Read Online My Highland Lord (Highland Lords) by Tarah Scott - Free Book Online Page A

throat.
    Phoebe crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “I understand you believe I am Hester and that you're doing your friend a service.”
    “Heddy.” He leaned forward and reached for the hand she had stuffed beneath her arm.
    Phoebe stiffened, but he pried the hand free and lifted it to his lips. His mouth against her hand caused her pulse to jump and warmth spread up her cheeks. His eyes registered curiosity, but he released her hand and reclined in his chair.
    “Forgive me for laughing,” he said.
    “I can forgive the mistaken identity—as inconvenient as it is—but tying me up goes beyond the pale.”
    “I'm pleased to have your forgiveness, regardless of the reason.”
    “When this escapade is finished, you will find yourself at a disadvantage.”
    “Heddy,” he said with resignation, “I find myself at a disadvantage now.”
    She gave him a dry look. “I doubt that. When do you plan on sending word to the authorities of the murder plot against the duchess—or have you already done so?”
    “No need to concern yourself with that.”
    "But—my God, you don't intend to report them. You will stand idly by while a murder is planned and executed?”
    “What is one murder in exchange for f ifteen thousand?" he replied. "Or do fifteen thousand Highlanders hold less value to you than a single noblewoman?” He paused. "Perhaps, the gratitude of the duchess' male relatives interests you more?”
    Phoebe shot to her feet. “Even Heddy wouldn't lower herself to such debased actions.”
    “Lower herself?” Kiernan laughed, although the sound held none of his characteristic humor. “Heddy, I have seen—”
    “By heavens," she burst out. "I am not Heddy.”
    “No?” he murmured. When she gave a frustrated growl, he rose. “Well then—" He yanked her against him.
    His mouth crashed down on hers and she froze. One arm slipped around her waist while the other cupped her neck. She gasped, but he hugged her closer. His tongue invaded her mouth, the taste of him, shocking and intoxicating. His arm tightened, but the kiss, the thrust of his tongue, softened to a feathery touch. He shuddered, and her heart leapt into a furious rhythm.
    His mouth moved slowly against her lips. She became aware of the hard bulge pressing against her abdomen and clutched at his shoulders. Heat streaked from the unexpected throb in her breasts to her stomach, then lower. He abruptly tore his mouth from hers and buried his face in her neck. Phoebe swayed. His low laugh washed warm across her ear and she shivered.
    “You temptress,” he breathed. “I understand what Regan sees in you.”
    “Just because I borrowed Heddy's coach doesn't mean I am her,” she said through a gulp of air.
    Kiernan straightened away from her and stared down at her, eyes intense. “I wonder if Regan would believe me if I swore I didn’t know you're his lover." His gaze slid down her body, and she cou ldn't find the will to turn away as his eyes lifted again to her face. "You make testing the theory tempting. In fact—"
    H is fingers tightened on her arms and she realized he intended to test the theory that instant.
    Her head swam. A mental picture rose of Kiernan's large hands on her naked breasts, his mouth—Phoebe managed the presence of mind to tug free of his grasp. “I-I care nothing for what Lord Stoneleigh believes.”
    Kiernan tweaked a lock of her hair. “I think you do, sweetheart.”
    She feared her knees would buckle. By heavens, she had to get away from the man. Despite the shakiness in her legs, Phoebe crossed to the window and stared out at the road leading to the trees in the distance. “What have you done with the prisoners?”
    “Prisoners?” The lazy drawl had returned to his voice.
    Phoebe turned. “You freed them, didn't you?” But he had said as much a moment ago. He'd been in a rage when Robbie threatened to shoot her, then he had let them go. Why? “You have made yourself a conspirator to an assassination attempt,”