Read Online A Highland Folly by Jo Ann Ferguson - Free Book Online Page A

from lips to lips.” His smile returned, but with such little warmth she feared his expression would freeze her. “You need not look so amazed, Anice.”
    â€œI am not. If I were amid folks who wished me ill, I would keep my eyes and ears open. And you would be very wise to keep yours open at all times.”
    He chuckled. “I believe I owe you another apology.”
    â€œNo, it is not necessary. I came here simply to warn you about the disquiet in Killiebige.” Whatever else she might have added went unsaid when he caught her hand between his.
    â€œI know of that, Anice. But do you know of the disquiet you cause within me when you are near? A disquiet that is like a slow-growing rumble that echoes within me until I think only of touching you.”
    â€œYou should not speak so.”
    â€œThen I shall not speak.” Gently he stroked her hand as he curled her fingers over his broader ones. Lifting her fingers to his lips, he held her gaze as he brushed them with a swift kiss. Her fingers tightened on his as she was sure her heart had been pierced with a bolt of splendid delight. His expressive mouth tilted in a heated smile when he kissed one finger, then the next.
    Her feet led her closer. Tipping her hand, he drew one finger down. He bent and slid his tongue along it. She could not silence her gasp of incredulity at the sensations that were drawing her to him, urging her to share this pleasure with him.
    When his other hand cupped her chin, she knew the danger she was inciting by not pulling away. She pushed that thought away as he drew her up against him. His thumb caressed her palm as his other one coursed along her jaw. The rough texture of his skin was a sweet caress, grazing her cheek with warmth.
    He breathed her name as he tilted her mouth toward his. She started to close her eyes, but halted when she saw his narrow.
    â€œYes?” he said, his tone abruptly razor-sharp.
    Turning, Anice almost moaned in dismay. A short man who was as solidly built as the mountains around Killiebige was standing in the doorway of the tent. How could she have forgotten herself in Lucais’s touch? This was certain to cause all sorts of problems, for Sir Busby and the others would believe she was letting Lucais seduce her into accepting the road project.
    â€œForgive me, Mr. MacFarlane.” The man continued to stare at her.
    Lucais cleared his throat, then said, “Lady Kinloch, this is my assistant, Tilden Potter.”
    â€œMy lady,” the husky man said, dipping his head slightly toward her. He looked back at Lucais. “I need to speak to you, Mr. MacFarlane. Now.”
    â€œWhat is wrong?” Lucais asked, although from Potter’s expression, he knew. Things had been missing or found broken around the road camp in recent days.
    Potter glanced again at Anice, then muttered, “It will wait.”
    Anice took a step toward the door. “I shall leave you to your business. I said all I came to say.”
    â€œWait!” The word burst from Lucais’s lips before he had a chance to halt it.
    She turned, her purple eyes wide. Potter’s were just as round. Blast! Why had Potter chosen now to come in and bring him more bad news?
    â€œIs there something else?” she asked quietly. “Mr. Potter wants—”
    He pushed aside the laugh that bubbled in his throat, taunting him with the need that had been honed only by kissing her fingers when he ached to taste her soft lips. To speak of what Potter wanted might lead the conversation to discuss what he wanted as well.
    And Anice? Did she yearn to be in his arms as much as he wished her there?
    He vowed, as he watched her walk back toward the path to Ardkinloch, to find out.

Five
    Anice raised her eyes to watch a golden eagle soar over the hills. Patting Pippy on the head, she smiled as Bonito came over the crest of the ridge to see what they were doing. Pippy and Bonito were closer than littermates, even