by Leigh, Lori
Melissa had only one choice for her wardrobe for the evening and wore the outfit she had packed in her bag for the supper she was going to attend with the tour.
“The warriors have already been told you are a jealous maniac who won’t allow anyone to talk to her.” Daniel shrugged off Alexander’s glare. It was the best scenario they could find to keep the lads from approaching her. “She’s going to need time period, appropriate clothing, he commented in Gaelic.
Alexander nodded. “See that it’s done quickly.” His brothers had already noticed her attire was a short black mini-skirt that draped low on her hips and pleated to sway provocatively when she walked. The swell inside the black lace top was the object of all of their attention.
Evan walked into the room and his gaze focused on her. “Wha’ do ye think ye’re doin’, lass?” Evan spoke in Gaelic. “If ye’re going tae romp aroun’ in those under things, we’ll have a fight tae the death if the warriors lay eyes on ye!”
Alex yelled at his brother and then continued talking as if nothing had happened.
Evan swallowed an entire mug of ale without taking a breath and belched.
Out of the corner of his eye, Alex saw Gideon flip Evan over the back of a chair for his poor manners while they had a guest in the house.
Melissa held on to Alex with a steel grip on his arm. One of his brothers looked very upset, and she wanted to run and hide. The man was obviously distraught.
When she arrived, Alex could barely breathe, let alone think about what Daniel was telling him. He possessively draped his arm around her slim waist, pulling her up close to him.
With every breath he took, he was reminded of white flowers. He inhaled several slow, deep breaths to regain control of his desire for the lovely lass, and the provocative scent of her was imprinted on his memory.
Alex was delighted to touch her again. She was so soft against his calloused hand. “You were saying,” he repeated for Daniel and couldn’t help but overhear the “bloody hell!” that came out of William’s mouth when he walked into the room.
Melissa peeked out from behind Alexander’s back to see another brother sailing over the back of the couch. She tugged on his shirtsleeve, anxious about the number of bodies being tossed about, but he just patted her hand, as if this type of event happened every day in their lives.
Two younger brothers rushed the older one and tried to take him down but were tossed off like flies. Melissa gaped, wide-eyed as they tried to regroup and take him down by the knees, but the older brother sent them tumbling across the floor.
Alex sighed and frowned at Gideon, who was having a little fun with the boys.
He gave up any pretense of being able to hold an intelligent conversation. The warm blush on Melissa’s lovely bare belly was a severe distraction. The lace top was skintight, and there was absolutely nothing left to doubt, she had a beautiful body.
Melissa clasped her hands lightly together in front of her. They all looked at her legs, as if she had a blazing neon sign on her knees that said ‘take me’ on one, and ‘please’ on the other. She was suddenly very aware they were all staring at her and inched closer to Alexander.
He finally acknowledged her presence. “Good evening, Melissa.”
“Good evening, Alexander. You didn’t mention if supper was black tie or white slip.”
“Do we get tae choose?” Iain asked anxiously.
Gideon gave him a hard shove with a warning to watch his manners.
The room had become amazingly warm, Melissa thought. Alex had placed his hand on her hip. She couldn’t think the caress was so intimate, and yet so casual everyone else in the room wouldn’t notice. The affect it was having on her was enough to make her knees buckle. She thought she must have hit her head this morning when she fainted. It was the only logical explanation to her bizarre reaction to him.
Daniel excused himself and had to walk away before he broke out laughing. The tension between Alex and Melissa could crackle glass. Alex appeared to touch her with a casual indifference, and yet, was seducing her right in front of all of them.
She felt the impact of his touch, he knew by the pink flush on her cheeks.
William had walked into the room and stood as if he were made of stone, glaring at Alex.
Alex pulled her closer. “You look beautiful,” he whispered against her ear and applied pressure to her hip. “And verra sexy,” he added with a low, soft growl.
She was delighted he thought so. She fluttered her eyelashes at him and asked. “What does one wear while dining with Celtic Gods?”
“Hopefully, nothing,” Iain suggested.
‘I think she just abou’ managed tha’,” Evan said. Gideon knocked him off the back of the couch with a flick of his muscular arm.
Melissa cleared her throat and tried a different approach. “How about giving me an introduction to these fine gentlemen?”
Alex slipped his arm around her waist so her back was to him. She was firmly anchored against him. The heat of his body made her tremble slightly. He bent down and spoke softly in her ear. “Don’t say I didn’t warn ye, lass. They can be a wee bit forward at times, especially when they meet a beautiful wumman.”
His compliment, spoken softly against her ear brought out a hot flush of excitement on her cheeks.
“Daniel,” Alex called, and his brother returned. “They do know some English,” he said and shrugged. “Ye can help us learn a lot more since ye speak with such a funny English accent.”
Melissa was about to tell him her accent was from America when a handsome young man stood in front of her, picked up her hand, and kissed her fingertips.
His dark wavy hair gave him a very sophisticated appearance. Daniel was elegant, she thought to herself. His emotions were held tightly in check, and the outward smile was practiced and meant to deceive. The depth of this charming man captivated her.
