Read Online My Heart's in the Highlands by Angeline Fortin - Free Book Online Page B

before Ian’s lips covered hers.  For a moment the force of his body meeting hers startled her, so that she reached back to steady herself against the ramparts, lest they both tumble to their deaths, before realizing that Ian was as solid and supportive as the wall.  Bending her over his arm, he allowed his mouth to slant across hers, parting her lips before his tongue swept in.  Hero clung to his shoulders, astounded by his passion.  Then her body recovered from the surprise and responded in kind.  Fire unlike any she’d ever imagined burned in her chest and sizzled down her belly and thighs.
    Overwhelmed, she dropped her head back, breaking the kiss, but rather than retreating, his lips seared a path down her neck and back up to her ear, raising goose bumps that were chased by a shiver of excitement.  A low moan escaped Hero as she clung to Ian, but, rather than interpreting the sound as the surrender it was, Ian pulled back and met her eyes.  Straightening, he steadied her before stepping back.
    Hero stared up at him, all words lost.   The need to hear some confession from his lips—that he felt the same insane attraction for her that she felt for him—was gone.  Ian’s dark, turbulent gaze pierced her, leaving her mind surprisingly blank and her body trembling. 
    That wasn’t what she had expected at all.  But how could she have?  Hero had never known that a kiss could be so all encompassing, or  that desire could prod someone to act so rashly.
    Taking a step back, Hero steadied herself once more on the rampart , dizzied by the new feelings that were assailing her.  A part of her wanted to throw herself back on him much as he had just done and continue down this unknown path.  The other part wanted to lift her skirts and run away.
    Hero opted for a well-mannered retreat , though her voice was shaky when she spoke.  “It has been a long night.  I believe I shall retire now.  Goodnight, Lord Ayr.”
    She executed a whisper of a curtsey and he returned it with a bow, seemingly content to let her leave.  Raising a trembling hand to her lips, Hero turned to walk away, her skirts dragging against the walls, since she was too preoccupied to lift them.  She had little experience with what had just happened.  Robert hadn’t been one for kissing, and certainly not so fervently.  Hero wished she could go back and respond differently, not with such shock but with the enthusiasm she felt unable to express.
    Of course, she hadn’t been expecting a kiss, Hero thought defensively.   She had sought only some small assurance that his affections—if he possessed any—were not of a fraternal bent.  If they had been, Hero would merely have done all that was in her power to maintain a certain distance with the new marquis, avoiding any flirtation so that they might live in peace at Cuilean together.
    She would have no peace now, Hero was certain.   His actions, however impulsive, had set her heart racing, her blood pounding, and her imagination soaring. Once she was able to gather her wits about her, perhaps she might be able to vocalize some thought on the subject rather than opting for an abrupt exit.
    Ian must think her a ninny for her reaction!   Hero flushed in embarrassment as she hurried along, but Ian’s rough brogue broke the silence of the night.
    “ In case you are still uncertain on the matter, Lady Ayr, a sister might be the very last thing I would consider you.”
    Hero glanced back over her shoulder to find him leaning with a shoulder against the inner wall, arms crossed over his chest.   His hot, dark eyes followed her intently.
    Swallowing deeply, Hero was torn by the urge to race back to him and fling herself recklessly into his arms.   Years of training on proper deportment held her back, but Hero’s eyes flashed.  “Thank you for the clarification, Lord Ayr.”  Hero considered him for a moment longer before adding lightly, “Should you be equally uncertain, please know I cannot