The Viper by Monica Mccarty, Mccarty Read Free Book Online Page A

was almost over--thank God! He couldn't wait to have this job behind him.
    The past two days had been hell, and Bella MacDuff was his own personal demon. He wished he could say it was because she was a pain in the arse: making unrealistic demands, criticizing, or otherwise complaining about their situation.
    But he couldn't.
    Actually, he was forced to admit that she'd adapted quite well to their less-than-luxurious accommodations. Most noblewomen he knew would have sat on a rock and expected to be waited on when not bemoaning their wretched fate. But the proud little countess had taken it upon herself to sweep out the cave, dust off the spiderwebs, and wash their meager eating supplies, offering to help--MacKay, that is, not him--whenever she could.
    She might look soft and vulnerable on the outside, but she had spirit. Bold, strong, and proud, he suspected there was very little that would defeat Bella MacDuff. Hell, with what she was about to do, she was going to need that strength.
    It wasn't a shrewish or demanding personality that set him on edge. What set him on edge was his own damned reaction to her. One glimpse of those substantial curves, one word from that sensual mouth, or one sniff of that sweet feminine scent and he was hit with a bolt of lust that was getting harder and harder to ignore.
    The cave was too bloody small. He'd made the mistake of bumping into her once and nearly jumped out of his damned skin.
    She might despise him, but his cock didn't care. The weakness infuriated him. It was as if eight years of control had caught up with him all at once.
    He steeled himself for entering the cave and was about to give the whistle that indicated his approach, when a tinkle of laughter stopped him in his tracks.
    The soft, husky sound floated through the darkness, shimmering over his skin like a hot caress, setting his nerve endings on edge. Every muscle in his body went rigid. His hands fisted at his side as he fought to cool the surge of heat that had become almost reflexive when he got within fifty feet of her.
    "This is delicious," he heard her say.
    Even her voice was seductive. Smooth and soft as warm cream.
    MacKay mumbled some reply, and Lachlan felt his anger spike, imagining the fierce warrior preening under her praise.
    He took a few more steps toward the cave, enabling him to get a glimpse inside. The soft cascade of blond waves falling down her back caught the light in a golden glow. He could imagine it pouring over his skin like a warm satin veil. He wanted to dig his fingers through it. Rub his face in it. Inhale the deep, fragrant scent.
    Hell . The cold burn was beckoning. Again.
    "Who could have imagined that raw fish could be so delicious?" She used her dainty fingers to pick up another chunk from the plate MacKay had fashioned from a piece of wood plank. Considerate bastard. "What is this sauce that you've put on it?"
    MacKay's mouth curved, and Lachlan felt his fists clench even tighter. "It's just some herbs and a bit of wine."
    "And you found all this nearby? You are a man of most useful skills, Magnus MacKay."
    Lachlan felt a hard spike of irritation. MacKay picked a few herbs and she lavished praise on him as if he'd turned water into wine. Whereas Lachlan had spent hours--days--in the rain ensuring that no one approached to kill them, and all he got was a few angry glares when she was forced to acknowledge his existence.
    He didn't like this dark feeling simmering inside him. A feeling that made him want to slam his fist into MacKay's formidable jaw for no reason.
    There was nothing improper about their behavior. She just seemed to genuinely like the big Highlander, which was in stark contrast to the loathing she felt for him.
    Being loathed was nothing new, so why was it bothering him now?
    MacKay shrugged, obviously embarrassed but just as obviously pleased. "It isn't difficult, if you know what you're looking for."
    She laughed again. "But that's it, isn't it? I'd ask you to show me,