven twirled a loose strand of hair. The promise of more than kissing filled his gaze. They had shared a magical night, but it never ventured past oral stimulation. He hadn’t forced her into outright sex, and she’d been more than satisfied.

  Until she returned to familiar surroundings, Haven didn’t have time to consider a new relationship. She stayed with him to keep safe.

  “I have not forgotten yer concern about being watched. My warriors found no one except Cameron.” He pointed toward the handsome Viking giant who rode ahead. “He claimed he was inspecting our mounts. He stood far down stream and assured me he neither heard nor spied anyone trespass near yer bathing area.”

  Cameron rubbed her the wrong way, so she wasn’t surprised when he spun his mount, pushed her horse to the far side of the trail, and joined Kirk.

  Nope, I won’t be bullied. Not today.

  Haven kicked her pony and drove in between the two men. Cameron glared at her, then rode away.

  “Kirk, could the person who spied on me be one of the mercenaries following us?”

  Kirk’s pursed lips and sudden silent mood caused a shiver of apprehension. He seemed to ponder her theory, so she concentrated on the clop of hooves and the chatter of birds to soothe her uneasiness.

  “If the person ye felt watching is one of those who sought to harm ye, have no fear. We shall reach our destination soon. Ye shall be safe inside the castle.”

  “Castle Ruadh? Is that your home?” His statement hadn’t relieved her mind. When he did not answer, she kicked her pony forward and blocked his larger horse’s path. “Talk to me.”

  “Haven—”

  “Please?” she whispered, leaning toward him.

  Her plea seemed to surprise him. She sensed he held something back. Whatever the truth, it bothered him more than a spy sneaking around the trees.

  “Our destination is the keep of Clan Keith. They have been our mortal enemies since time began.”

  Haven gazed at his face, but his eyes would not meet hers.

  He’s hiding something.

  His frown deepened and pulled his scar into a ragged line, more pink than red. The poultice had worked its magic. Had he noticed?

  “We have welcomed ye and allowed ye to join us on this journey. Ye claim to be lost. Those mercenaries may not give up. Yer safety lies with me and mine.”

  “I appreciate what you’ve done, but—”

  “If ye choose to leave, I can give ye a pony, some food, and two warriors. ‘Tis all I can do. At journey’s end, my destiny awaits and there be no place in it for ye.”

  Haven’s heart grew cold at the thought of leaving him. Almost as suddenly, curiosity about their destination bubbled up. But, she couldn’t think of a witty comeback. Supposedly, he had it all figured out.

  His destiny awaits and I’m not part of it.

  “First they get you into bed then feed you lies.” Cal had used her then tossed her aside, too. Men were all alike.

  “Did ye say something, my lady?”

  “I said I don’t appreciate being taken hostage like this. Someone must know the way back to Lincoln.”

  “A small town lies ahead. Perhaps they might be able to tell ye the direction to this Lincoln.”

  “A town? We’re coming to a town?” Thoughts of a phone, a soft bed, and a hot bath forced a smile to tug at her lips.

  “Aye.”

  “G
reat.” Haven nudged her pony to head back to the wagons, brushing off the feeling that Kirk was less than happy. She found Reid and rode alongside as he repeated camp gossip.

  Staring far ahead at the tall, strong back of Kirkwall Gunn, she wished she had another reason to stay. Her body wanted Kirk, but the man was irritatingly proper, as if he tried to block their relationship before he broke her heart.

  Too late.

  * * *

  Haven gazed at the town that sprouted as if from the pages of a history book. The forest trail had brought their group to the edge of a wide square. Piles of steamy horse manure littering the street made her nose crinkle.

  She followed Kirkwall as he led the group toward unpainted buildings made of what looked like bricks of dried earth and grass Others looked liked piled stones.

  How odd.

  And what’s with the thatched roofs? The buildings resembled cottages in Scotland travel posters she’d drooled over at the travel booth at the Highland games. Tendrils of smoke rose into the sky from crude chimneys. Overhead clouds thickened above her head, and a chill raced across her neck.

