by Diane Darcy
“Murdoch Stirling.” His name and voice confirmed he was as Scottish as his kilt. “At yer service.”
He could be a model with his long lean body, thick dark hair, and sharp attractive features. Heck, with the get-up he was wearing maybe he was one. “I’m Sarah Davis.”
“Sarah.” His voice repeating her name made her shiver. Or maybe it was the slightly guttural way he’d said it, like he was testing it, tasting it. Good grief, she didn’t need to be having these thoughts right now!
“Who were those men?”
Her stomach clenched as she shook her head, determined to watch the road. “I honestly have no idea. I received a package with a note in it from my grandfather telling me not to call the police. The next thing I know, I’m being kidnapped from my classroom and thrown into a car. If you hadn’t come along when you did …” Her throat tightened and she couldn’t force another word.
He patted her and his big, warm hand covered her shoulder completely. “Have no worries. I was meant to save you. Ye’re a teacher?”
She nodded, very aware of the hand he had yet to move. She took a shaky breath. “I teach fourth grade. Nine and ten year olds.”
“Commendable.”
She glanced at him and he really did look impressed. “Thank you for …” she thought about what he’d done to those men – against their strength and guns – and her heart fluttered. And he’d won! Where would she be right now if he hadn’t shown up? She sucked in another breath. “For everything.”
“I’m glad to have been of service. Where is your grandfather? D’ye wish me to escort you to him?”
Her hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Those two men. They said they were taking me to him, but I don’t know what they meant by that.” Had they hurt him? Were they holding him? “I tried to call him earlier but he didn’t answer.”
“Where are we going now?”
She took a breath. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m just driving. I have no idea what’s going on.” She paused, glancing at him, then back at the road. Everything felt topsy-turvy. She didn’t know who he was or where he’d come from. Why he was dressed this way. “Look, don’t get me wrong. I appreciate you rescuing me at the school, but why were you at the school?”
“I was sent to watch over ye.”
That startled her. It was the last thing she expected him to say. “By my grandfather?”
He hesitated, then nodded once. “Aye. You’re to stay with me. I’m to protect you.”
She stole another glance. Her grandfather hired a body guard to protect her? Thank heavens he’d had the foresight. She gripped the steering wheel and shrugged off his distracting hand. “What is going on here? What is my grandfather mixed up in? He works for a lab of some sort. Computers or something. He’s retiring next year. How could he have possibly gotten involved in something dangerous?”
The man next to her shrugged.
Do not go to the police. Take care of your mom and sister. Was this for real?
Things like this didn’t happen to people like her.
“Can ye answer some questions so I can better protect ye? Who were those men?”
“Are you kidding me? I don’t have any idea. Didn’t my grandfather tell you anything?”
The guy shook his head.
“Where do we go from here?”
“Where are ye taking us?”
“We could go home, but I’m starting to think maybe that isn’t such a good idea. If those men can find me at work, surely they know my home address?”
“Likely.”
She glanced at him again. Was she stupid to take his word for all of this?
“I’m going to need some ID.”
“ID?”
“Some sort of identification from you.”
“I am Murdoch Stirling.”
“Are you saying you don’t carry any ID?”
He shook his head.
“It’s probably not safe to do so in your line of work.”
He shook his head again.
She sighed. “So what do we do? Where do we go?”
“Know that I am here to protect ye. Ye’ll not suffer harm if ye stay with me.”
He sounded stern, like he was expecting her to hotfoot it out of there, but she didn’t need to be talked into keeping him around. She didn’t want to be on her own with thugs running about.
“Sarah, ye are mine to care for. Do ye ken?”
The way he said it – like she was his, like he owned her now – filled her with conflicting emotions. Gratitude? Attraction? Relief? What she should feel was disdain for the way he looked at her with possessiveness and satisfaction. She bit her lip as he waited for a reply. Finally she nodded. “Yes, I understand.” No, she didn’t understand this at all.
He relaxed back into his seat. “Do ye have a way to contact yer grandfather?”
“No. The note only said no police and to take care of my mother and sister.”
“Do they live with ye?”
She shook her head. “I need to check on them. Let’s go to their place.”
At his nod, she felt calmer; glad they had something to do while they figured out what to do. This whole thing was crazy. At least Murdoch seemed content to stay with her.
For her part, she’d keep him with her for as long as he’d stay.
~~~
Murdoch felt so much.
Breathing, fighting, his heart pounding in his chest. The sun on his arm where it came through the window. He looked at his knuckles, surprised to see them unbruised after the skirmishes with the two men. They hadn’t fought well, but he’d like the chance to fight them again, especially in defense of his lady.
Murdoch turned to study said lady and deep satisfaction flared within him.
He had her. Sarah. Of course he’d heard the name before, but had never known he’d have a lass named such. The witch had not led him astray. She’d kept her promise and then some.
Sarah was beautiful. Her light brown hair was streaked with blonde. Somehow she’d piled it atop her head in a riot of thick curls. Long dark lashes surrounded stunning blue eyes. She kept flitting glances at him and he wished she wasn’t driving so he could truly look into them. Experience her beauty and also her gratitude for the way he’d saved her.
