Read Online To Desire a Highlander by Sue-Ellen Welfonder - Free Book Online Page A

gut.
    Over the years, his instinct had saved his neck many a time.
    He also couldn’t ignore the chill swirling around him. He cast another glance at Lady Gillian’s dog, sleeping soundly, and alone, before the hearth fire. Of the wee bogle there was no sign. Even so, gooseflesh rose on his nape. An eerie silence filled the hall, a stillness he’d wager only he heard. Outside, a damp mist descended, likely causing the gloom. The day was just turning colder and darker.
    The hall—his now, he daren’t forget—was clean and warm, the murkiness chased by torchlight.
    Roag rubbed the back of his neck, relieved when his ill ease began to lessen. The bustle and din of the hall resumed; the odd stillness no more. Unfortunately, one sound stood out above the mutter of low voices, the scraping of benches, the clatter of ale cups and eating knives. It was the unmistakable lightness of a female’s footsteps, and there could be no question of her identity.
    “Some might say you’re a lucky man, Donell .” Conn’s expression lightened, the appreciation in his eyes confirming the lass’s approach.
    Steeling himself, Roag turned to face her. She was coming right toward him, her back as straight as if she’d swallowed a sword, her shoulders squared, primed for a fight. Her flame-bright hair glistened in the torchlight and a becoming flush stained her high cheekbones. Her great emerald eyes flashed, sparkling like jewels.
    Agitation became her.
    But her determined stride warned of another troublesome encounter.
    Just to bedevil her, Roag gave her his darkest, most wicked grin.
    “My lady, can it be you yearn for my nearness?” He took her hand when she reached him, pressed a kiss to her palm. “I am flattered. I didnae expect such devotion.”
    “You surprise me as well.” She snatched her hand from his grasp, her chin rising. “Your men”—she flashed a chilly look at Conn—“appear equally ill-mannered. I wouldn’t have believed it, but the years away have lessened your appeal. I dislike you now even more than before.”
    Conn turned aside, disguising his chuckle behind a cough.
    Roag kept grinning, silently cursing Donell MacDonnell for inadvertently tying him to such a spitfire. “Then I shall enjoy the pleasure of wooing you anew,” he promised, secretly admiring her nerve when she glared at him through narrowed eyes. “I’m right fond of challenges.”
    “He is that, fair lady.” Conn made her a gallant bow, not at all perturbed when she ignored him, her gaze remaining on Roag.
    “I know well what he is,” she returned, the color on her cheeks deepening.
    “And I thought you’d be enjoying your father’s fine fare about now.” Roag did his best not to notice the creamy skin displayed above the deep cut of her gown’s bodice. Much as he enjoying riling her, his duties here would be better served if he placated her, keeping her and her family unsuspicious until they sailed away on the morrow.
    Never, he hoped, to be seen again.
    To that end, he nodded appreciatively toward the high table. “Are you no’ hungry?”
    “No.” She angled her chin. “For some reason, my appetite has fled.”
    “A pity, that.” Roag assumed a look of sympathy, secretly amused when she matched it with a glare. “Your father has laid out quite a feast, but then he’s known for his openhandedness.”
    “My father has a reason for all he does.”
    “So does everyone.” Roag let his gaze roam over her, from head to toe and back again. Another quick smile came to his lips when she stood straighter. Her high-spiritedness fascinated him.
    He’d never cared for timid women.
    He could see this one writhing beneath him, her legs locked around him and her nails scoring his back. Her sweet, husky voice crying her pleasure…
    “Speak plain, lass.” He pushed the thought from his mind, not wanting to imagine her spent in his arms, her lush nakedness hot, smooth, and slicked by sweat.
    He failed miserably, a rush of intense