He was big and powerful and proud. There was no mistaking him for a Lowlander. Everything about Colin, from his stance, to his walk, to his all-around demeanor exposed his Highlander origins. He was arrogant and overbearing, but he moved beautifully. She had never seen a man with such control over everything he did. Though she would never admit it, even to Deirdre if she were still alive, Makenna had often wished to find someone with Colin’s self-discipline, muscular body, and ability to lead.
Never, however, did she wish it to be Colin McTiernay. “No, I want someone who will love me, not dominate me. I want someone I can trust, who will trust me in return. Forgive me, Lord, but, damn you, Colin McTiernay!” she shouted before dropping down into the water and swimming underneath its surface to the shore.
Colin came to an immediate halt. He had debated on jumping into the cold retreat, but at the last moment, he had changed his mind. Instead, he had dismounted his horse and led it around the small loch knowing each step brought him closer to Lochlen…and his fate. He had no doubt Makenna’s reaction had been explosive when Dunlop relayed his decision. She was most likely pacing in front of the outer gate preparing to spring a stream of arguments upon him.
Colin swallowed heavily. If he dreaded returning home now, how could he bear living with her…being married to her? The question was still ringing in his head when he heard the splashing and unintelligible mutterings of a female.
Colin moved into the shadows, welcoming the diversion, curious to discover who was foolish enough to swim alone and in the dark. A second later, he knew the identity of the fool. The familiar hiss followed by a “Damn you, Colin McTiernay!” left no doubt as to who the night swimmer was—Makenna.
Shaking his head in exasperation, Colin tied his horse to a nearby branch and turned to reprimand her for once again ditching her guards. Before he could utter a word, he was struck dumb and immobile.
Unaware of Colin’s presence, Makenna rose out of the water completely nude. She threw her head back to wring out her hair. The action thrust her pale breasts upward. Colin watched unable to breathe as the droplets of water slid down the curvature of each full swell to her navel and then lower.
The cresting moon provided just enough light to reveal a level of female perfection he had not realized was possible until now. Colin knew he should move, say something to let Makenna know he was there, but he was finding it difficult to breathe, let alone speak. Instead, he stared transfixed and became, for the first time since he could remember, unmistakably—and worse—uncontrollably aroused.
The concept was inconceivable. He had always been able to contain his passions. He could blame the unexpected reaction on his empty bed. He could claim that seeing any naked woman would make him hard with need, but it would not be the truth. Makenna Dunstan was incredibly beautiful.
Her face, no longer hidden by her mass of fiery hair, revealed delicate facial bones and a full mouth. Her skin was the color of pale cream mixed with a bare pink tint. Long, wet tendrils fell behind her shoulders down to the middle of her back, softening her athletic appearance. For the first time, Colin could see both her strength and her femininity. Makenna was not a fragile, ethereal fairy creature, but a woman made for a man.
Makenna reached for her chainse and pulled it on. The worn cloth clung to her wet skin. Knowing now what secrets it hid, Colin wanted to reach out and rip the gown off her. He wanted to touch her skin and discover if it was as soft as it looked from the shadows.
Colin leaned back against the tree trunk and forced himself to take a deep breath. He had no idea what was happening, but he had to stop it. There was one sure way to end this violent need coursing through him and that was just to talk to her. Makenna could drive a man to the brink of insanity faster than anyone. Surely, three words from her and the world would be righted again. He opened his eyes and moved out from the shadows.
Makenna was wrapping the gold belt of her bliaut around her waist when she heard the crack of a twig break beneath someone’s foot. “Who goes there?”
“It is I, Makenna,” Colin said softly, emerging halfway out of the trees. He was waiting for his body to calm, but the fire in his loins seemed to grow only hotter when her eyes found his. Independence, strength, and passion shimmered in the bright emerald depths.
Makenna was startled by Colin’s sudden appearance and low voice. He was half in the shadows, but she could still see his muscles rippling beneath his leine. The very way he stood was unlike any other man. She had never met anyone who was so at ease with himself as Colin McTiernay. Still, she always sensed he felt alone. He had the unswerving loyalty of his men, yet he never seemed to be one of them. Colin remained emotionally distant—even with his commanders.
She doubted anyone saw or even cared how isolated he was. Colin towered over everyone. He was undoubtedly the most skilled warrior his men had ever met. He exuded unbelievable strength just by his sheer size. Yet his blue eyes reflected a kind of lonesomeness she expected few saw.
Makenna suddenly realized she was staring at him. Pride immediately lashed out before he would realize the nature of her thoughts. “Decided to follow me yourself tonight, did you, McTiernay?”
Colin had thought for one moment they were going to have a real conversation, or at least a civil one. Her eyes had revealed concern and a longing for something right before they turned bright with indignation. The woman was a mixture of emotions, most of them incredibly exasperating. “No, it was by sheer accident I stumbled upon you still dripping from the loch,” he contended, pointing at her wet tresses. “Where are Gorten and Brodie?”
“Where do you think?” she retorted, jutting out her chin and placing her fists on her hips.
Colin rolled his eyes at her childish stance and waved his finger at her pose. “I think you find enjoyment in doing whatever I ask you not to do.”
“Not everything, McTiernay. But I admit to a wee amount of pleasure when I can rid myself of the two overseers you charged to ruin my life.”
“I did not realize that keeping you safe and well was contrary to your future plans.”
She took a step forward and replied through stiff lips, “My safety was never an issue before you arrived.”
Colin took a step even closer. “The Dunstans were never a threat to anyone till I arrived.”
“I’ve seen your army, Colin. We’re still no threat.”
Colin felt a muscle in his jaw flicker angrily. “If you knew me before I…” He paused and took three deep breaths. The woman was baiting him, and he was reacting to her gibes. “You should realize the folly of such assumptions. If you did, you would have made damn sure Gorten and Brodie were with you tonight.”
He had stopped himself, but Makenna knew exactly what Colin had been about to say. “Before I married your sister.” It only proved once again that she was right to refuse her father and remain unwed. A marriage was between two people, not three. And Deirdre would always be there. She was Colin’s first wife, her best friend, and their only commonality.
“I doubt your men wanted to go swimming with me.”
Makenna Dunstan could try a saint. Before Colin realized it, he was shouting at her. “If you want to swim, tell me, and I’ll take you.”
“Never, McTiernay,” she hissed. “I’ll not have you or your men hanging about while I’m unclothed. I’ll ride with your men, I’ll even hunt with them, but I’ll be damned if I swim with them!”