His smile slowly changed, and she got a glimpse of the excruciatingly, gorgeous man beneath the facade. His devastating green eyes reflected a smoldering sensuality that was just barely held in place. His physique was made for a sculptor, with fine lines in his face, lean waist, and broad shoulders. He could be her David and pose for her any time.
“Beautiful lady,” Daniel said gently.
His scrutiny was as intense as hers and had similar results, she guessed. “You see way beyond the sight of most men, Daniel,” she said with a voice that was suddenly wispy.
Her gaze held his for a moment and Daniel felt wonderful from her attention. They were well aware of their charisma when it came to the ladies. The four older brothers were well acquainted with the boudoirs and social functions in London.
“Gideon,” Alex growled in her ear.
Gideon bent and kissed her lips. “Cherished one,” he said gallantly. Melissa gazed up at him and smiled. His resistance perished instantly.
“You have a special gift, and I am honored to meet you, Gideon.” He was also tall and lean like his brothers but also had strength in his spirit. His presence had a calming affect on her, and she felt like she could sit down and tell him anything and he would listen and care. He, too, hadn’t shaved in awhile and had the beginnings of a dark beard and mustache and much longer hair that was tied with a leather thong at the base of his neck. He was ruggedly handsome and very sensual.
“Robert.” Alex watched her carefully as Robert stepped forward. He was a special favorite with the ladies in London. Tall, lean, and muscular, his reputation for pleasing women was well earned.
He had long straight hair that was loose around his shoulders and gave him a look of untamed sultry sexuality, just waiting to be caressed. His eyes, she noticed, were a green and gray fringed in dark lashes. He bowed and then kissed her lightly on the lips.
“You are a maker of worlds, Robert.”
Alex tightened his hold on her waist. “Are ye all right, lass? Do ye need a glass of water? Take a few deep breaths. That will help.”
Melissa thought a fire hose would be
appropriate to cool her down. She nodded and let out a long, slow sigh.
Alex noted his brothers were pleased with her reaction. They weren’t called playboys because they were monks. He looked at his brothers with his mouth set in a grim line and his eyes narrowed. It was a, don’t you even think about it kind of look that made them back down.
They were testing her and his patience. He was proud of her. So far they hadn’t managed to persuade her to leave his side. Of course, he did have an iron grip on her. The reaction was expected. It was their best effort, and she seemed only mildly affected, compared to the reaction she had when Alex had kissed her.
“Iain is one of the twins.”
“My escort,” she mentioned. It was Iain who had come to bring her downstairs. His dark hair was also curly and down to his shirt collar. His eyes were almost blue-green and long dark lashes that gave him a look that said: I am in that secret garden waiting for you and will make love to you beyond your wildest dreams.
Iain dropped on one knee in front of her and kissed her hand. “I am yours for eternity.”
Alex knew he was just looking at her bare belly and growled a warning in Gaelic.
“Evan is the other twin,” Alex said.
Melissa’s smile was radiant. “I remember you. You are intuitive, Evan.”
Evan smiled in that devil-may-care way that Alex used on her. Their charisma was genuine, she surmised, and Evan bent down, gently lifted her chin with the tip of his finger, and planted a kiss on her lips. He then withdrew slightly, groaned, and was about to take her into his arms when Alex shoved him aside.
“And at last our William.” Annoyed, Alex tightened his grip. His brothers wouldn’t get another chance to slobber on his beautiful Angel.
William stepped forward with his hands clasped behind his back, with a swagger that was almost identical to Alex’s, she noticed.
William leaned down and rested his forehead against hers so their eyes were level. “I’d be happy tae show ye what’s under my Kilt.”
He quickly stepped back to get out of Alex’s reach.
Alex turned her around to face him again. “Are we finished with the introductions?”
“Not yet,” she corrected. “Who are you?”
Chapter Six
“Laird Alexander G. MacKenna,” he said with authority. “My brothers call me Alex.”
“How very nice to meet you all,” she said cordially. “Now, how do I find my way back to the shore?”
“We thought ye might stay here for awhile. We noticed ye brought painting supplies.”
Melissa was tempted. “I must get back.”
Alex shook his head. “The only way tae get here is on horseback, and it’s getting too late tae take ye back now. It would crush Iain. He made a special supper tonight for our guest. If ye left, he might be insulted and start a fight. Then I would have tae beat him senseless.”
She wasn’t thinking clearly. She had no idea what the local customs were and certainly didn’t want to start a brawl or insult any of them.
“I wouldn’t want that,” she said softly.
Alex decided to let her relax. She was waffling between flight, fight, and surrender, and he had made a mental note of what had set her off each time. When he kissed her that action had sparked surrender. She couldn’t deny what they could be together. When he taunted her, she fought, and it was a good fight, he thought, happily remembering their battle earlier in his chamber. When he had her trapped by her own desires, she took flight. He couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving him and so soon.
Gideon brought her a glass of white wine. “We don’t often get a chance tae ha’e a visitor.” He gave the silent hand signal for ‘slow down’ to Alex, and his brother gave him a nod. “Where are ye from lass?”
Melissa gulped the wine and avoided answering the question. She had a feeling if she said she was from about 250 years in the future, they’d burn her at the stake and roast a Yak on the bonfire. “Is this house your home?”
