Page 39 of Treachery in the Highlands
For a moment, we gaze deeply into each other's eyes, the air between us charged with unspoken desires.The world seems to slow around us.The rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the gentle babble of the water, create a cocoon of quiet, intimate sounds.I can feel the warmth of Joey's body so close to mine, the electric tingle of his hand when it accidentally brushes against my skin.We don't pull away.Instead, our fingers begin to intertwine, slowly, as if testing the waters of a new and dangerous territory.My mind races ahead to what could happen next.A kiss, perhaps, one that is tender and exploratory, leading to something more passionate.Or mayhap the simple comfort of his arms around me, holding me tight against the uncertainties that loom on the horizon.Potential futures flash before my eyes, each more tantalizing than the last.
Joey leans in ever so slightly, and I close my eyes, bracing for the moment our lips might meet.The air is thick with anticipation, every second stretching into an eternity.
Then Joey clears his throat and steps back a few paces.
"So, tell me more about these MacLeods," he says, his tone lighter."What should I expect when they arrive?"
I sigh, grateful for the distraction from my conflicting emotions."Well, they're a proud clan, known for their fierce warriors and...boisterous celebrations.Eanraig MacLeod, the clan chieftain, is a bear of a man with a temper to match."
Joey raises an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
I choose my words carefully."Alisdair can be charming when he wants to be, and he is a skilled warrior.But there's an arrogance to him that I find off-putting."I finally understand how that man affects me so awfully and why."He sees me as a prize to be won, not a person with her own desires.I doubt he would ever allow me to tie him up while I take pleasure from his body, the way you did."
"Sounds like he's no prince charming," he says dryly."A sexist jerk seems more like it."
"Aye, that he is.But enough about Alisdair.Tell me, Joey, what sort of adventures did you have before you came here?"
A shadow passes over Joey's face, and for a moment I worry I've touched on a sensitive subject.He turns away slightly, his gaze drifting over the rippling water of the river."Adventures, huh?I've had my share, I guess.Most of them were not good."
I reach out, gently touching his arm."You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
Joey looks back at me, a wry smile tugging at his lips."Nah, it's okay.Let's just say I've been in some tight spots.I had to learn how to think on my feet, adapt quickly.In my world, I didn't always have the luxury of playing by the rules.Sometimes you gotta do whatever's it takes to survive."
I lean in, intrigued."What sort of tight spots?Were you an outlaw?"
Joey chuckles, but there's a hint of darkness in his eyes."Not exactly.Let's just say I've had to do some things I'm not proud of to survive.But that's all in the past now."
He doesn't want to elaborate further, that much I can tell."I'm glad you're here now.And I have a feeling your quick thinking will come in handy when the MacLeods arrive."
"Speaking of which," Joey says, his tone turning serious, "we should probably head back and prepare.I need to work on my 'distant cousin from the Lowlands' act."
As we walk back toward the castle, I can't help but steal glances at Joey.There's so much mystery surrounding him, and so many questions I long to ask.But for now, I'm content to simply be in his presence, our shoulders occasionally brushing as we navigate the winding path.
The sun is sinking lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the Highland landscape.The air is thick with the scent of heather and pine, and a cool breeze rustles through the trees.It's a perfect moment that I wish I could freeze in time.
"Rachel," Joey says suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence between us."I want you to know that no matter what happens with the MacLeods, I won't let anybody harass you.I might not understand all the politics and clan rivalries, but I know when someone's trying to force a situation."
His words warm my heart, and I find myself smiling up at him.Oh, aye, falling for Joey Finnegan would be so easy to do.But I cannae help worrying about what the MacLeods might be plotting.
Chapter Fifteen
Joey
Rachel smiles with so much sweetness that I feel a strange ache in my chest just from looking at her.What does that mean?I don't know, and I'm not sure I want to find out.Rachel has been so sweet to me since the moment we met, and I do feel...grateful.It can't be more than that.Can it?Someone like me---an orphan turned loner turned petty thief---shouldn't be so lucky.
A hammer will drop on my head anytime, I'm sure.
Rachel leans back against a large tree, eyeing me with an expression I can't quite describe.Her gaze is lustful, her posture relaxed.She splays her fingers over the tree trunk and pets the bark like she's stroking her lover---me.When she licks her lips, I develop an odd lump in my throat.But more importantly, I'm getting turned on.Big time.
Yeah, any minute my dick will wake up.I shouldn't even think about screwing Rachel now, not with her testy father and a horde of MacLeods poised to descend on the castle.
"So, uh, what's the plan?"I ask, desperate to focus on something---anything---other than the way Rachel's fingers are caressing that tree.
She tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eye."Well, Joseph Finnegan, I thought we might take a wee stroll through the forest.There's a place I want to show ye."
Her lilting accent does nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me.I try not to notice the way her bodice pushes her breasts up in tantalizing mounds.I need to devour her nipples until she cries out in ecstasy.
Fuck.I'm getting hard.
