Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) by Kara Griffin Read Free Book Online

thrilled that he wanted her, so
very thrilled.
    Douglas laughed behind her.
    She swaggered to the door, her hair
swinging behind her. Had he pulled her hair free? Had she been so lost in the
kiss that she didn’t recall him pulling it free? Hell if she knew.
    “You enjoyed it,” he yelled. “Ye
cannot tell me otherwise.”
    Before Isabel walked through the
door, she turned and declared, “Like hell I did.”
    Isabel heard his laughter outside
the stable. She noted several men who sat on their horses awaiting Douglas. They
had smiles on their faces. Had they seen their kiss? They couldn’t have seen
inside the darkened stable. The grim fellow motioned for her to approach, but
Isabel was wary of him, and she shook her head. She heard him chuckle.
    She couldn’t believe she’d let
Douglas kiss her so blatantly, and even worse, she’d cursed in his presence. So
much for presenting a ladylike demeanor. She needed to find Father Georges, and
confess the many sins she’d committed since yesterday. Oh, Lord above, help her
to remember them all. Candace came outside, and Isabel walked to her. Isabel
didn’t want to say farewell. If only …
    “Issy, I’m afeared. I want to stay
here with you.”
    Isabel noticed her pull at the
sleeve of her gown, and tried to comfort her. “I know, but be brave, my friend.
All shall be well. He’s your brother, you’ll be safe.”
    “Will I?”
    “Of course you will, just look at
their size. Now, remember our agreement?”
    “Aye, I’ll send for you, I
promise.”
    “I’ll come when I get word.” Isabel
tried to reassure her.
    Candace tugged her sleeve again. “You’re
fortunate your father doesn’t marry you off.”
    “I wish he would. It could be the
only way to avoid Nigel’s attempts to …”
    “I know how worried ye are. If he
bothers you, write me, and I’ll send Douglas sooner,” Candace whispered, as she
walked to her horse.
    “I shall. Farewell, my friend.” She
wrapped her arms around her friend, knowing she would see her again. “I do love
you.”
    Candace sniffed and hid her tears.
    Isabel smiled at her friend. If
only Candace knew where her thoughts were. She found herself attracted to
Douglas. Secretly, she hoped someday she’d find herself married to such a man, but
she shook her head. He wasn’t meant for her, but she could dream. His dark
looks made her feel excitement which she’d never felt. The man certainly knew
how to weaken a woman. God help her, his kiss had definitely weakened her. She
hadn’t revealed any of those secrets to Candace.
    When next she saw him, he’d
probably be married. Mayhap he was already wed? That thought dampened her
spirit. She might as well give up on any dream of pursuing him. Judging by the
way he’d pulled back from her, he didn’t seem as though he wanted to be
pursued. Still, she would visit Candace, and when she did, she would discover
if he was married. If he wasn’t, then she would use her skills to wile him. She
would have to give it more thought.
    Isabel stood close to the horses,
hoping to reassure Candace that she’d be safe. She heard Douglas talking to
Brendan, not far from where she stood on the opposite side of her friend’s
horse.
    Brendan moved his horse close to
Douglas’ and nodded. “She’s so bonny, I cannot take my eyes from her either.” His
face looked stern, not showing any amusement.
    Douglas grinned. “Aye, I must admit
that she is.”
    “Why don’t you take her then? I
know ye want to.”
    “Nay, I must get home, Brendan,
before he … dies. I don’t have time for such nonsense.”
    “You’ll regret it.”
    “I all ready do,” Douglas replied
grimly, and to Candace, he said, “We must go.”
    “Aye, Douglas, I’m coming.”
    Isabel smiled, hearing their words.
Happiness burst inside her. Candace looked at her oddly.
    “Be brave, Candace, I’ll be
thinking of ye.”
    She blushed when she looked at Douglas,
who continued to gaze at her. He shook his head, while