Free Laird of the Mist by Foery MacDonell

records,‖ he answered calmly.―So we wait. No much else, aye?‖
―I suppose.‖ Cat looked into her hands.―I just hope they can find something soon.‖
―And I.‖ Carrick rose and pulled her into his arms.―But we already ken they are gone, so it willna make much difference. I‘d just like to ken that they were put to rest properly, aye?‖
―Of course,‖ she said, looking up into his soft blue eyes. His touch and presence distracted her thoughts and teased at her sensually, causing her concerns to momentarily flee.―I do love you so,‖ she said, her blood racing at his touch.
In response, Carrick bent to kiss her, his hands smoothing her long hair down her back.―Ye could kill me with wanting ye so,‖ he whispered.
Cat tentatively slipped her hand up his naked thigh under his kilt. His hard flesh twitched in response to her touch and he pulled back.
―Nay, Cat, ye mustn‘t," he admonished her.
The mist in her body was rapidly overtaking her.―Oh yes,‖ she said between kisses over his chest. ―I‘m afraid we must,‖ she insisted, gently pulling the tartan from his shoulder to expose his bare torso, a long newly-healed, pink scar down one shoulder.
Tenderly, she ran her finger, trailed by her tongue, down the scar.―Culloden.‖ she said, recognizing it.
Carrick nodded and lifted her into his sinewy arms.―Are ye sure?‖ He carried her toward the inviting, high bed.
―More than anything in my life,‖ Cat assured him, and closed her eyes. She wanted to savor every moment now, let it fill her, invade her, and flood her with the passion she could no longer suppress. She had waited too long for this blessed reunion with her soul mate; she would have every bit of it.
As if she were a precious gem, Carrick laid her on the bed and began to kiss her everywhere. He explored and found the laces of her gown. Deftly, he untied them to reveal the firm and awakened treasures beneath.
Cat moaned ferally as his tongue touched each mound, yearning for his attention. She ran her fingers up the hollow of his thigh where the muscles met and twined.
The mist between her own thighs thickened and spread a flaming glow throughout her awakened body. Her hands traveled farther onto his buttocks, encouraging him with her caresses.
He was a considerate, generous lover and Cat reciprocated. With sure hands and tongues, they rediscovered each other‘s secrets and memories sprang anew.
Separated by war, death, and time, they renewed their love in physical union; explosive as the cannons which had denied them.
―Two hundred years is a verra long time to wait,‖ Carrick managed between expended breaths.―Let us no wait so long again, aye?‖ he said.
Contented, Cat curled round him in agreement. His love had found the keys to her soul.
Chapter Nine
    Olivia carefully made her way to the landing outside her room and felt the wall for the light switch. She had awakened before dawn, as she usually did when she traveled to Scotland. Funny, she didn‘t get jet lag coming to Scotland, she got it when she returned to the States, where she would sleep for a couple of days to catch up.
    In the darkness of the hour, she had the castle all to herself. Not a single person was about and it gave her a sense of peace. It would be a fine thing to sketch the sunrise, she thought as she secured her pad under her arm.
    Finally, she found the switch and turned on the light, casting away the gloom. She nimbly made her way down the long staircase to the ground floor and turned the lights on in the hallway. Switching off the stair‘s light behind her, she ventured on into the large entry hall and made her way to the oak door that was the castle‘s entrance. A printed sign on the door read, Please bolt the door when you return. Door is not self-locking.
    She found the iron bolt and pulled it across to open the door. A real bolted door, she smiled to herself, enjoying the antiquity of the place. The age and mood of the Victorian castle engulfed her