“Playground is more like it,” Evan stated. Daniel handed him a glass of ale and strongly suggested he drown himself or choose his words more carefully.
Alex felt her tense. “Wha’ has upset ye, lass?”
Melissa chewed on her bottom lip. How did she broach the subject of time travel without coming off as a lunatic? They waited for her response, and she was certain they didn’t have any idea her torment. “It’s a little overwhelming to meet seven Celtic Gods all at once.”
They all had a good laugh, but Alex could tell she meant what she said. “It’s time for supper.” He changed the subject to ease the tension.
William shoved Iain toward the dining room. “When she said we were handsome, she wasn’t talking about you, ye ugly bastard!” He spoke in Gaelic, as was required.
Alex thought again about beating some manners into his younger brothers. He hugged her close for a moment. “You feel verra good.”
He leaned over and kissed the left side of her neck and radiated heat that spread over her like a protective blanket. The effect he had on her pulse was amazing. One look at the man, and she could barely catch her breath. It was his mouth that caught her attention, and she couldn’t help but look, knowing the magic he could create with a single kiss. The room began to grow warm, and she could feel the flush turn her cheeks hot.
“Are they upset about what I’m wearing?”
Alex smiled at the concerned look on her face and raised one eyebrow. “We may ha’e tae get ye a new dress or put ye in a convent tae keep ye safe.”
Don’t you dare smile at me again, Melissa thought to herself. He had to be the most handsome man in the world! And right smack dab in front of her waiting for another kiss. Her lack of experience in enticing men became a moment of concern. What do you say to a Celtic God who can mesmerize you with his gaze, set your body on fire with one kiss, and make you feel like you were walking on air? ‘Please’ came to mind, and she had to laugh out loud.
He watched her face with rapt fascination. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her luscious mouth curled in a smile. “I’d give just about anything tae know what ye are thinking right now.” He gently squeezed her hip, and she turned a new shade of pink.
“No, you don’t want to know what I’m thinking,” Melissa said honestly.
“Oh, yes, I do,” he said with a wicked glint in his eye. His hand slid to her backside. “I’m just checking for hidden weapons.”
One silken eyelash dipped in a provocative wink. “My garters are upstairs.” Melissa felt he could read her mind. “I’ve never had a man buy me a dress before.”
“I was right,” he quickly changed the subject. He could taste her she was so close to him, and that wink had just about crumbled his last bit of resistance.
His hand was at the small of her back as they walked into the dining room.
Iain served supper, and they spent the next hour discussing the fights that broke out during the day. Melissa strained to keep up to the conversation and Alex translated for her benefit. It seemed as if the three younger men were trying to outdo each other with the number of fistfights they had during the day.
Alex sat back in his chair as they told their stories. He listened, but his full attention was on her hand that he held in his. She stroked his fingers with her thumb, and he found the innocent touch charming. It was as if she didn’t think about the contact and it came naturally. He felt needed and wanted for the first time in his life.
She had his brothers completely under her spell by the end of supper. Once she had relaxed, they found she had a sense of humor and could parry verbally with them as easily as they could with each other. More than once the younger lads had let loose with a few curse words that emphasized their battle that day. She didn’t bat an eyelash at the profanity and listened intently. Every once in a while they spoke English, but for the most part, their language was foreign to her.
The wine slowly disappeared from her glass. Her small hand wrapped around the crystal
. Alex wasn’t about to let her get drunk. He wanted her in control of her senses later that evening when he took her upstairs.
Her feminine scent drifted over him. He would have her, of that fact, he was certain. But he also wanted something more from her. He held her passions in the palm of his hand, and now, he wanted her heart.
Melissa felt at ease. The conversation was spirited and light-hearted. She expressed her gratitude to the cook. “Supper was delicious, Iain. Thank you.”
He blustered with pride. “Wait until ye taste my honey cakes.”
They all laughed again, and Alex explained the humor. “It took him a few tries tae make thin cakes. We recommended he follow the instructions again verra carefully.”
“We could ha’e shoed the horses with them.” Evan laughed and held up his fingers to indicate they were at least two inches thick.
“We used them for target practice,” Alex explained.
“I appreciate a good cook, believe me. I’ve never had the time to learn.” Melissa was amazed at their shared camaraderie. There was a lot of shoving, swearing, and name-calling, but they always seemed to blow it off and came back for more.
Alex sat at the head of the table and kept everyone involved in the conversation. Robert had been quiet throughout supper, and Alex asked him how the renovation on the cottage was progressing.
“I’m about finished,” Robert assured him. “The outside walls are fortified and we now have the steam engine tae heat water for the roman bath at the cottage.” He was proud of the work he accomplished. “Some of the floorboards are rotted out, and we need tae replace them with oak planks.”
Melissa was intrigued. “Are you a builder, Robert?”
“Aye.” He beamed, happy to be noticed, and then it dawned on him what he had said, and he looked around the room in horror.
Evan, Iain, and William all looked aghast at the horrendous slip. Gideon coughed, and spoke in Gaelic. “Perhaps she doesn’t know steam engines weren’t used until 1807.”
