The Laird of Stonehaven by Connie Mason Read Free Book Online Page A

washbowl. She watched in awe as his corded muscles flexed and relaxed with movement. Her fists clenched against the urge to run her hands over his smooth flesh, to feel his muscles tense beneath her touch.
    “Is there something you want, Blair?”
    Blair started violently. Did he have eyes in the back of his head? Drying his dripping head with a towel, he turned to face her.
    “How did you know?” Blair asked.
    “Training. I’ve learned to sense when someone is sneaking up behind me. It’s saved my life a time or two.”
    Blair’s shoulders stiffened. “I wasna sneaking up on you. I merely wanted to see where the door led.”
    “I told you your chamber was part of the master’s chambers. “It’s customary for the laird and his lady to share sleeping arrangements.”
    “But we’re not . . . I mean, we agreed . . .”
    “We must keep up appearances, Blair. Should your brother learn you’re still virginal, he’ll declare our marriage invalid and force you to wed another. Is that what you want?”
    “Nay.”
    “Then let me do what I think best where you’re concerned. I admit I want you in my bed, but I willna take you unless you give me leave.”
    “I canna,” she said, backing away. “Thank you for honoring my request.”
    He reached for her and brought her against him. “ ’Tisna going to be easy, lass. A man needs a woman in his bed. You’re my wife—I shouldna have to look elsewhere for my pleasure.”
    His expression was dark, his blue eyes grave as his hands tightened on her shoulders. “Forget this nonsense about being a Faery Woman and let me make you a real woman.”
    She wasn’t expecting his kiss, so she had no time to fortify her resistance. Rising up on her toes, she melted against him, her mouth soft and pliant against his. Kissing Graeme was like nothing she had ever experienced. His taste and scent were unique. She could happily drown in his kisses. She felt him edging her toward the bed and realized that she was dangerously close to surrendering her powers for a few moments of physical pleasure.
    She shoved against his chest, and his arms fell away. “You’re a foolish woman, Blair Campbell. Even if you had the powers you claim, I forbid you to use them at Stonehaven. You’re denying both of us for something that will be of no use to you as long as you remain my wife.”
    “Do you forbid me to use my knowledge of healing to help your kinsmen?”
    “Nay, you know better than that. I prize your healing skills. I’m referring to those magic powers you claim. While I dinna believe in such things, my kinsmen are more gullible than I am. They’ll be watching you for signs of witchcraft whether you practice it or not.”
    She recoiled as if struck. “I am not a witch, but I dinna deny being a Faery Woman. Believe me when I say I willna harm your kinsmen.”
    “Return to your chamber,” Graeme ordered gruffly. “It wouldna take much to forget the promise I made to you and make you my wife in every way. Heed me well, lass. Stay out of my way if you wish to remain untouched.”
    Blair turned and fled. She had seen the dark aura surrounding him, and an angry Graeme was more than she could presently handle. It was going to be difficult to live the rest of her life with a man she wanted but could not have.
    Graeme needed a woman. If his virginal wife wouldn’t give him what he needed, then he would damn well find it elsewhere. Glenda slept on the third floor with the other servants and was always willing to accommodate him. All he had to do was summon her and she would come to him. He strode to the door to fetch her, then came to an abrupt halt.
    Damn Blair! His father had never broken his marriage vows during all the years of his marriage; and Graeme resented the fact that Blair was forcing him to be less honorable. Blair wasn’t the woman he would have chosen to wed, but the choice had not been his to make. One conversation with a dying man had turned his life upside down and gained