Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell Page A

warmth of his mouth on hers flood her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tightly. Although she had gained a tiny bit of knowledge about kisses, she had never known they could make one feel so warm and needy. When he nudged his tongue into her mouth, she was startled but that surprise lasted only a moment. The feel of his tongue stroking inside her mouth caused a delicious tightening in her belly. Her heart pounded and she had the urge to crawl up in his lap, to get as close to him as she could possibly get.
    She also smelled cinnamon. It was a heady smell that filled her lungs and warmed her. She realized it came from his desire and that was a heady knowledge. When he left her, his mouth moving to her neck, she sighed for that smell began to fade.
    â€œThat was, mayhap, nay the smartest thing I have done,” he said as he lifted his head to look at her, catching a look of embarrassment suddenly sweep over her. “Because,” he said quickly, “I have a broken leg.” He was relieved when she suddenly looked confused.
    â€œI am nay touching it,” she murmured.
    â€œLass, kissing leads to more and I am in no state to do anything more.” He grinned when she blushed.
    Bethoc pulled away from him. “I ne’er, I mean I wasnae expecting . . .” She shut up when he gave her a quick hard kiss.
    â€œI rather suspicioned that. I was but referring to me and what I was feeling.”
    She was not entirely sure what he meant but did not want to say so. It would also explain his scent. What occurred between men and women was a bit of a mystery to her. She knew of desire but not of what it entailed or what was done about it. It was enough to know the ending of the kiss was nothing to do with her, or, worse, how she kissed. She rather hoped she did well enough that he would wish to do it again soon.
    â€œI had best leave as it must be near sunset by now.” She stood up and brushed down her skirts. “’Tis nay a good idea to be caught out after dark when ye are near the river.”
    â€œI have heard a few things at night. Feared it was the men who had attacked me but the sounds never left the river.”
    â€œAye, smugglers most like.” She shrugged. “I am nay sure what some of them are doing but I suspicion most of it is illegal.”
    â€œTrue enough. Mayhap e’en some poaching. Be careful, Bethoc, and nay just because it would be awkward if I didnae have your help any longer.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it.
    Bethoc was just wondering what he would do if she flung herself in his arms and asked for another kiss when Margaret suddenly ran up to him and stuck out her hand. Laughing when she gave it a little shake, Callum gently kissed the child’s hand. As she picked up Margaret Bethoc shook her head.
    â€œWeel, are ye nay the little flirt,” she said as she put Margaret in the sling and settled her on her back.
    Callum dragged himself to his feet and followed them to the opening. He leaned against the rock and watched them as they left, then did a quick survey of the area before ducking back inside and putting the covering over the opening. He hated the fact that he could not escort her home. He suspected soon he could manage such a walk, slowly, but his leg would ensure he could offer little help if an attack came. The only thing that would be served was his pride.
    Moving back to his pallet, he grimaced. Sitting and doing nothing was beginning to drive him mad. He was going to have to think of something to keep himself busy. Glancing at his rough, unadorned walking stick, he smiled. No need for a man not to decorate the tools he used. He pulled out a knife from his pocket, grabbed the stick, and began to work.
    * * *
    Bethoc slipped into the house and breathed a sigh of relief. Kerr was not at home. She was not sure where he was or what he was doing except drinking when he spent so much time in the village, but life was