Page 51 of The Highlander's Temporary Bride
Emma was about to give him a sassy retort when she shook her head and burrowed against him. “No. I need more time.”
An unexpected laugh rumbled out of him, warmer than she had expected, and he tightened his arms around her.
“Damn, but I like ye,” he whispered, so soft that she almost didn’t hear it.
Tears pricked her eyes, and she turned to press her face into his chest.
I feel the same, and oh, how I wish I didn’t.
CHAPTER 21
Grant strokedhis hand down the soft, bare skin of Emma’s arms, savoring the moment. Even though his length was rock hard and he itched to lay her down and taste her, he did not mind this.
No, for once he did not want to rush things and did not care what came next.
“How are ye?” he murmured into her hair. “Do you want a snack?”
Reaching over, he plucked out a fig and held it to her, and she nibbled on it.
He’d noticed that she had not eaten much during their supper. He also had not eaten much, and he rummaged around until he found the mushrooms, craving a bit of saltiness. Popping a few in his mouth, he relished the strong flavor and went to offer her one.
But she was sitting up and adjusting her dress.
“What—what are ye doin’?” he asked and then coughed, his voice a bit rougher than usual. He tossed the rest of the mushrooms aside.
“I’m cold,” Emma said with a laugh and gave him a wicked look. He groaned as she covered her beautiful breasts. “And night is coming on.”
“I shall warm ye,Sassenach,” he murmured and cradled her face.
She shook her head and jabbed a finger at him. “I can feel you shivering, too, Grant.”
He did not hear what she said at first, too busy savoring the sound of his name on her lips. But then he noted that there was a tremor in his hands.
Lust,he mused.
It had been too long, and he had wanted Emma far too much. She was adjusting her smallclothes, it seemed, and he wanted to stay her hands, but she was standing up.
He blinked at her, wondering why each passing moment felt as though it would be the last. Perhaps he needed to eat more after all that pleasure and play. Or take a dip.
As he stood up, he stumbled, and Emma was there.
“Are you alright?”
“Seems ye took a lot out of me, lass,” he jested, and she shook her head at him, even though she flushed so prettily. “Let’s pack.”
It seemed to take too long and no time before everything was repacked and they’d started back home. Grant’s blood hummed as he replayed every moment and moan from Emma. He was so distracted that he didn’t pay attention to his steps. That, and the lass had tucked herself against him, idly talking about the stars and how she’d taught herself the constellations in secret.
“What?” Grant cleared his throat and shook his head.
There was a throbbing in his head, and his chest felt odd. Heavy. He looked ahead. They weren’t far from the castle—he could see the light spilling out of the windows.
Suddenly, he staggered and fell on one knee, his hand pressing against his chest.
Something is wrong.
“Grant, what’s wrong?” Emma said in a panic, and she struggled to pull him to his feet. “Your breathing is labored. You’re pale…”
Grant’s stomach lurched.
