Fraser 02 - Highland Quest Read Online Free PDF Page B

always have something pressing to do, something that involves a dangerous task,” she replied sharply, then released a shuddering breath. When he didn’t comment, she continued. “You are not well enough to travel.”
    Bryce slid his muscular arms around her waist and drew her close, her back resting against his chest. “I’m a lot stronger than you think,” he whispered in her ear. “If only you’d let me show you.”
    She stiffened her spine at first, but melted against his muscular form when he nuzzled the side of her neck.
    “You smell so good. Like a field of heather on a spring morning after a rain. The scent of you makes me dizzy.”
    She wanted him to stay, but refused to share her thoughts. From the time she was able to talk, her mother had instilled in her a fierce independence, and for that she’d be eternally grateful .
    Unlike most women of the day, she did not cater to a man’s every whim or wait to be told what to do. She’d always chosen her own path and made her own decisions. She’d not plead for any man’s affection. If he chose to stay, it had to be of his own accord. If he wished to leave, then so be it. But she’d not waste her time or her breath on something that could never be.
    She held no claim on him, and had no right to expect him to choose between her and his duty to the Scottish cause. But she could not understand why he had to repeatedly risk his life?
    He nipped at her ear lobe, and waves of want spread throughout her body like a wildfire out of control. Determined to resist, she struggled to twist free of his grasp, but he tightened his hold and turned her around to face him.
    “If I could stay with you, I would.” He dipped his head and feathered light kisses across her cheek and the tip of her nose. “But I am a wanted man, and have pledged my sword to the Bruce. I canna rest until the English are driven from Scottish soil and Robert sits on the throne where he belongs. Too many have already perished at the hands of those Saxon blackguards.” He slid two fingers beneath her chin, brushed his lips across her mouth, then gazed into her eyes. “Will you give me a memory to carry into battle?”
    She placed her hands against his shoulders and tried to push him away. “Release me at once,” she demanded, but instead, he lowered his head and captured her lips with a kiss that under normal circumstances would curl her toes and leave her begging for more.
    But she was not about to give in, would not allow herself to be manipulated. “I said let me go. I wish my uncle had never brought you here.” She shoved him again, but he held her even tighter.
    “Am I interrupting something?” Donald cleared his throat and slammed the door behind him. “The offer to fetch a priest still stands,” he said in a tone that reflected his disapproval.
    Bryce immediately released Fallon and sat hard on the edge of the pallet.
    “That won’t be necessary, Uncle. Bryce will be leaving soon. He has pressing things to attend to.” Fallon smoothed her hands down the front of her skirt, but did not look at either of the two men.
    “Is he well enough to make this journey?” Donald asked sternly.
    “Nay. But that dinna seem to matter,” Fallon snapped. “He is determined to be on his way.”
    “I appreciate your concern and your kindness, Donald, but what Fallon says is true. I have a matter of grave importance that must be taken care of. I am—”
    “Mayhap it is for the best.” Donald cut in before Bryce could finish.
    “Uncle, what are you saying?” Fallon placed her hand on Donald’s forearm. “You told me he could stay until his wounds were healed.”
    “Given what I’ve just witnessed, I’d say he has regained sufficient strength to do many things. Besides, when I was in the village today, I heard rumors that the MacDougalls are on their way back from Carlisle Castle. They should arrive in the next day or so, and it would be better if Bryce is not here when they