His chest puffed slightly. Mayhap he’d find the opportunity to save her again.
He longed to brush his fingers along her delicate jawline to see if her skin was as soft as it looked. There’d be time enough for that later when she’d calmed. She flicked another nervous gaze his way. Mayhap he shouldn’t stare, but then again, why shouldn’t he? She was his. She’d get used to him soon enough. And he her.
Deep satisfaction surged through him again.
She’d agreed she was his. And why not? He had a strong arm and was more than willing to use it in her defense.
Her hands clenched tight on the steering wheel and he wished he’d the knowledge to drive this vehicle so she could calm and recover as he cared for her. He wished to know her better. He wanted to know everything about her. She taught children, which was admirable, but what else? What did she like? What pleased her and made her smile?
“Yer mother and sister. D’ye truly think them in danger?” He’d not wish ill upon them in the least, but another chance to show his strength would be welcome.
“I just don’t know.” Sarah stopped in front of a house and her blue gaze finally turned to him for more than a second – a bit too cool and distant for his liking. “We’re here.”
She’d agreed she was his, but he wanted her bound to him. “Will ye not share a kiss with me, lass? Before we go inside?”
Her face slackened. “What? No.”
He truly didn’t care for the way she looked at him. Was that a slight disgust in her features? Did she think to back out of their agreement? She might only be his for a short while, but he’d certainly hold her to it. To him. “I had thought ye wished me to help yer mother and sister. To protect them from danger as w
ell?”
Worry creased her brow. “I do. I thought you said …”
“I said I’d help. I also said yer mine.”
Sarah glanced at the house, then back to him. “But …”
He was right to worry. She was pulling away, rejecting him. “I’ll take a kiss, and no excuses or ye’ll have naught from me.”
Anger flared in her eyes once more and she leaned forward to give him a quick peck on the cheek then away again.
He inhaled as even that light touch, her scent, shot long-forgotten sensations through him. Expectancy hit him in a rush and he tapped his lips as he held her wary gaze. He wished for a real kiss. He wanted her committed to him. He’d never thought this moment would come. In life, he’d never had a lass to call his own, or thought to, and if Sarah was his chance he’d not be cheated of her in the short time allotted to him. To them. “And as yer mine I’ll take that kiss upon my lips.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What exactly did my grandfather promise you for my protection? What exactly do you mean by “you’re mine”? Do you want to marry me?”
He didn’t care for the sarcastic way she said that to him. Did she think he’d not marry her if he was able? “I’ll not leave ye widowed when I’m gone.”
Her lips parted. “Widowed? And what do you mean by gone? I thought you said you’d help me?”
“And I thought ye’d promised to be mine.”
Her chin jutted out.
“So stubborn. Ye’ll find that I am the same.” Resentment clenched his jaw. Did she not like the look of him? Did she wish he’d not claimed her? Did she wish for another? He’d be gone soon enough. “If ye desire my help, I’ll have that kiss.”
“How do I know you’ll keep your word?”
“I always keep my word.”
“Always?”
He nodded. “Always.”
She finally leaned forward. He’d rather she had a look of anticipation upon her face, but found the look of pique amusing just the same. Mayhap kissing her regularly would bind her to him and she’d become more amenable.
She leaned closer.
Hesitated.
Closer.
He found he couldn’t wait and met her partway. He cupped her shoulder to touch her, to gently tug her forward and to hold her in place.
Her lips were but inches from his and anticipation swirled through him.
He swore he’d take naught but a simple kiss. She needed gentling, tenderness, and he was man enough to guide her.
He held his breath as, for the first time in centuries, female lips met his own.
Chapter Three
Sarah pressed her lips to Murdoch’s and every rational thought left her head.
He kissed her back, gentle, seeking, electric.
His hand tightened on her shoulder and a tight stab of excitement lanced through her as one kiss became two, three, more. When she gasped, Murdoch set in with fervor and need. He kissed as if he hadn’t taken a woman’s lips in years, or was just learning the task.
A rumble sounded from his chest weakening her further as a shattered voice inside her mind told her this couldn’t be happening. He was a stranger. She didn’t know him. This shouldn’t feel so good.
But he felt wonderful.
His fingers dug into her shoulder, then her waist as he pulled her closer, across the center console and onto his lap. He cupped her nape and the kiss continued as she let herself sink against his hard chest.
He smelled incredible, like no one else, the scent of him, wild and male, intoxicating. She couldn’t think. His firm but soft lips continued to graze against hers. Hard, soft, again, once more.
He broke away, pressed his forehead to hers, and dipped down for another feather light press of lips against hers before pulling back, bright-eyed and breathless. “Aye, Sarah.” His voice was deep, promising. “I’ll help ye. I’ll keep ye and yours safe from harm.”
She shivered. Help her … what? It took a moment to remember everything, her grandfather, the kidnapping, her family. She scrambled to open the passenger door and almost fell before she could right herself.
Murdoch climbed out after her at a slower pace and the masculine, pleased expression on his face looked good on him. Darn him, anyway.
