Tempted by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham Read Free Book Online Page B

safekeeping.
    Callum followed them down the stairs, still feeling the effects
of the potion from the night before. He settled his mind to the task ahead,
though he didn’t know if it was a small raid or a larger force.
    Nairna led them outside to the place where she’d seen the
torches. Though it was now dawn, the faint light wasn’t enough to determine how
many men threatened Glen Arrin. While his brothers and Nairna climbed up to the
top of the gatehouse, Callum stayed below, beside the gate. He studied the
opposite side, wondering what had happened to the lights on the far end of the
fortress.
    Then the sun gleamed over the hills, revealing the glint of
chainmail armour. They were outnumbered, perhaps three to one. Callum didn’t
doubt that both Cairnross and Harkirk were allied in this attack.
    The only question was how many of his clan would survive
it.
    * * *
    Marguerite followed Laren to warn the rest of the clan.
The chief’s wife looked terrified, but she explained what was happening. One by
one, they gathered the women and children, leading them back to the tower.
    ‘We’ll bring them underground,’ Laren explained. ‘We’ve taken
shelter there before.’
    Marguerite picked up Laren’s youngest daughter Adaira and
started towards the keep. When she glanced behind to be sure that no women or
children were left, she saw Callum approaching.
    He walked slowly. In his eyes, she saw the grim look of a man
who was about to fight. Seeing his ruthless determination made her heartbeat
quicken, for he wouldn’t hesitate to shed enemy blood to protect them.
Marguerite set the child down, then hung back from the others, waiting for
him.
    Callum stopped walking a moment, his eyes passing over her.
From the top of her veil, over her face and down her body, it was as if he
needed to assure himself that she was all right.
    ‘Did you sleep at all?’ she asked, feeling self-conscious from
the look in his eyes. He gave a slight nod, then sent her a questioning look as
if to ask the same.
    She shrugged. ‘A little. I was worried about you.’
    Callum took her hand and led her behind one of the small homes.
She didn’t understand what he wanted, but Laren and Nairna were guiding the rest
of the women and children inside the keep.
    Her pulse beat against her throat as he slowly pressed her back
against the wall. With his hands, he touched her veil, moving down the sides of
her face as if he were trying to memorise her features. Marguerite saw the
promise in his eyes, of a man who would lay down his life for hers. An aching
fear clenched within her, for she didn’t know what lay ahead.
    Though he was strong, he’d been badly wounded and shouldn’t be
fighting so soon after his rescue. Yet, in his eyes she saw the steady resolve.
Callum wasn’t a man who would stand aside while his family was in danger.
    ‘Will you be all right?’ she whispered, touching his
shoulders.
    His answer was to lean in, stealing a kiss. It was as if he
drew strength from her, needing this one last touch. His mouth was gentle upon
hers, unravelling the edges of her heart. There was no reason to kiss this man,
nor give him any reason to think that they could stay together. Once her father
came for her, she would have to go with the Duc and marry a man of his
choosing.
    But as she surrendered to Callum’s kiss, answering his need
with her own, she refused to feel any guilt for it. He had endured so much,
remaining strong in the face of suffering. Knowing that he wanted her, and that
she felt the same answering desire, was enough for now. Either of them could die
today.
    When he pulled her into an embrace, she felt the quiet
assurance of his protection. He wouldn’t leave her, no matter how dire the
circumstances. Marguerite took a deep breath. ‘We should join the other women
and children. They’ll need you to help guard them.’
    He took her hand and led her forward, his gaze searching the
perimeter for any threat. When they caught up to the