Read Online To Kiss A Kilted Warrior by Rowan Keats - Free Book Online Page A

desire,” she continued in her usual forthright way. “What stops you from acting on it?”
    “Morag,” he continued.
    “Is it my ill repute?”
    He shot her a hard look. “I do not let others choose my companions.”
    “Is it a religious choice, then? Do you think my body unclean?”
    “Don’t be foolish,” he snapped. “You are a beautiful woman. Any man would be honored to share your bed.”
    “Then why do you spurn me?”
    They finally arrived at the headland that overlooked the Firth of Forth, and Wulf steered thecart to the left, heading toward the simple wooden frames that offered cover for waiting pilgrims. When the cart was halted, he laid the reins on the seat beside him and faced Morag squarely.
    “I do not spurn you,” he said firmly. “An honorable man does not tread lightly with his intent.”
    “What role does honor play in this?” she asked dryly. “I am not the woman you will wed.”
    “Why not?”
    “You cannot present a woman branded as a harlot as the new mother to your son,” she said quietly. “He would be shamed.”
    He stared at her. “A man cannot be shamed by the actions of others. Only his own.”
    She sighed and shook her head. “I know the way of the world. What we have will soon come to an end. Why can we not simply enjoy our nights together?”
    Wulf cupped her chin in his hand. Her skin was cool and delicate. “Have faith, lass. I will not treat you ill.”
    She smiled and covered his hand with hers. “My faith in you has never been in question.”
    Her words rang with sincerity, but the sadness in her eyes robbed the moment of any pleasure. All faith aside, it was clear she did not believe they had a future together. And he could not offer a credible argument that would prove her wrong. Until he regained his memories and his life, sucha future was impossible. All he offered was the danger of faceless assailants.
    He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. Her skin was petal soft, her feminine scent a lure so strong it brought a sweet ache to his chest. But he did not succumb. He ended the kiss quickly and pulled back. “When the moment is right, we will be together. Not before.”
    Then he dismounted the cart and offered a hand to Morag. She eyed his hand for a long moment, clearly debating whether to accept his aid. In the end, she slid her fingers into his palm and took advantage of his strength to descend. Practicality over stubbornness.
    “Don’t mistake this for the end of our discussion,” she said once she had both feet planted firmly on the ground. Her brat had fallen off one shoulder, taunting him with a glimpse of the pale skin that dipped into the neckline of her gown. “I am a woman of great purpose when need be.”
    A smile rose to his lips. “True words indeed.”
    Annoyed that he saw through her ploy so easily, she tugged her hand free of his and tightened her brat. “Get on with you. Find us a place to lay our heads for the night.”
    “For you, lass,” he said gently, “anything.”
    *   *   *
    Crossing the firth was uneventful. The winds were mild and the waves low. Although she peered intothe depths with great intensity, Morag saw nothing of the selkies rumored to inhabit the waters. She and Wulf were soon back in the cart and on the last leg of the journey to Edinburgh. Her excitement over the trip had worn thin after so many hours riding in the cart, and with the rhythmic rocking, Morag found her eyes drifting shut.
    “Lass, wake up.”
    The warm pillow beneath her head moved a bit, encouraging her to wake. “Hmm?”
    “Look up,” Wulf murmured in her ear.
    Morag pushed away from his shoulder and sat up. “What is it?”
    He pointed. “Edinburgh Castle.”
    Her gaze tilted up, following his finger. High above them on a massive rock outcrop stood a mighty stone fortress. Dark stone against a pale gray sky. It was an awe-inspiring sight, and her heart beat heavily as she gazed upon the formidable walls. “Is that the