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

heat roaring through him.
    “I just did,” she told him. “I wouldn’t have sought you out otherwise.”
    “My lady, I am wounded.” Roag clapped a hand to his chest, trying to look grieved. “I’d hoped you’d come to beg more of my kisses.”
    She stared at him. “You are mad.”
    “Aye, so I am.” He’d not deny it.
    He just wasn’t of a mind to say why. He never would’ve believed such a difficult lass could intrigue him. Indeed, he couldn’t think of any he knew who’d possess the boldness to challenge him—especially after he’d kissed her so soundly.
    Regrettably, she wore her ire well.
    Her emerald eyes shone like jewels and high color stained her cheeks, while her wild dash up the cliff pathhad tangled her hair, letting the flame-bright tresses appear as they might if she’d just been bedded.
    And that was a direction he didn’t care for his thoughts to go. If they did, he’d be sorely tempted to seize her again, crushing her to him so he could plunder her lips once more, taste her sweetness.
    What had come over him?
    He didn’t know, or want to.
    So he stepped back from her and crossed his arms, annoyed that her lovely lavender scent wafted around him, worsening his desire.
    She narrowed her eyes, studying him as if she could see right into him. “Whether you are crazed or not, I would speak with you.”
    “Can we no’ do so at the table?” He didn’t need to stand here with her, the play of torchlight and shadow only making her all the more beautiful. Conn lapping up every word, clearly amused.
    Roag shot him a glare, hoping he’d saunter off. But he only leaned back against a stone pillar, looking much too interested to leave.
    “See here, Lady Gillian,” Roag couldn’t keep the edge out of his voice. “It was a hard journey and I’m hungry. That roasted venison—”
    “I’d have words with you now, before you join my father.” She held his gaze, her voice strong. “What I have to say ought not be heard by anyone else.”
    She turned a look on Conn, apparently having more power over him than Roag, for the big man pushed away from the pillar, shrugged, and then strode away, disappearing into the smoky murk of the hall.
    “So now we are alone, my lady.” Roag waited, watchingher carefully. Everything about her warned he didn’t want to hear her pronouncement.
    He glanced out over the hall, made a sweeping gesture. “There is nae one near. Leastways no’ close enough to catch your words.”
    “Perhaps not, but there are too many eyes.”
    “You should’ve thought of that before you sailed here with half your clan.”
    “You said everyone has reasons for what they do.” She returned his earlier words. “Perhaps I had my own for coming here.”
    “And they weren’t to welcome your long-lost betrothed?” Roag already knew the answer.
    “They were not, no.” She didn’t lie.
    “Then I am most eager to hear them.” He wasn’t at all.
    “I shall present them to you after the feasting.” She held his gaze, her tone cool and calm, confident. “You can come to me in the room off the stair’s first landing. It’s been readied as my sleeping quarters.”
    Roag almost choked. “I dinnae think that’s wise.”
    He wasn’t about to tell her why.
    “I disagree,” she said, not surprising him at all. “My bedchamber is the only place I can be sure my father or brothers won’t disturb us.”
    Roag shook his head. “I’m thinking you should tell me whate’er troubles you, here and now.”
    “That isn’t possible.” Annoyance flickered across her features. “You don’t understand my intent.”
    “Then explain yourself better.”
    “As you wish.” She lifted her gaze to his. “I wish to make you an offer. Doing so requires revealing treasures I can only show you behind closed doors.”

Chapter Seven

    M ercy, had she lost her wits?
    Had she truly asked him to her sleeping quarters? Aye, she had, and she suspected she’d sorely regret it—necessary as it