Read Online Highland Wolf (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman - Free Book Online

'is money, either."
    "He pays ye well?"
    '"E pays for the 'ouse." She nodded toward the humble cottage behind her. "Ya don't think I can pay for this with my wages from the Fox, do ya?"
    "It hardly seems like enough for the pleasure of yer company, lass."
    She swallowed, but kept up the bold tone. "Well, I got me a bit of a nest feathered when this one don't work out no more."
    "Mayhap I could feather it better."
    "I know a bird in the hand when I sees one," she said. "And I ain't about ta send it flyin' whilst I chase after one on the wing."
    "What if it's a bigger bird?"
    Some of her nervousness seemed to fade, and when she chuckled, the tone sounded sincere. "Are ya always so concerned about size, Scotsman?"
    "I'm just trying to impress ye. What with thousands of men ta compete with, I figure I'd best pull out me best weaponry."
    "Please don't," she said, and to his own surprise, he laughed.
    She watched him. Silence settled in, then, "Ya should laugh more, Scotsman. It becomes ya."
    "Let me come in, and I'll laugh all night."
    She smiled. Someone had lighted the lantern beside'her door again. The light glistened on her teeth and eyes. "No," she said.
    "One night," he whispered.
    "No."
    "Scared I'll spoil ye for the others?" he asked, and leaned closer still.
    "Terrified," she said, and pushed at his chest.
    "Who's ta know?'
    " 'E will. 'E'll know."
    "Is he coming tonight?"
    "Aye. And ya'd best be gone when 'e does, or there'll be 'ell ta pay."
    He sighed and placed a hand over hers where it rested on his chest. "I'm a stranger in a strange land. I suppose it would be unwise to offend a duke."
    Her fingers were long and slim and felt warm beneath his.
    "Aye, it would, indeed," she said.
    "Ye're sure?"
    "About..."
    "Ye dunna wish for me company."
    She scowled. "Ya don't take a hint easy, I'll say that for ya, Scotsman."
    He drew her hand to his lips. "There are those who say we're a stubborn lot. Ye'll tell me when ye learn anything about the Shadow?"
    "I tell ya 'e's naught but a myth."
    "Mayhap yer right." Roman released her hand with a sigh. "But there's a good sum in it for ye if ye find out different. Perhaps ye could ask yer duke regarding him."
    She nodded once. "I will," she said, and fished out a key nestled tight and snug between her breasts.
    He watched her in awe, and she glanced at him and scowled.
    "I couldn't think of a safer place ta keep it."
    Roman exhaled slowly. "Strange, I can't think of anywhere more dangerous," he said, and, turning, walked away.
     

Chapter 5
    Harrington House was large and ostentatious. Roman silently studied the anteroom where he was told to wait. It was decorated in bright reds and royal blues, from the brocade on the chairs to the tapestries on the walls. The arched windows were made of stained glass, a far cry from the scraped leather that kept the weather at bay in most of the hovels in Firthport. It was not the first time Roman was made aware of the differences between the English classes. Neither was it the first time he wished to return home.
    But again his night watch had been fruitless, for neither Betty nor her clandestine lover had passed the door of her cottage. Before the gray light of morning had seeped up from the east, Roman had left his hiding place in the shadows and stumbled off toward his own rented room.
    Four hours of sleep later, he had asked directions and found his way here. Now he sat in silence. Without trying, he could hear two men speaking near the door. He supposed one was the viscount he had come to see.
    "I thank you for coming, Lord Dasset."
    "'Twas my pleasure, I assure you," said the second man. "You have a lovely daughter."
    Harrington sighed. "My apologies for her... reticence."
    Dasset laughed. The sound was low. "Nonsense. I do not consider a silent woman undesirable."
    Harrington was quiet for a moment, as if thinking. "'Tis glad I am to hear that. And I assure you she will be more herself next time you call."
    "I'll look forward to that