Claimed by the Highlander Read Online Free PDF Page A

much she already knew. But up close, she could see that his hands were large, as well, which was especially distressing, to say nothing of the weapons he carried. In addition to the shield on his back and the heavy claymore belted at his waist, two pistols were tucked into the belt, and a powder horn was slung across his chest. A dirk was sheathed in his boot.
    She looked more closely at his face, and felt rather anxious.
    It was a face both rugged and beautiful—flawlessly proportioned, with a full sensuous mouth and a fine, patrician nose. His eyes were pale blue, as clear as ice on a winter lake, and yet they smoldered with fire. A curious commotion began inside her—an unusual trepidation, a shiver of heat that spread to her toes. She had to work hard to control it.
    The great Lion studied the tapestries, the walls, and even the stones in the hearth, then his big hand went to the hilt of his broadsword, and his eyes narrowed in on her.
    Before today, Gwendolen had not known what it felt like to be held in the gaze of a man so breathtaking. She had to focus on her sense of balance in order to remain upright on her feet.
    Angus, on the other hand, appeared wholly relaxed, though there was something intense and frightening about the way he looked at her. A lingering bloodlust from battle still coursed through his body, no doubt.
    If she was going to get through this, she would have to remember that he wanted something from her. She was not entirely without power.
    His hand still resting on the hilt of his sword, he crossed the length of the hall with menacing determination. Her heart galloped inside her chest. By the time he reached the dais, she was feeling the same wild and reckless exhilaration she had felt on the rooftop when she challenged him with her small sword, and declared herself brave enough to fight him.
    “Get down off there,” he said.
    “Why? So you can look down on me?”
    “Aye. Your family stole my home. You are thieves. The whole lot of you.”
    Her body raged, and she worried suddenly that she might faint from all the mayhem.
    “You look pale, lassie. Are you ill?”
    “No. I am fine,” she told him, until she thought better of it. “I beg your pardon. I wish to retract that. I am not fine. I am disgusted.”
    He took a step forward and scoffed. “Disgusted? By me ?”
    “Aye. Did you expect otherwise?”
    He stared at her with threatening resolve. “It’s not the response I was anticipating, but it matters not. This castle is mine now. I’ve claimed you as my wife. Those are the facts.”
    She inhaled slowly in order to gather her wits about her. He was disturbingly succinct and to the point, with no consideration for politeness.
    “And what am I supposed to do with those facts?” she asked. “Call everyone in and prance about the hall with delight?”
    “Nay, there won’t be any public prancing, lassie. Whether you like it or not, I’ll be having you in my bed tonight—and that we’ll do in private.”
    She took a deep breath, working hard to calm her rising hostility. “So soon?”
    “Not soon enough, if you must know. I didn’t expect to be wedding such a beauty.”
    Gwendolen laughed. “You think to get what you want by flattering me?”
    The corner of his mouth curled up into a sinister grin. “I already got what I wanted, lass. Don’t need to flatter anyone.”
    “And what was it, exactly, that you wanted?”
    “Was it not obvious when I broke down the castle gate? I wanted Kinloch, and now I have it.”
    She swallowed hard. “Of course you do.”
    Neither of them said anything for a moment or two. Gwendolen was fighting to maintain a semblance of composure and dignity, while he seemed quite unabashedly distracted by the curve of her breasts and hips.
    “Did I not ask you to get down off there?” he repeated, while tilting his head to the side. “Or do I need to come up and haul you down like a sack of turnips? I’ll oblige you, if that’s what you wish, but