His Heart's Desire by Kristi Ahlers Read Free Book Online Page B

they could take their sweet time. No one else knew she was here except Elspeth, and Catrìona doubted she’d come and check on her. Shoot! She was being exactly the kind of woman she despised in romance novels. A too-stupid-to-live flake who didn’t ensure her own safety as she bol dly walked into a vipers’ nest.
    “I warn you; people know I’m here. If I don’t return, they’ll call the police.”
    “We aren’t going to hurt you, Catrìona.” Mystery man held his hands out to his side. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Braden came closer.
    Was it warm, or was it just her? She wasn’t reacting very well to her situation. Not well at all. Part of her was thrilled he was here, and another part of her was terrified. She took another deep breath in an attempt to calm down, but instead of this working for her, the room began to spin.
    “I think t he lass is breathing too fast.”
    A ringing took place in her ears. Was she hyperventilating? She’d never done that before. Maybe she should have had something to eat before coming tonight. Her sto mach was growing very nauseous.
    “She’s going to fall over any minute, Braden.”
    Who was that man who kept talking? She wasn’t going to fall over. She’d never fainted in her life. And Cat had every intention of telling him that. After she fainted, that is.
     
     

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Braden dashed the short distance across his bedchamber and caught Catrìona in his arms before she hit the stone floor. He held her close, relishing her weight against him. Bending, he placed his lips against her forehead. “Ah, lass.”
    “That went well.” Alec moved around the room lifting things and putting them back down.
    “Will you be quiet?” Braden gently placed his precious armful down on his old bed. He brushed the hair off her face and sat beside her on the mattress then looked over his shoulder. “I imagine seeing the two of us was quite a shock. Go and see if you can find me some water.”
    “You think?” Alec blew out the candles that Catrìona had lit.
    “What I think is you have adopted a strange way of talking.”
    “It’s sarcasm. I learned by watching television. Digital cable is what they call it. A wonderful invention!”
    Braden clenched his jaw, something he’d been doing a great deal of in the last few weeks. “You think?”
    Alec laughed. “Ah, you’re learning. I think we will blend into this new century with few problems. I look forward to finding me a wench and having her introduce me to all the wonders this time period has to offer.”
    Braden closed his eyes. “God help us.”
    The pallor of Catrìona’s skin concerned him, and he wished there was some way to soften the shock of his and Alec’s arrival. Alec could be a shock to the syst em even when he was expected.
    Braden stood and moved about his old chamber. His favorite chair sat beside the hearth. He raised the lid on his chest, which still rested against the wall. Inside he found several plaids, his brooch, and several of his small knives. Little had changed in the centuries that had passed. For whatever reason, he was pleased that his possessions had been cared for.
    “We need to find garments and food,” Alec grumbled from across the room. “I’m hungry.”
    “You’re always hungry.”
    “Aye.”
    “My first concern is not your belly. It’s Catrìona. I fear that performing the ceremony taxed her more than she thought it would.”
    “Very well. You stay here and play nursemaid. I will go and seek food.”
    Braden took his eyes off Catrìona. “Take care not to frighten anyone else, Alec. This is a new world and even your cocky nature might not be enough to ease your way.” Before Alec could leave, Braden called out, “And don’t forget to seek out water.”
    “I’ll be back anon with food and water.” The door closed behind Alec with a quiet snick.
    Braden moved a brace of candles closer to the bed and resumed his seat beside his lass. “Wake up,