Highland Sons: The Mackay Saga Read Online Free PDF

you’ll be if you allow any distractions.” