Page 78 of Taken By the Ruthless Highlander

She was stunning as she clung to her torn corset, trying to cover her breasts. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Ryder wished he could pause time right then. He blinked as he studied the aftermath of his longing.

“We should probably retire,” he said. “Now, do I have to walk ye to yer room to make sure ye get there, or will ye be a good lass and find yer way on yer own?”

Morgana scooted off the edge of the table and stood before him. The scent of the sex clung to her as he slipped on his kilt and refastened his belt.

“If it pleases My Laird,” she whispered so seductively that his cock twitched.

Ryder’s eyes narrowed as he fastened the last notch to secure his dirk. He leaned down and took her lips in a deep kiss.

“Aye,” he murmured against her mouth. “It pleases me, My Lady.”

27

Morgana moved like a phantom through the corridor. Her feet barely touched the stone floor as her heart fluttered wild and free. There was no hiding the grin splitting her face. It was as if Ryder had turned night into day.

She darted around the corner and paused to catch her breath. Every nerve in her body was ablaze. Every muscle was tight. The fact that she was still on the ground and hadn’t shot off into the heavens stunned her.

“I told ye to go to bed,” Ryder said as he suddenly rounded the corner, startling her.

Morgana clamped her hands over her mouth to stifle her yelp.

“I’m tryin’, but how can I, when ye sneak up on me, distractin’ me so?” she asked breathlessly as he pressed his body against hers.

There was no room in the nook he had pinned her against. She stared at his lips, dying to feel them on her own once again.

As if answering the unspoken desires of her heart, Ryder leaned in and planted an open-mouthed kiss on her neck. Goosebumps rose over her skin as his hot breath fanned her ear.

“How is it that ye smell so wonderful?” He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers.

Morgana smiled. There was no place she wanted to be than right there, enveloped in the safety of his embrace. There wasn’t a part of her he didn’t touch. He covered her with his body as his shadow engulfed her in protection and peace.

“Lie with me,” she whispered as she threaded her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck.

She yearned for his company. It didn’t matter if he did nothing but sit in silence next to her; all she wanted was to share the same space as him.

“I thought I already had,” Ryder said, his voice thick with need. “Are ye nae sated?”

Morgana pressed her lips to his neck. “I’m most content.”

Ryder peeled back the corset she had pulled over her shift. He shook his head, his eyes flashing with a warning that only made her grin.

“Is that so?” he murmured.

His hand slipped under her shift, cupping her breast as if it were a melon. Morgana closed her eyes as he played with her nipple.

“Then ye dinnae need me to lie with ye.”

Suddenly, his warmth disappeared.

The night air engulfed Morgana, chilling her to the bone. Her ears perked up at the sound of familiar footsteps coming down the hallway.

Putting a finger to his lips, Ryder squeezed around her and pulled her down the hallway to the first available room. Before the door clicked shut, his mouth was on hers.

Morgana held on to him as he backed her further into the room.

“Oaf,” she mumbled when she tripped over a small table.