The Parchment Scroll by C. A. Szarek Read Free Book Online Page B

eyes at herself.
    Knock it off. He’s still your kidnapper.
    Hugh relaxed in the chair and grunted.
    Mab clapped her gnarled hands. “’Tis settled then. Juliette is our guest.”
    He said nothing, but his eyes spoke volumes. Hugh disagreed with his aunt’s take on things.
    Jules fought the urge to gulp.
    What does that mean for me?
     
* * * *
     
    The door was thrown open, and Hugh didn’t pause to catch it before it slammed into the wall. He said nothing as he shoved it shut moments later.
    The thud made Jules jump.
    He prowled toward her, those big shoulders swaying as he went. He moved with grace for a guy his size, and his appeal was undeniable.
    She had to swallow hard, then screamed at herself for it. Jules shifted her weight from foot to foot, unable to dart away as she should.
    Her barbarian stopped a few feet from her, still silent as he appraised her. His long dark locks were wet and his clothing fresh. No sword was belted to his waist, either.
    Sandalwood and peat tickled her nose. Hugh must have bathed.
    Awareness crackled in the air between them and Jules felt naked, despite the yards of fabric that made up the chemise Mab had given her. It was thick and off-white, with a high neckline and long puffy sleeves all the way to her wrists. It fell to her feet, too, so there was no way he could see any of her body. She had nothing beneath it, since underwear was pretty scarce in the seventeenth century. Hugh would know that.
    The gown was heavy and hot; she was already starting to sweat, despite the bath she’d had.
    Hugh closed the distance been them, still saying nothing. He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled Jules close.
    “What are you doing?” The words were supposed to be a demand, but left her lips as a breathless whisper that made her curse herself to hell and back.
    Those dark eyes bored into hers, and her mouth went dry. She couldn’t tug out of his arms. Could feel his heart beating steadily against hers.
    His mouth crashed down on hers, and she moved into him instead of away. When Hugh slanted for a deeper kiss, she met his tongue with hers. Warmth spread across her chest, slid down her belly and settled between her legs. Her sex bloomed, yet he hadn’t touched her anywhere near there.
    Big hands slipped down her back, cupping her bottom. He pinned her to his chest when her thighs quivered, and it was a damn good thing, because Jules was melting. She’d be a puddle at his feet in moments.
    All she could do was cling to him and kiss him back. He plundered her mouth, his tongue shoving against hers, pushing, and rubbing. Battling as if they were dueling.
    Hugh kissed her until tingles darted all over her body, and Jules was a shivering mess of desire. Every place with a nerve ending throbbed for more. He was on the same page, if the hardness pressing into her stomach was any indication.
    She rested her palms against his hard pecs, her head spinning as their mouths moved together. Since when was she turned on by a kiss? Was this a dream?
    Wait.
    This is no dream.
    Sense started to descend, pushing the foolishness out of her brain. Hazy passion faded as she fought for coherent thought.
    Hugh MacDonald is kissing me.
    Jules gasped and yanked away from him.
    Barbarian.
    Kidnapper.
    She panted, bending at the waist and grabbing her knees so she wouldn’t tumble to her ass. “Don’t—”she had to clear her throat, “do that again.”
    His smile was slow and sexy— damn him. “Ye werena complainin’ a few minutes ago.” His lips were swollen and flushed red from hers and she couldn’t look away.
    Jules straightened and growled. “Don’t touch me again. You won’t like what happens.”
    “Oh aye? On tha contrary, I’d verra much like ta know.” He took a step forward and reached for her, but Jules slid back, extending her arm.
    “I’ll kick you in the balls, for starters.”
    Hugh threw his head back and laughed. “Nay, lass. You wouldna.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “Try