Highland Hearts 03 - Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum Read Free Book Online Page B

dance. His mother had taught him a few steps so he could join in at weddings, though it had been some time since Jonet had wedded the pirate, Will Wyatt. He’d managed to avoid such festive events since.
    Stepping forward, Elena and he almost touched, but then they backed up and turned to weave down the line one space while the couple to their right wove up the line. The minstrels kept the dancers moving quickly and skirts belled out with each turn.
    Elena laughed and raised her eyebrows as if pleasantly surprised that he could keep up. She spun in a fanciful turn, her hands clutching her full skirts. She was light on her feet, a graceful sway to her arms and hips. One more turn and they came together, but this time, Searc didn’t let her step away. Instead he kept her lush body up against his, and swept her back out of the line. The brush of her soft form against his chest thrummed through him. Och, why couldn’t she be a simple, lonely widow? He waited for her to pull back, but she stilled, her face lifted to his.
    “You’ve misstepped.” Her lips remained parted as she breathed. Lightly arched brows gathered and relaxed, a questioning smile made her even more delectable.
    “I’m a warrior, not a dancer.” And who are you? But the question melted away from his mind as her mouth tilted up even more and her small hand steadied herself on his upper arm. Had the wine made her tipsy? “I know. Thank you.” She rocked forward onto the toes of her slippers to press a quick kiss to his lips.
    The jolt of sensation at that simple touch ricocheted through Searc. So soft, so fresh. Before she could retreat, he caught her up, tilting her face to deepen the kiss. Warm and timid turned to hot and lush in the flash of a heartbeat until his damned discipline took over and he gently righted her.
    Her long lashes flicked open as she stepped back.
    “Ye’re welcome.” His face relaxed into a half grin.
    Lips parted, cheeks flushed, absolutely devourable. He looked away so as not to scoop her back up for another taste. He placed her fingers back on his arm. Bloody good thing he wore a kilt else he’d embarrass the lass further. He grabbed up his tankard. What had come over him? He was supposed to be prompting her to reveal herself. The wind shifted and Elena’s rose-scent reminded him just what had muddled his mind. Honey ale, roses, and a warm lass. A very bad combination.
    Elena still hadn’t spoken. Perhaps he should apologize. Just as he turned to her, someone bumped against his arm. Glancing down at the buxom girl, he recognized her as one of the serving women. She smiled up at him with half hooded eyes, her bosom plumped upward to the limits of her neckline.
    “Pardon me.” Her voice slid seductively from her rouged lips. She smiled at Elena too, a seductive smile, one that innocent Elena would know nothing about.
    “No harm, lass.” He backed up.
    “’Tis a shame, that,” the woman said and winked. “Perhaps I would like some harm done to me.”
    Elena’s eyes snapped with annoyance as she replied. “That could be arranged.”
    The woman smiled invitingly, her painted eyes going between the two of them, very much misunderstanding Elena’s statement. The woman actually thought Elena might welcome her into their bed, not that he was in Elena’s bed.
    “Oh,” the woman purred, and Searc could smell the whisky on her breath. “What type of harm would a lovely like ye have in mind? Something hopefully involving this big man of yours. I’d say he’s man enough for two of us to share.”
    Elena blinked, her face turning scarlet as she finally caught on. She leveled a hard look directly into the woman’s eyes. “Harm? I can hit a target at fifty paces, even when she’s running away.” Elena’s voice was so smooth and aristocratic that Searc wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly. It seemed neither did the drunken woman. She stared in confusion for a moment and then turned to sway back across the