The Highlander's Hope - A Contemporary Highland Romance

by MacKay, Cali

  “And ye’re able to read this?” He held up the letters.

  “Can’t you?” Her smug grin was laced with humor.

  He leaned over and kissed her nose. “Aye, I can—though I don’t exactly use it a lot. How did you manage to pick it up?”

  “Scottish father, Irish mother. There was no escaping it, though I sort of know a mish-mash of the two Gaelic languages rather than anything proper. It’s enough to get by, though it’s another reason I want you to take a look.”

  “Brothers or sisters?” He really didn’t know much about her. Didn’t matter though. He liked what he did know.

  “Four older brothers. Needless to say, dating was a nightmare.”

  “I can only imagine. Guess I better be on my best behavior. ” Iain knew how protective he was of his sister, and doubted her brothers were any different.

  She sat up and sidled next to him, tucking herself in at his side. “Read. We can be bad later.”

  “Bad? I thought I was supposed to be behaving myself?” He had to wonder why he thought her so prim and proper before. Little Miss Librarian. Maybe it was those cursed hairclips.

  “Or… we could just get it out of the way.”

  His heart nearly stopped when she turned and straddled his lap, his hands automatically moving to her hips before he could give it a thought. “Cat, what are ye doing?”

  Her lips curled into a lazy smile as she nuzzled him and nipped at his lips. “I like you, MacCraigh. A lot. And I don’t say that often—nor do I normally let things get in the way of my studies and research.” She nipped at him again. “I’m making an exception for you, Iain. Don’t disappoint me.”

  His voice all but caught in his throat. “I’ll try not to.”

  He ran his hands down her back as her mouth found his in a hungry kiss, their bodies pressed together, her hips shifting against his. Every nerve in his body awakened to her touch, the scent and taste of her filling his head so he was left dizzy with need. She nipped at his neck, adding yet another layer to the sensations he was feeling, his skin tingling so it was all he could do to keep from taking her then and there.

  She yanked her sweater off and his heart nearly stopped. By the gods, she was beautiful. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her as if she alone could sustain him, as if she was the air he breathed and the blood in his veins. Needing to feel her skin against his, he rid himself of his tee. He fisted her hair and gently pulled her head back so he could trail kisses down the slope of her neck.

  “Please, don’t stop on our account. I like to watch.”

  Iain shifted Cat off his lap and behind him in one quick move, turning to take in the threat, a rage consuming him. James—and his brother.

  “What the hell, Malcolm? What is he doing here?” Why his brother was back, and with James no less, was beyond him. At least Cat had managed to get her sweater on.

  “Found yer friend.” It became clear Malcolm had been drinking. “We had a nice long talk and he’s going to help me.”

  “Help ye with what?” Dread washed over Iain, as Cat grabbed his hand.

  “With finding the Highlander’s Hope, of course.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “You bastard.” Cat lunged at James, but Iain grabbed her around the waist and held tight. Probably a good thing, since she was a heartbeat away from murder. She really thought she’d be successful in her search this time and would get the credit she deserved.

  “Get him out of here, Malcolm. He isn’t welcome here—and neither are you.” Iain was bristling, and Cat was worried it’d soon come to fists. Even Duncan was on his feet, adding to the chaos with barks and growls.

  “I have just as much right to be here as you do, Iain—and just as much right to the Highlander’s Hope. I think ye forget that as long as Da’s alive and doesn’t mind having me around, it’s my home too.”

  “A home ye’d be happy to gamble away. Ye even dragged our father into yer mess. Do ye want me to tell him how his investment’s turned out? Do ye really think ye’ll be welcome in his home when he finds out ye lied and manipulated him? Put our entire family in jeopardy just so ye could have a bit of fun? Get out. Now.”

  Iain moved towards the two men, clearly not in the mood to have his brother or James sticking around.

  “This isn’t over, Iain.” Malcolm turned to go, but James lingered.

  “I knew you were hiding something, Cat. Pity you didn’t come to me first. I could have helped you—could have included you in the find.”