  Haven shifted under the shawl she’d draped about her shoulders. Kirk had offered it to her several miles back, the same time he’d pulled his own plaid up into a hood. The wool immediately warmed her while the weave of rich colors brought forth a moan of delight. He explained how they created colorful wool by boiling the yarn with berries and other plants. With her body satisfied and warm, her mind raced as she focused on the primitive setting.

  “No cell towers, not even a building taller than two stories,” she whispered. Fear trickled down her spine. A well stood in the middle of the square surrounded by women of various ages. Other women balanced coarsely woven baskets on their hips and disappeared down a trail Haven’s group had exited.

  Heading for the river we passed, I guess.

  From the corner of her eye, she watched Kirk. Haven yearned for him to be real, but all roads led to a scary thought.

  Is this all a dream?

  Perspiration dripped between her breasts. From fear, not heat. Had the bolt of lightning that preceded her journey thrown her into a coma?

  Am I dead?

  Kirkwall dismounted, muscles flexing.

  If I am, Heaven might not be all bad.

  Their party halted in front of a building whose smell reminded her of her favorite diner back home. The aroma of roasted meat and fresh-baked bread filled the air, and made Haven’s empty stomach growl.

  Dusty barrels were stacked nearby. A butter churn sat by an open door, where a dull roar issued forth. Everything looked surreal, and certainly not of her world.

  Kirk tied his mount to a post in the ground near a crude horse trough. While his horse gulped water, Haven slid off before anyone assisted her, then led her horse to the water.

  Please don’t let Kirk be just a dream.

  He turned and gave her a look as if he’d overheard her prayer. Concern etched his tanned brow. He strode toward her, tossed his hood off his head, then reached for Haven. Fighting the sensations that peppered her skin, she lost. She succumbed to the delicious heat and darkness as he gathered her close.

  She relished his touch even as she knew it wouldn’t last. His hands and arms were real. Large fingers caressed her back through her dress. His ministrations soothed her muscles and created new warmth between her legs.

  All thoughts of intimacy fled when Reid ran toward them from the pub entrance. Kirk took the offered tankard and drank.

  Haven inhaled, filling with Kirk’s earthy scent along with something bitter. Ale? He didn’t let her go until she sipped from the tankard Reid offered. The warm ale tasted similar to Balfour’s brew, yet less bitter.

  “Does this have honey in it?”

  Reid nodded.

  Several of Kirk’s men watched them. She already suspected they knew she and Kirk had grown close. Men talk. Cameron glared, his amber eyes dark and focused on her.

  “I should leave. I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your men.”

  “Lass, ye being here feels perfect to me,” he whispered.

  “You’ve been kind, but this isn’t where I’m supposed to be. I can feel it in my bones.”

  His eyes, blue as a morning sky, seemed to darken as swiftly as the night. The setting sun reflected in his pupils, even as she welcomed its warm rays on her shoulders.

  The smell of leather, the forest, and his own musky scent wrapped itself around her and she found comfort in his arms. Haven recognized the sizzle of his touch.

  This man feels absolutely real. This town is real, too.

  The truth hit her in the gut, and her knees gave way.

  “I’m in trouble,” she moaned. She had either conjured a Highlander with her potion, or her spell brought her to Kirk and his time. With all she’d seen and experienced, she should accept that the storm had flung her farther than she first thought.

  A dusty breeze tickled her nose and blew her hair in her eyes. Silence enveloped her as she contemplated leaving him. Her heart pounded in her ears when Kirk reached up and brushed the wayward curls aside.

  “Don’t touch me.”

  “Haven, ye nearly fainted.”

  “I did?”

  “Aye. Ye did not eat at all today, ‘tis truth?”

  “What do you care?” The bitchy edge to her voice was not like her. “Forgive me, but you have to let me go. I appreciate your kindness, but you already claimed that you and I have different destinies. There is somewhere I’m supposed to be. It’s time I left.”

  “But, the mercenaries—”

  “I’ll keep an eye out. I’ll be okay. I promise.”

  He didn’t say another word and that alone drew tears. She quietly wiped them away. His brow wrinkled, but he released her and stood back.