She straightened her skirt, smoothed a hand over her hair, and tried to catch her breath. All right then. They were here to help her mother and sister; she needed to remember that. But seriously … Best. Kiss. Ever.
And the smug look on his handsome face said he knew it.
Whew.
She needed his help and he wanted to help her. If the price was a few kisses here and there to keep the big guy sweet, well, never let it be said she ever shirked her duty to her family.
~~~
Sarah walked across the beautifully landscaped yard toward her mother’s front door and tried once again to call her grandfather on her cell phone. It rang, no one answered, and it finally went to voice-mail. She considered leaving a message, but decided against it. With everything going on, it just didn’t feel right to do so. He’d see she called and hopefully call back soon.
In the meantime, she was just going to have to trust him. That wasn’t an easy thing for her to do but until she knew differently, she would just assume they were all in danger. She certainly had been, and if grandpa hadn’t thought to put in place a preventative measure in the form of a huge Highlander, who knew where she’d be right now.
She headed up the stairs to the big sprawling porch, opened the oak door decorated with a fourth of July theme, and held it for Murdoch.
See? Case in point. The door wasn’t even locked and anybody could walk in. Her mother and sister had plenty of great instincts if there were men in the vicinity, but none at all when it came to protecting themselves. They’d never had to. To be fair, none of them had.
Looking dangerous as he glanced around, Murdoch loomed over her and finally entered the house and Sarah shut and locked the door. She didn’t look at him, was trying to think of other things besides that kiss, but her cheeks still heated when he gazed down at her.
“This way.” She could hear the TV blaring in the family room just off the kitchen area. Murdoch cupped her elbow as he looked around and took everything in. His big, warm palm against her bare skin sent a shiver of sparks through her system.
She should never have kissed him.
“You’re not married are you?”
“Nae, lass. Never had a lass of my own until you.”
Her heart started racing again and she had to wonder if she affected him as much as he did her.
They rounded the corner and found her sister, Jessica, sitting on the floor, back against the couch, painting her toenails bright purple. Their mother leaned against the granite kitchen counter talking on the phone, neither one of them watching the blaring television. “Hi, Mom. Jess.”
“Hey,” Jessica didn’t glance up as she concentrated on each swipe of color.
Her blonde mother gave a short, over-the-shoulder wave but continued talking on the phone.
Murdoch cleared his throat and both women straightened.
Her mother turned. If the situation wasn’t so serious, Sarah would have laughed at her mother’s suddenly slack face, and the way she immediately told whoever was on the other end of the phone she had to go. Jess, polish brush poised in hand, gaped.
Sarah picked up the remote and turned off the television. The sudden silence was deafening as both women stared at the man beside her.
Sarah took a deep breath. “Something has happened.”
“You’re engaged?” Her mother asked hopefully as she alternated between staring at the possessive hand on Sarah’s elbow and the kilt Murdoch wore.
“No. I was attacked at my school. This is Murdoch. Grandpa hired him to keep an eye on me, and thank goodness he did. I don’t know where I’d be right now if not for this big guy.”
Both women looked at her as if she were speaking a foreign language.
“Grandpa also tol
d me to make sure nothing happened to the two of you, so this is pretty serious. I want you both to pack a bag, and I’m going to take you somewhere safe.”
“You were attacked?” Her mother’s mouth parted.
“Sarah, what are you talking about?” Jessica asked. “Who would attack you?”
“We’re going to talk about it later. Right now I want to go somewhere safe. This has something to do with grandpa, who happens to be missing at the moment. Until we figure this out, there’s no need to be sitting ducks.”
“You can’t be serious?” Mother’s mouth twisted in a sour expression. Sarah must have really surprised her because her mother didn’t believe in sour expressions; they left wrinkles.
Sarah allowed some urgency to seep into her tone. “Serious as a heart attack. Come on! Let’s get going. I’ll answer your questions when we’re on our way. You’ve got five minutes to pack a bag.”
Jessica scoffed. “Five minutes? Are you out of your mind?”
“If you don’t get going, you’ll have to wear the clothes on your back for the foreseeable future.”
Jessica scoffed.
“Let me rephrase. If you don’t get a bag packed I’ll have Murdoch carry you outside with nothing but the clothes you’re wearing.”
Jessica looked horrified, scrambled to her feet and duck-walked upstairs to keep from smudging her toenails.
“Let’s go, Mom.” Sarah waved her forward.
Her mother rounded the counter. “I hope you’re not wasting my time.”
Sarah sighed. “Mom, do you have any cash?”
Mom nodded.
“Bring that as well, will you?”
“Fine.”
Sarah followed her and at the bottom of the stairs Murdoch stopped her, cupped her face and ran his thumb along her cheek. “Best ye pack a bag as well.”
Her mother turned to watch.
Sarah swallowed, nodded. “I don’t live here anymore but I can borrow a few things from my sister.”
She could feel him watch her before he turned away to prowl the downstairs.
Sarah headed into Jessica’s room and grabbed an overnight bag and a few shirts out of the closet.
“Hey! What are you doing?”
“I need clothes too. Like I said, I’ll explain later.”