Read Online Highlander's Bride: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 1) by Joanne Wadsworth - Free Book Online Page B

hand, pressed it against his thumping heartbeat. “My disguise is in place and he will know me only as Rand MacKenzie until I’ve spoken with your brother. I’ll never allow another to toss me back into your dungeons and keep me away from you.”
    She spread her hand over his wet tunic, the fabric clinging to his muscled body and displaying every deliciously sculptured plane. Sweeping downward, she stroked over his rigid abs which tightened under her touch. Her mate was an elixir of the most decadent sort, one she would crave for the rest of her life and of that she had no doubt. She’d take this chance given to her, to try and claim back all she’d ever lost. “You’re mine.”
    “Aye, as you’re mine.” He slowly lowered to one knee, brought her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips against her palm. “I have something I must say to you, and to do so afore we return to Coll’s keep.”
    “You do?”
    “Aye. From this day forth I give you my oath, Kyla. With my body and all that I am, I will honor you. I wish to give you my name, for my clan to be yours, for us to live as man and wife. I give you my word I’ll keep you safe, honor your needs and desires above my own, watch over your nearest and dearest as well.” He looked deep into her eyes. “This day I give you my full and complete protection. You hold the other half of my soul, and never will I release you to another.”
    A slow heat invaded her limbs, a rippling wave of warmth that spread through her body. No one had ever declared such an oath to her. She sank to her knees, his words touching her very heart and soul. “I too would like to give you my oath. With my body and all that I am, I will honor your needs above my own, accept your full and complete protection. I hold the other half of your soul, and I will never release it to another. I wish to place my trust in you, to no longer give Colin any control over me.”
    “You do me the greatest honor with such an oath.” He slid one hand around the back of her head, his fingers spearing through her damp tresses as he leaned in, his lips a whisper from hers.
    “Ronan Matheson!” Gordon stormed out from behind a tree, and her heart almost catapulted from her chest. “Your disguise certainly would have fooled me had you no’ just admitted to the truth. I shall never allow you anywhere near my lady. She is betrothed to my laird, no other oaths permitted. You clearly wish to go to war with us.”
    “You misunderstand. I am here only to claim my chosen one.” Ronan pushed her in behind him, shielding her with his body just as Gordon slid his sword free from its sheath.
    “I’ve misunderstood naught.” Gordon charged forward and Ronan snatched his sword from his pile of belongings on the ground and slammed his blade into Gordon’s.
    Their weapons clashed and steel rang loud against steel.
    Gordon heaved back and thrust again.
    Ronan blocked Gordon’s next swift blow. “Put your weapon down, man. You could too easily harm Kyla.”
    “Leave this place now and I’ll ensure she comes to no harm.” Gordon’s gaze glinted with loathing. “You have no right to be here on MacKenzie land.”
    “Nay, this madness must stop.” She rushed forward and Ronan blocked her, pushed her back.
    “Clearly you wish to revisit your cell.” Gordon attacked and Ronan ducked his swift strike, whirled around and swiped his blade across Gordon’s chest, metal scraping over metal.
    “My next strike will be where you’ll bleed. Make no mistake.” Ronan dropped low, swept his leg out and kicked Gordon across his knees.
    Toppling, Gordon hauled his dagger free, went to throw it but he slammed to the ground and hit his head on a protruding rock. Skin split open and blood gushed forth, his dagger embedded in his own wrist from the fall.
    “Damn it.” Ronan scanned the trees, hunkered down and pressed two fingers to Gordon’s neck. “His heart still beats, albeit slow and unsteady.”
    “You should’ve allowed