Highland Warrior by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online Page B

it?”
    “Of course, did I nae just say so?”
    “Then we really doona need to do what is expected of us, do we?”
    Reaching over, Ross traced the line of her cheekbone with a finger. “Aye, we do. Your da expects to see the bloody sheet flying from the gallery in the morning.”
    She jerked away. “I will happily cut my finger to provide Da with the proof he needs.” She held out her hand. “Give me your dirk.”
    “Nay, lass, do you take me for a fool? I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.” He sent her a lopsided grin. “Besides, there isna a weapon in the chamber. I had them all removed.”
    “You doona trust me,” Gillian accused.
    “You’ve the right of it, lass.”
    Gillian tried again. “Mayhap you would prefer Seana in your bed.”
    Ross sent her a strange look. “Nay, I wouldna. You are my wife; you are the only woman who belongs in my bed. I doona think you will find the task burdensome.”
    He wound a lock of long red hair about his fist and tugged gently. “Come closer, lass.”
    Gillian had no choice but to obey, for resistance would bring pain. He kept tugging until she was pressed against him, the heat of his skin scorching her.
    “What is this?” he asked, grabbing a handful of material.
    “My shift,” she said defensively.
    “Och, lass, you’ve no need of it.”
    He ripped it down the front, tore it off of her, and tossed it to the floor.
    “Much better,” he said, leaning in for a kiss.

Chapter Four
     
    Ross had just settled into the kiss when he felt a sharp pain and tasted blood. The wildcat had bitten his lip! He reared back, anger pulsing through him. Everything about Gillian was wild and untamed. The thought of subduing that wildness, of bringing it under his control, sent a shaft of desire through his body.
    “Why did you do that?”
    She attempted to shield her bareness from his gaze. “I canna do this. You are the enemy.
    He pushed her hands aside and pinned them above her head. “You can and you will. I am your husband, not your enemy. Our clans are allies now. If becoming allies is good enough for your father and brothers, it should be good enough for you. Doona fight me, lass, for you canna win.”
    Ross’s sensual gaze traversed the length of her body and back. “You have an extraordinary body.” With one hand he drew a finger down her rib cage and felt her muscles contract. He watched her closely, trying to read her expression. Her bottom lip was caught between her teeth; he smiled when he heard the sudden intake of her breath. She wasn’t as unmoved by him as she pretended.
    Ross gently traced his finger down the silken skin of a surprisingly muscular thigh. “One doesna expect to find muscles in a woman,” he murmured.
    “I trained with my brothers,” Gillian replied, trying to squirm away from his touch. “Do you find muscles repulsive?” she asked hopefully.
    “I find naught but your belligerent attitude repulsive, wife. And I intend to change that verra soon.”
    He moved his hand upward, cupping the satiny weight of her breast in his palm and dragging his thumb across her nipple. Gillian closed her eyes and arched upward, as if fighting against Ross’s attempt at arousal.
    When he lowered his head and laved the nipple with the rough pad of his tongue, a raw cry burst from Gillian’s throat. “What are you doing to me?”
    Ross raised his head. “Making love to you, lass. Do you find it enjoyable?”
    “Release my arms. I doona like being confined.”
    Ross didn’t like holding her arms any more than she liked it. He wanted her to touch him. His body ached to be stroked, even though he couldn’t imagine Gillian actually wanting to touch him unless she had a weapon in her hands. Nevertheless, he released her wrists. He preferred loving her with both hands anyway.
    Immediately Gillian raised a fist to him.
    “Doona do it, Gillian,” Ross warned. “I doona want to hurt you.”
    His mouth, now just inches from her lips, lowered. This time