  Cat laughed in his face. “As if you’ll find it without my help. Go home, James.”

  Iain and Duncan moved closer, and it was enough to get James moving. With the door locked behind their intruders, the gravity of what had just happened hit Cat like a fist to the gut.

  She told herself it didn’t matter. They would find the necklace first, and even if they didn’t, it was just a necklace.

  Yet it wasn’t. It was the Highlander’s Hope. The find of the century—her find.

  Her eyes burned with threatening tears as she desperately tried to curse them away. She wouldn’t let James get to her—except that he already had.

  “I’m sorry, love.” Iain pulled her into his arms and held her tight, kissing the top of her head. “I’ll not let them back onto the estate, Cat. They won’t get close enough to find it.”

  “What choice will you have?” She swiped at a tear that escaped, and steeled herself against any others, refusing to let them fall. “Malcolm knows we were at the loch and were asking about the Bleeding Heart. And there’s no way to know if they’re out in the hills wandering about. It’s too large an estate to monitor.”

  “They still don’t know enough to find it—and without the journals and the paintings, they won’t stand a chance.” He tilted her chin up so she’d have to look at him. “I’ll have all the locks changed first thing tomorrow.”

  Now more than ever it felt like there was a clock ticking down to the end, and she wasn’t going to make it. “We need to get back to the letters and journals.”

  She turned to go, but he gently grabbed her arm. “Leave it for the night, Cat. Clear yer head first, get a good night’s rest, and then we’ll start fresh in the morning.”

  She shook her head, looking over at all their research sprawled out across the library. “Iain, time’s running out. We need to find it.”

  “Ye need a break, Cat. Ye’re too worked up over this, and it won’t do ye any good.”

  She shook her head no, her body still tense. “I’m too worked up to get any rest or to let it go. I can’t.”

  “It’s yer choice, but I don’t like to see ye so upset.”

  Not wanting him to worry about her, she slipped her arms around his waist, and leaned her head on his still-bare chest, his skin hot against her cheek. Having him so close, she was more than a little tempted to vent her anger and frustration in a more productive way. Maybe pick up where they left off.

  She kissed his chest and then the hollow of his neck, eliciting a moan of need from Iain, which happily resulted in some of her anger slipping free. Giving in to her emotions and desires, she bit his neck, while her hands moved to his hips, pulling him close.

  “Cat… this isn’t exactly what I had in mind for romancing ye.”

  “You were going to romance me? I like that.” He was so sweet. And with a body like a Greek god. Handsome and smart too. It’d be a pity to let a jerk like James ruin her night—and she’d be damned if she was going to let him. All that anger? She could easily turn it to heat.

  She kissed Iain. Hard. Taking all he had to offer, pulling away only long enough to comment between kisses. “Next time. We can do the romantic thing next time. Right now? I don’t want to have to think.”

  “Aye, love. As ye wish.” With his kisses deepening, he lifted her off her feet, her legs wrapping around his waist as he carried up the stairs and to his bedroom.

  She slammed the door shut behind them and then pulled off her sweater, as he lande
d them on the bed. It had been far too long since she’d been with anyone, and after all that’d happened, she desperately needed Iain.

  Good thing he was more than willing.

  He undid her bra with an experienced flick, his mouth closing around her nipple, her back arching in response as she held him to her. He made her forget her worries and anger, as if there was nothing else that mattered but the two of them.

  His scent filled her head and stoked her passions, as she desperately slipped out of her jeans, and then helped free him of his remaining garments. Never had she wanted anyone more.

  Her breath caught as he covered her in kisses, their bodies coming together so there was nothing but skin and flesh. Nothing but the beating of hearts and the joining of souls.

  ***

  Cat woke up tangled in Iain’s arms, with memories of their night together fresh on her mind. She didn’t have a single regret.

  Spinning around, she gave him a quick kiss as he stirred, his eyes refusing to open even as he kissed her back. “I’m going to make a pot of coffee, and then get back to the journals. Feel free to sleep in.”

