45. Negal

Negal walked out of the shower much calmer and more collected than when hed entered it. Pleasuring himself to the image of Margo might have been a violation of sorts, but hed excused it by the need to take the edge off, which was necessary to keeping his cool and not ravaging the woman the moment he entered her cabin.

It was good that shed texted him and provided him with an excellent excuse not to rush.

After toweling off, he slipped into a pair of comfortable training pants and a soft t-shirt but then reconsidered his choice of attire and changed into a pair of jeans that would hopefully provide some level of concealment.

Given that she referred to an erection as a one-eyed trouser snake, he didnt want her to get a fright once she saw the large outline of the snake in his pants.

Besides, the jeans had more pockets, and he needed them for all the stuff he was carrying around.

Thinking of stuff, should he bring a bottle of wine?

Nah. First of all, it would take him too long to search for one, and secondly, Margo had already had too much alcohol for one day. When she turned immortal, she could have as much as she wanted, but as a human, it wasnt healthy for her to overindulge.

Well, that was what he had read online, so it might not be true. Anyone could write anything they wanted on the web, and Negal wasnt well versed enough in medical research to evaluate the merit of the studies those assertions were citing.

As he rang the doorbell, the door swung open a moment later, and Negals breath caught in his throat.

Margo looked like a wet dream in the silky nightgown and robe set he had bought for her. The fabric skimmed over her curves, and the outline of her breasts was so well-defined that it took a lot of willpower to tear his eyes away from the enticing swells and up to Margos smiling eyes.

Hi. She lifted on her bare toes and kissed his cheek. You smell amazing.

Thank you. The words came out of his mouth, sounding like a hiss because his fangs had punched out.

He swallowed and commanded them to retract. You look ravishing. As she blushed, he regretted his choice of words. I mean beautiful. And you smell wonderful as well.

He sounded like a boy on his first date.

Thank you. Margo took a step back and motioned for him to come in.

Would you like some tea? she asked. I just finished brewing it.

I would love some. He didnt even like tea, but right now, he would eat gravel and chew on nails if she served them to him.

Desperate much?

Sitting on one of the barstools, he watched her flutter around the small kitchen area, her robe flying behind her like a pair of colorful butterfly wings.

When she poured each of them a cup and handed one to Negal, their fingers brushed, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. He had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms right then and there.

Lets see what theyve got. He reached for the remote as they sat together on the couch. Do you have any preferences? He dropped his flip-flops and stretched out his legs.

Something romantic. Margos gaze went to his bare feet and stayed there.

Was she looking at his feet because she found them appealing for some reason, or was she embarrassed about asking for a romantic movie?

It was probably the latter. It seemed that Margo had the same plans for tonight as he had, and he wondered if Frankie had told her about his and Dagors conversation.

Keeping his expression schooled, he leaned back against the sofas plush cushions and started scrolling through the ships entertainment options.

The pictures and titles flashing across were all a blur. He didnt care which movie they watched and just waited for Margo to tell him on which one to stop, or go back if he was scrolling too quickly, but she sat quietly beside him, sipping on her tea, her eyes just as unfocused as his.

All he could think about was the woman beside him, the way her thigh pressed against his, the smell of her skin, and the soft sound of her breathing.

After he had gone through the entire selection, he turned to Margo. Nothing?

Im sorry. She smiled apologetically. I wasnt paying attention. Can you scroll through the movies again?

Sure.

This time he went slower and tried to actually focus on the titles, but nothing appealed to him as the right movie to set the mood, and given Margos expression, she hadnt found any of the offerings titillating either.

Worse. The lackluster options seemed to have dampened Margos mood, while Negal had no such problem. Just being near her, inhaling her scent, and feeling the heat of her skin was enough to undo all the good work he had done in the shower.

When he went over the selection for the third time, and it became obvious that they were out of options, he put the remote down. I have a feeling that we will need to come up with a romantic story ourselves. Why dont you tell me about that idea you had for a Perfect Match virtual adventure? The one where Im a dragon shifter?

Margo laughed. You must be really desperate to bring that up.

She had no idea.

I am, he admitted. But it can be fun.

She worried her lower lip between her teeth. Im not a great storyteller, but I was just reading a romance novel that I could use as the starting point for our story.

Go on…

Margos cheeks became slightly rosy. I needed something to read to help me fall asleep, and this is the only paperback book I found. I borrowed it from Jasmine.

Given that preamble, the book must have been either really racy or really stupid. Otherwise, Margo wouldnt have gone to all that trouble telling him that it wasnt hers.

What is it about? he asked.

Her blush deepened. Its a historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands. She cleared her throat and put a haughty expression on her face. In the wild Highlands of Scotland, there was a rugged lord with a roguish reputation and a wash girl, pure and untouched. When their eyes met across the crowded courtyard, it was as if the world ceased to exist. Oh, Alistair, she whispered, her bosom heaving like the stormy sea, ye are the very air I breathe.

Negal laughed. Lets put a spin on it. Imagine that the lord is a werewolf who is the protector of ancient lands, and you are a traveler from afar, unaware of the legends and of the magic that lurks in the misty moors.

Thats a very good start. Margo leaned in, caught up in the story. You have a knack for storytelling. Continue, please.

He shook his head. Its your turn.

Okay. She straightened. In a land of myths and legends, where the mountains touch the sky, and the lochs reflect the stars, lives a werewolf, known to the locals only as the Guardian of the Glen. By day he is Negal, a nobleman, respected and admired. But under the full moon, he roams the Highlands in his true form. She waved a hand at him to indicate it was his turn.

One day, an American lady named Margo arrives in the Highlands. Shes an adventurous soul, seeking the stories hidden in the wild lands. Little does she know that her arrival has been foretold by an ancient prophecy.

Margo smiled. The prophecy speaks of a stranger who will enter the Guardians domain and change his fate forever. Negal is intrigued by the mysterious woman and decides to watch over her, ensuring her safety in the treacherous terrain.

Negal continued, But as he watches her, Negal finds himself drawn to Margos fearless spirit. Unaware of his secret identity, Margo only sees the kindness and strength in the man.

She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. One evening Margo wanders too close to the forests edge and finds herself surrounded by a pack of vicious wolves. Negal reveals his true form, transforming into the werewolf to protect her from the pack.

Despite the shock and fear, Negal continued the story, Margo sees in the werewolfs eyes the same kindness and strength she admires in Negal, and she realizes that the Guardian of the Glen is none other than the man she has been falling in love with.

Engrossed in the story, she continued, Margo decides to stay and learn the secrets of the Highlands. Together, they uncover the truth behind the prophecy, finding love and redemption in the wild Scottish lands.

Negal shook his head. This story is missing something. Where are the passionate kisses? The longing looks?

You are right. Margo looked at him from under her lashes. Can you add them? Her voice sounded husky.

Negal growled softly, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. Negals lips found Margos, claiming her with a passionate kiss that conveyed the depth of his feelings for her. His hands roamed over her curves, mapping every inch of her skin and stoking the flames of their desire.

Margos hand landed on his thigh, her fingers tracing small circles over his jeans. The American surrendered to the overwhelming passion consuming her, she breathed, her lips mere inches from Negals. She knew that the Scottish lord was her soulmate, and she was ready to give herself to him, body and soul.

As Negal closed the distance between them, capturing Margos lips in a searing kiss, she responded with equal fervor, her arms winding around his neck and her body arching into his.