Her Highlander's Promise Read Online Free PDF

tightened, and thinking clearly was suddenly next to impossible. But while there was nothing she’d like more than to be his bride, Deirdre and Murray would never give their consent. She withdrew her hand and turned away, hiding the tears that trickled down her cheeks.
    “I am honored and flattered, but dinna think it would be possible. Your da was correct. Mayhap you should forget about me.” She wiped her damp face with the back of her hand and squared her shoulders.
    He spun her around to face him. “I could no more forget about you than I could forget to breathe. The dirk of love found its mark on the day we met and the wound hasna healed. I fear my heart willna mend until we are man and wife. We are meant to be together, Laurel, and I willna give up hope.” He drew her into his arms, lowered his head, and kissed her.
    Her pulse thundered in her ears and all logic vanished into a fog of euphoria she’d never before experienced. Her legs buckled, but Blair was there to keep her from falling.
    “I’ve dreamed of this moment,” he whispered, threading his fingers through her hair. Then he gently kissed her cheek, her jawline, finishing with a playful nip at her earlobe. When she gasped with pleasure, he slid his tongue between her slightly parted lips, took possession of her mouth, and deepened his kiss.
    Aware she should resist his advances, she tried to regain control of her emotions, but could not bring herself to move. Instead, she leaned against his broad chest, responding to his kiss with equal enthusiasm. She wished the moment would go on forever and was surprised when he suddenly released her and stepped back. “Is there something wrong? I—”
    Blair pressed two fingers to her lips, nodding in the direction of the market tents. “Kissing you is as amazing as I always knew it would be. Were circumstances different, nothing could tear me from your side. But I think it would anger Angus to find us embracing.”
    Laurel backed away. She nervously slid her hands down the front of her gown as Angus and Isla approached.
    “When can we meet again, Laurel? Mayhap tomorrow? I can call on you at the keep, and at that time, speak to your cousin Murray.”
    Her heart clenched. “Och, I dinna think that will be possible, Blair. At least not until after I turn eighteen. Murray and Deirdre wouldna permit us to see each other, let along agree for us to wed.”
    “Then we will meet in secret.”
    “I canna. She keeps watch over me like a hawk does its prey. Maybe it would be better if you did forget about me,” she replied softly and dropped her chin.
    “Nay. There must be a way. She canna watch you every minute. I’m sure there is a time when she is busy with her duties around the castle. When does she retire? Tell me and I will meet you then.”
    “What good would it do? They will never agree to our union, and we are only fooling ourselves to think otherwise. As long as I am under their guardianship, they control my every move.”
    “We could run away together. If you are agreeable, we can marry, then return after you come of age. They will have no choice but to honor your father’s wishes, and once you are lairdess of Clan MacClay, they can no longer tell you what you can and canna do.”
    He spoke so fast it made her head swim. The offer to run away, while tempting, was sadly not an option. “Things are not that simple. Deirdre is a force to reckon with when angered,” she replied. “But more importantly, I promised my da on his deathbed that I would mind Murray. Defying them would dishonor his memory.”
    Blair swept his knuckles along her cheek, then lifted her chin. “I’m sure he would understand, but your sense of honor would make him proud. However, I canna return to my home without seeing you again. I will come to Thistledown Castle tomorrow evening. Meet me at the postern gate when Deirdre retires for the night. I’ll wait for you as long as it takes. We will make plans for the day you turn