Sea Wolf Magick (Highlander Magick Series Book 2) by Patty Taylor Page B

the answers, lass. For now, ye must trust me. I promise, I willna do anything to hurt you. I’ll not help turn your wolf spirit until you’re ready and ask.” Quinn slipped the covers over both of them and touched her face. A whiff of lavender perfume filled the air. The amber specks in her eyes faded back to their normal blue. The closeness of her warm body sparked fiery embers in his bloodstream. “Ye willna be able to resist the she-wolf for verra much longer.”
    “I want you to know something. The only reason you’re lying here next to me right now is because I’ve learned to trust my gut instincts.” Her knuckles turned white gripping the covers tucked under her chin, and her body shivered. She gazed into his eyes and whispered, “I sensed your presence. Just who are you, Quinn McCord, and why did you risk your life to save me? I know in my heart you must be the same man in my sister’s sketch.”
    “I wish I had answers for us both, lass.” Her forehead beaded with sweat. “Ye’re trembling, lass. Here, come lay next to me.”
    Her brow winkled, she pursed her lips, and her eyes narrowed, filled with suspicion.
    “I gave ye my word. I’ll behave like a proper gentlemen.” He held his arm above her head and waited patiently for her response.”
    She rolled on her side and moved next to him, snuggling her head against his throat. Her hand rested on his chest. She shivered. He tucked the covers over her back.
    “And here I thought ye was just startin’ to warm up to me beguiling ways.” Quinn felt her forehead. “I want ye to know this will not be easy layin’ next to a charmin’ woman as yerself and not think about it.”
    Beth giggled. A woman’s laughter had been a stranger on this ship. Kalista whistled, flapped her wings, and landed in bed. Like a contented puppy, she wiggled her way to the bottom of the bunk, directly below their feet, and plopped herself down. With a contented sigh, the dragon rested her head on her feet, closed her eyes, and purred.
    Quinn stared at the ceiling, his free arm folded behind his head. Her flesh sweltering next to his, the roaring heat from Beth’s body made his senses reel. He inhaled and held his breath. Her touch sent shivers racing through his body. A spurt of hunger and desire rushed through his veins. His member grew hard and stiff. Her nearness was becoming unbearable. It had been years since he’d shared a bed with a woman.
    Her hand grasped his arm as he turned on his side to get dressed. “Wait. Where are you going? You need your rest.”
    “I think ’tis best if I sleep on deck. The fresh air will do me good.” Quinn reached for his plaid and spotted a hint of sunlight trickle through the porthole.
    “Damn it. By the Goddess, forgive me.” Beth cupped his chin in her hand and turned his face toward her. She raised the dampened nightshirt over her head and tossed it to the floor. Her body glistened with sweat. Raven curls spiraled over her arms and breasts, lingering over her curved hips as she sat naked with her legs tucked beneath her. She buried her face in his neck. Her moist lips against his skin sent trails of fire racing across his limbs as her budding nipples pressed against his bare chest.
    His defenses weakening, he gently pushed her back by her shoulders. “It must be the fever in ye, lass, makin’ ye confused and feelin’ this way. I think we’d best stop now while we still can. I willna go back on me word. I promised I wouldna take advantage of ye.”
    “You don’t understand. But I’m starting to now. Quinn McCord, you’re the man that’s been haunting my dreams for the past seven years.” Her fingers brushed gingerly over his lips before her mouth crushed against his. Kissing him with a hungry passion, she pushed his chest to the mattress and lowered her hips over his midsection. Her alluring blue eyes locked with his.
    “I’m not delirious, and I’m fully aware of what I’m doing. I can’t explain it, but we both