  He gave her a grunt in response and then was asleep once more. Her lips slowly curled into a smile as she took him in—his dark curls and the start of a scruffy beard, muscular arms and long legs. She’d be happy to look at him all day—except she had the Highlander’s Hope to find. Throwing on a pair of sweats and a tee, she headed downstairs, grabbed her jacket and let Duncan out.

  The temperature had dipped, and a fierce wind was coming in from the ocean. She knew they weren’t far from the water, though she’d yet to see it. Maybe Iain would take her—though not until it warmed up a bit. Now chilled to the bone, she called out to Duncan so they could head back in.

  Probably chasing rabbits. She called out to him again, and then wandered in the direction he’d run off in. The last thing she needed or wanted was to lose Iain’s dog. Continuing to call his name, she wandered further into the woods, trying not to get snagged on the branches and brush.

  There was movement up ahead, and she started to call out, when she realized it wasn’t Duncan. There were two men—and they didn’t exactly look like hikers going for a stroll. She slowly let go of the branches she was holding aside, and started to back up when she came up short.

  A blinding pain seared through her brain and everything went black as she hit the ground.

  ***

  Cat fought back against the hands that held her as she came to, her head yet to clear, a scream trying to escape her lips.

  “Cat, it’s me. Iain. Open yer eyes, love.” There was panic in his voice.

  She fought her way through the fog, finally managing to focus on his worried face. He pulled her into his arms and held her close, before pulling away enough to look at her. “Ye’ve got a lump on yer head the size of an egg, and ye may have a concussion. Try yer best to hold onto me. I’m going to get ye out of here.”

  She nodded and held on as he lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the woods and back to his home. Everything was hazy as she tried to recall what happened. “Duncan… where is he?”

  “He’s right here, love. It was his barking that led me to ye.” Once inside, he laid her down on the sofa in the sitting room and then took a seat next to her. “Who did this? Did ye see them?”

  “I saw two men ahead of me, but there must have been a third person, since I got hit from behind.” And that was some hit—her head was killing her.

  “We need to get ye seen by a doctor. I’ll also need to report this to the authorities. It was one thing when it was James snooping around, but I’m not going to tolerate ye being attacked.” His brows were drawn together, his muscles taut.

  She wished she could set his mind at ease, but the truth was they could very well be in serious danger now. “I know you’ll have to report the attack, but I don’t think they’ll be able to do much about it, since I didn’t see who actually attacked me. As for the bump on my head, I should be fine with a bit of ibuprofen and a bag of ice.”

  He shook his head while looking away, anger and frustration lining his face. “I think it’s best if ye leave for a while—go back to Cambridge. It’s no longer safe here, and ye’re more important than finding the treasure.”

  “I am not leaving, Iain. You can call the cops here and get security put in, but I’m not going anywhere without the Hope.” She sat up, her head instantly making her regret it as pain shot across her temples.

  “Cat, they might not be so gentle next time, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let ye get hurt again.” When he cupped her cheek, she leaned against his palm. With a sigh, he shook his head and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. “Ye scared the hell out of me, love. First I couldn’t find ye, and then when I did… ye were just lying there, lifeless.”

  “We’ll be more careful, okay? But we can’t let them find the Hope. They won’t care what happens to it, and it’s too historically important for it to end up pawned off.” Cat knew it would get sold to the highest bidder, likely hidden away in some private collection, never to be seen again.

  “Are ye sure I can’t talk ye into going someplace safe?” She gave him a look that said he’d be waiting a long time to get her to agree to that plan. “Fine. Then we stay together at all times, and we take absolutely no risks. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.” Her eyes were locked on his, but his gaze was so intense, she thought it might consume her.

  He kissed her slow and sweet, nearly distracting her from the throbbing in her head. When his kisses slowed, he stayed close, nuzzling her. “Cat…”

  “What is it?” She pulled away to get a better look at him, worried by what she saw. Worse still was that she didn’t understand what had him looking so unsure.

