Highland Barbarian (Highlander Series) by Ruth Ryan Langan Read Free Book Online

were narrow beneath the bit of cloth tied about his lower torso. She watched as he lifted his head and shook it, sending a spray of water into the air before pressing a linen square to his face. He turned. She studied the mat of dark hair that covered his chest and disappeared below the cloth tied at his waist.
    He caught her watching him. God in heaven, she was lovely. Her dark auburn tresses spilled across the pillow and framed the most beautiful face he’d ever seen. Though she had modestly pulled the bed linens to her chin, he could still recall the lush young body beneath the sheer night shift.
    “I trust you slept well.”
    “Nay.” She avoided his eyes. “I am not accustomed to sharing my bed with a man.”
    She saw the frown on his lips before he turned away and began pulling on his tunic. He did not bother to add that her presence in his bed had cost him more than a little sleep as well. He’d been forced to wage a terrible battle with himself over her.
    The hounds had been sitting, watching Meredith from across the room. Now they began timidly approaching the bed. One by one they pressed their noses to her. And though she told herself they were big ugly brutes, she found herself scratching behind their ears, rubbing their thick coats. Two stayed beside the bed, enjoying her tender ministrations. The others turned away, having satisfied their curiosity about this strange female.
    “Cara has brought your clothes.” Brice indicated the neatly folded pile of garments. “I will leave you to your privacy. We will break our fast as soon as you join us below stairs.”
    Meredith watched as he pulled on his brogues and tossed a length of plaid over his arm. His strange manner of dress, leaving his limbs bare, was appealing to her. The sight of his muscular legs was oddly arousing.
    “Will I dress for traveling?” she called to him.
    He paused in the doorway. The dogs milled about his feet. His tone was sharp. “Where would you be traveling?”
    “Home.” She tossed aside the fur throw and sat up. He caught a glimpse of thigh before she slid the night shift down modestly. “I had hoped that you would return me to my people.”
    “And why would I do that?”
    “Last night you said that I had no part in your plan for revenge.”
    “Aye. But I also told you that now that you are here, you will become the bait.”
    He saw the frown that darkened her features. She clamped her mouth shut on whatever angry words she was about to hurl.
    When the door closed behind him, Meredith sprang from the bed. If he would not take her out of this wilderness, she would find a way to go by herself.
    ~ ~ ~
    Meredith crept down the stairs. In her arms she carried a coarse woolen cloak and a fur throw. Both would be needed for the arduous journey home. She might be forced to wander through these mountain forests for days before finding her way out. She had decided to borrow a few warm things from Brice Campbell’s own closet.
    At the foot of the stairs she paused to listen. Judging by the voices, the refectory was at the far end of a dim hallway. Casting a furtive glance around, she hurried in the opposite direction and pushed open a door. Inside was a cozy room where a fire had already been prepared in the fireplace. There was a large desk and several oversize chairs, as well as a settle draped with fur in front of the fireplace. Atop the desk were books and ledgers.
    Meredith stared around the room with a sense of wonder. This library was even more magnificent than her father’s. Did this mean that Brice Campbell could read? She had thought all the Highlanders, and this man in particular, were vulgar and uneducated.
    Locating a tall armoire she thrust her bounty inside and quietly latched the door. Then she made her way back down the hallway and followed the sound of voices to the refectory.
    She paused outside the door and listened.
    “... to the Borders alone.” It was Brice’s voice, low, calculating.
    “But why can I not