  “God speed, my lady. If it is meant to be, may our paths cross again.”

  Haven stared at his broad back as he disappeared inside the pub. Feeling oddly disconnected, she crossed her arms and hugged her empty stomach. When she turned from him, two large men stood near her pony.

  Haven smiled at Balfour, the effervescent older man who regaled her with jokes and stories. Her spirits lifted at his mirrored smile, then she faced the ever-disgruntled Cameron. Bad vibes reverberated off his body like fingernails on chalk. She’d make do.

  “I am glad to see you, Balfour. I hope we can continue our stimulating conversation—”

  “Lady Haven?”

  “What is it, Cameron?” She nearly snapped at him, again. The man’s frown rarely changed when she came within range.

  Except now.

  He actually smiled at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes. She’d much rather spend the rest of her trip with Balfour. A storyteller would help pass the time more pleasantly.

  “Darkness falls, my lady,” Cameron sneered

  “I need to talk to villagers. Maybe one knows about the town I’m looking for. If they do, I want to leave immediately.”

  “ ‘Tis wiser to travel in the morning. Nighttime is fraught with many dangers.”

  “What do you have to say on the matter, Balfour?”

  The gray-haired man stared at her with wide-open eyes. Earlier, he had mellowed when he spoke about Kirk, his leader. If even half the stories about Kirk were true, Balfour’s high regard for his leader could not be more obvious.

  Cameron scuffed his leather boot in the dirt. Amber eyes flashed with apparent hatred. A grimace marred his handsome features as he toed the pebbles at their feet then kicked a few into a small puddle.

  She faced Balfour, and ignored Cameron’s tantrum.

  “Lady Haven, daybreak would be prudent. Our mounts are weary and my stomach feels as empty as yers sounds.” A tiny grin lifted one edge of Balfour’s bearded mouth.

  Haven immediately felt lucky he would help escort her home. Cameron’s continued dislike of her, on the other hand, made her cringe. “Fine. Whatever. We’ll leave early tomorrow.”

  “Good. We
need provisions and ye might enjoy a softer bed this night.” Balfour winked.

  “Meaning what?”

  “If Kirk has chosen not to avail himself of yer warmth, I would be glad to take ye.”

  No one said a word until Balfour let loose with a loud guffaw and slapped one knee. As he turned away he said, “No harm in trying. Best see what Anice is up to.”

  “What the heck did he mean by that?”

  “He meant the inn might offer a room with a bed. If ye would rather sleep on my furs…” One of Cameron’s sweaty fingers slid across her cheek.

  Disgust prickled Haven’s skin, but she ignored the urge to kick him in the nuts.

  CHAPTER 16

  “Right. I can’t sleep in Kirk’s tent even though his furs felt nice,” Haven said, smiling. Her shoulders stiffened when she realized how her statement sounded to Cameron. Although their relationship felt strained, she and Kirk had grown close.

  Haven already missed the heat of his arms when he wrapped them around her. She’d love to feel his calloused fingers cupping her breasts through the night.

  When Cameron’s cheeks reddened, Haven chewed her bottom lip. Her memories must have washed across her face.

  “Listen. Nothing happened between Kirk and me.” Without waiting for a reply, she crossed the dirt street and narrowly missed getting run over by a farm wagon. She focused on the store opposite the pub. Barrels of misshapen fruit warmed in the sun while bolts of colorful cloth spilled over a worktable just inside the door where the sweet scent of ripe fruit amid the buzzing of tiny insects brought her back to earth. Her stomach rumbled.

  And me without any money.

  A plump man stood behind a rough-sawn wooden counter with a bloody apron tied about his waist as he carved a wedge from a large wheel of cheese. Sawdust covered the floors. Pots and pans of unglazed clay hung from hooks along beams that ran the length of the room. Baskets, and what appeared to be fishing creels, hung from other pegs near a small cook fire in the middle of the room. No chimney hole meant the smoke drifted up toward the thatched ceiling. A bar ran across the ceiling and a pot dangled from a chain. Something thick and brown bubbled inside the pot. The lack of windows made the room dark.