Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks Read Free Book Online

lacking in the area of insults,” Keeley said dryly.
    “I was trying to be circumspect,” Rionna muttered.
    “I assume you were referring to your new husband?”
    Rionna sighed. “It’s never going to work, Keeley. I look at you and Alaric. I see how Ewan is with Mairin. And then I look at Caelen.”
    Keeley’s face filled with sadness and worry. “Do you think you’ll be so very unhappy?”
    Rionna felt immediate guilt. Here Keeley lay recovering from a terrible injury. She’d married the man Rionna was supposed to marry and she likely felt horrible that Rionna was unhappy.
    “ ’Tis the truth I’d be miserable with either McCabe, so you needn’t feel guilty for marrying Alaric. At least one of us is happy and I’m delirious with joy that you have someone who loves you so very dearly.”
    “How was last night?” Keeley asked carefully.
    Rionna’s eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t know. The last thing I remember is standing by your window. I woke up next to Caelen in naught but my underdress. Surely it couldn’t be so bad if I don’t even remember it?”
    “You say you were still dressed?”
    “Aye, well, I wasn’t completely naked if that’s what you’re asking.”
    Keeley giggled. “Nothing happened, Rionna. He didn’t bed you. You were passed out in the chair over there. He came in, picked you up, and carried you out. He must have undressed you and put you to bed.”
    Rionna gave a mournful sigh and her shoulders slumped. “ ’Tis the truth I’d hoped it was over and done with. Now I have to dread the deed all over again.”
    Keeley patted Rionna on the hand. “You worry over much. ’Tis naught but a pinch and then it feels very nice.”
    Rionna wasn’t convinced but she wasn’t going to argue.
    “Now tell me why you suddenly have such a generous … bosom.”
    Rionna rolled her eyes. “I’ve always bound them. ’Tis the truth that when I began to grow more womanly, my breasts got way ahead of the rest of me. I can’t wield a sword and dodge and be quick when I have these things bouncing at my chest. ’Tis obscene, to borrow Caelen’s word.”
    Keeley gasped. “He said that?”
    “He muttered something about covering myself and mentioned the word obscene . I’m inclined to agree with him.”
    “You’re right. He’s a dolt.”
    Rionna grinned and then sighed. “ ’Tis the truth this dress is driving me daft. I’m going to go change and maybe take in some fresh air. The walls of the keep are closing in on me.”
    “You always were more comfortable outside,” Keeley said with a smile. “Go then. I’ll not tell Caelen I’ve seen you if he asks.”
    Rionna leaned forward to kiss Keeley’s cheek. It was on the tip of her tongue to relate all that had been said below about Alaric being the new laird, but she wouldn’t ruin the news for Alaric. ’Twas the truth the new couple needed all the good moments they could manage. They’d been through hell already.
    “I’ll come to see you later. Rest now, sister of my heart.”
    Keeley shot her a mischievous grin. “When you return, I’ll tell you all I’ve learned about matters of the flesh. ’Tis the truth you can tame the gruffest of men with a few touches and a most inventive use of your mouth.”
    Rionna’s face burst into flames. She clapped her hands over her ears with a groan.
    Keeley leaned back into the pillows and smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here, Rionna. I missed you so.”
    “I missed you, too.”
    Rionna hurried down the hall to her chamber where she all but tore the frothy confection of a gown from her body. She embraced her anger because the alternative wasn’t bearable. What she really wanted was to curl into a ball on the bed and shut out her humiliation.
    It was stupid of her to allow Maddie to interfere. Playing dress up was for beautiful women who knew all the social niceties. How to talk. How to walk. How to be quiet and deferential. All the things Rionna wasn’t.
    All Rionna had accomplished was