Chapter 6
Morning light spilled across the bed, gilding the rough stone walls and the curve of his smile. Ian helped her gather the folds of tartan around her, his fingers deft and teasing.
“Ye wear it like ye were born to,” he said.
She laughed, though her heart thudded. Somehow, against all logic, she felt she belonged here.
A satisfied smile curved his lips. “Now that I’ve got ye all dressed, I just want to rip it off.”
Natalie flushed, feeling more elated than she could ever remember. Was it just the overabundance of bliss she’d experienced in the past twenty-four hours? All those endorphins racing through her blood…or was it something else?
“Not now, Laird of Desire. I need to eat.”
“Aye, well, we must replenish your body. Ye’ll need it.” He winked before heading for the chamber door.
Natalie regarded him with awe. His body was perfection.
Lithe muscular legs covered in soft leather boots reached just below his bare knees.
His kilt hung around his hips in neat pleats.
A white linen shirt covered the muscles of his chest, back, and arms, and part of his tartan was slung over his shoulder.
He wasn’t the only one who wanted to rip clothes off.
“Come, ye must meet my clan.”
“How shall I be introduced?” Natalie was nervous about meeting the people. From her studies, she’d learned that clan men and women were very tightly knit, and it was rare for them to let an outsider in.
Ian stopped and turned toward her. His gaze flickered with emotion and then doubt. “I suppose we ought to figure that out first.” Leaning against the door, he crossed his arms over his chest as he studied her.
“Any ideas?”
“I have an idea.” Ian’s gaze was hooded, and she couldn’t read what he was thinking.
“Share it.” She smiled, venturing to stand in front of him. Her hands absently caressed his folded arms until they encompassed her.
“I thought to tell them…ye were my betrothed.” He tightened his grip on her as if he expected her to draw away.
For a moment she was scared. This was all happening too fast. Yet again, she wanted it more than anything. She’d dreamed of such a thing happening. Her life’s passion had been learning everything she could about his people, and now here was her chance to study them in person.
She looked down at their bodies so closely entwined. Was love possible? Although it had been less than twenty-four hours since they’d met, stirrings of deep emotion whirled inside her. Did he feel the same way?
He still hadn’t answered her question about whether or not she could return to her own time. Her guess, since he hadn’t said no, was that she could. It wouldn’t hurt to stay with him, be introduced as his betrothed, and see how things turned out.
“All right.”
His eyes sparkled with content, and a slow, satisfied smile spread over his full lips. Was it possible for him to look any sexier? He exuded pure masculine strength and confidence.
“For now,” she added.
Some of the spark vanished from his gaze, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he kissed her lightly on the lips. “Then let us join my people to break our fast.”
He’d thought himself content to rule alone, to lead through strength and strategy. But the moment she’d smiled at him—unafraid, unbowed—he understood how hollow his victories had been. And now he was bloody confused.