Read Online The Highlander's Triumph by Eliza Knight - Free Book Online

lifted her arm and took his grasp. His overlarge hand was warm and firm as he effortlessly pulled her to her feet.
    Mariana cleared her throat and swiped at the debris clinging to the fabric of Brandon’s borrowed cloak. “My thanks, monsieur ,” she said quietly. When she looked up, he was intently staring at her. She couldn’t guess what he was thinking, didn’t want to either, as the hunger in his eyes had yet to dissipate.
    “Shall we get on with it, my lady?” His voice came out in a husky whisper, skimming deliciously along her insides.
    Mariana was half tempted to ask him if he was talking about the kiss, but knew he couldn’t be. Still, her gaze lingered on his lips—quirked into a seductive, roguish smile. His hair was disheveled making him look all the more wicked and appealing. A foray into the forbidden. That would be what it was like to be with Brandon. Endless, glorious, sinful splendor.
    “ Oui .” Heaving a sigh, she made a move to walk around him toward his mount, but he stilled her with a tug on her hand.
    “Wait, lass.” Again his voice was soft, made her think of how gentle he could be, even still possessing the power to make her fall to her knees.
    When she glanced back at him, he smiled and put a hand to her hair. What was he about? Surely, he wouldn’t try to kiss her here.
    But oh, what sweet sin it would be if he did.
    Brandon pulled a large leaf from her hair and held it before her eyes, a smile curving his lips. “I know this has been a day filled with wonder, but I dinna think ye need to take souvenirs with ye.”
    Mariana laughed. “Indeed, my laird, I’d no intention of a keepsake.” Save maybe the memory of his body pressed to hers, the heat of his chest beneath her fingertips.
    Brandon seemed to read her thoughts, his eyes traveling to her mouth. ’Twould seem she was right and he was wrong— never was the case with them. There was no doubt in her mind, ’twas better this way. She’d not entangle herself in something she wasn’t sure she could handle. Nor would she risk a broken heart. For men sought only one thing from a woman—and they’d use her to get it. A cunny was worth a lot in this world, especially hers.
    With that dark thought in mind, Mariana frowned and turned away. She didn’t want to look at Brandon, knowing that all the wondrous feelings she’d experienced since meeting him, could only ever be one sided.
    Night was coming, and complete dark would blacken the skies within the hour. The air had cooled and puffs of it breezed through her parted lips. Within the forest, it was hard to decipher if the sky was filled with stars or clouds. The men finished packing up the camp and at least half of them were already mounted. Mariana searched for a horse with an unclaimed rider, but there seemed to be none.
    “Ye’ll ride with me,” Brandon stated.
    Mariana nodded. With little choice but to ride with him or be left behind—which she knew wouldn’t truly be an option—she followed Brandon to his intimidating warhorse. The animal looked at her with wide, maniacal, black eyes that seemed to take in her very soul. Eyes that indeed earned him his name—Checkmate. If she made one wrong move, she was certain the animal would snuff the life from her with one hoof. A most welcome fact for Brandon in battle, that his horse could be used for defense, but with her…it was only frightening.
    Mariana suppressed a shiver. Propping his foot in the s tirrup, Brandon hoisted himself into the saddle—showing off a wicked display of male muscle—then held out his hand for her. She gritted her teeth, anticipating the spark that jolted her when their skin touched. He lifted her up, but rather than settling her in his lap, he swung her behind so she straddled his back. He tucked a plaid blanket behind his saddle for a cushion, but she wished he’d put it between them. If anything, the heat of his body between her thighs was more of a torment than before.
    Taking a moment to