  He looked like he was going to say something more, but smiled tentatively instead. “It’s nothing. I’m just glad ye weren’t more seriously hurt.”

  The sound of the front door opening had Iain off the couch and moving towards the hall, grabbing a candlestick along the way. A shriek tore through the air, and then the sound of voices.

  When Iain returned, it was an older lady by his side, a guilty look on his face as he returned his makeshift weapon back to its place. “Cat, I’d like ye to meet Mrs. Gordon. Mrs. Gordon, this is Dr. Catriona Ross. She’s looking into our clan history.”

  She’d seemed to recover from her scare quick enough. “Ah! So this is the lass the whole town’s been talking of. It’s a pleasure to meet ye, my dear.”

  Cat got to her feet to greet Mrs. Gordon, but was overcome with dizziness, slinking back to the sofa. “I’m sorry, I’ve had a bit of a migraine, and it’s still bothering me.”

  Iain came to her side, looking concerned once more. “Ye need to rest.”

  “I’ll go get her a cuppa. Some tea and a drop of whisky should do the trick.” Without waiting for an answer, Mrs. Gordon turned and left the room, her movements efficient despite her sturdy frame.

  If they had one ally in this fight, Cat hoped it was her. “You should go and help her. Not to mention it would be the perfect time to see what she knows about the area and lore.”

  He pursed his lips in annoyance. “Ye know, ye have a one track mind. Ne’er mind that ye nearly got yer head bashed in.”

  “And you worry too much. Go see what you can find out. Shoo!” She waved him away, but instead of going he gave her a quick kiss.

  “I’ll be back with yer tea and information.”

  She watched him go, thinking she could easily fall head over heels for him. It’d be easy to think of him as nothing but a pleasant distraction while looking for the jewels, but she’d grown more attached to him than that. He was charming and sweet, smart and caring. Yet, once they found the necklace, she would be back off to Cambridge. And realistically, she couldn’t imagine Iain would be interested in anything serious—certainly not once they’d put some distance between them.

  She knew Iain was one of the most eligible bachelors
in Scotland, and a confirmed player, none of his relationships lasting more than a few weeks. Even though he said this felt different, she’d be a fool to think it would last once she was home. She could, however, make the most of their time together, and try not to give it much thought.

  She was there to the find the jewels and that was exactly what she’d do.

  Chapter Twelve

  Iain listened to Mrs. Gordon tell her stories as they waited for the kettle to boil and the tea to steep. He’d heard the stories before, but now he was listening to the details with renewed interest, asking questions and doing his best to remember it all so he could return to Cat with the information he’d gathered.

  Despite not knowing Cat long, he already knew how her face would light up as he relayed the stories, knew how she’d vibrate with that contagious energy and enthusiasm. No, he may not know all the little details of her life, but what he did know was the heart of her.

  Mrs. Gordon had stopped talking at some point and now stood there looking at him with an all too knowing look on her face that spelled nothing but trouble for him. “So, the rumors are true then. I would have sworn on my life that they weren’t. After all, ye’ve ne’er been one to fall for a lass—at least not longer than a week or two.”

  “Mrs. Gordon, that’s not true.”

  She made a face. “Don’t lie to me, Iain. I’ve ye known ye since ye were in nappies, and ye’ve had no more love or interest in those other women past dipping yer wick.”

  Mortified, Iain knew his face must be scarlet. “So what are the rumors saying then? Surely nothing that’s true. Ye know better than to pay them any heed.”

  “Aye, I’d normally agree with ye. But now that I’ve seen ye? I’d ne’er have believed it if not for my own two eyes. Ye’re in love, Iain MacCraigh.” She smiled at him. “I only wish yer Ma had gotten the chance to see it. She always hoped ye’d find some happiness, and will rest easier now, bless her soul.”

  “I wish it were the case, since it breaks my heart to disappoint you and my dead mother, but ye’re mistaken. I think Cat’s lovely, but I am telling ye now—I’m not in love.”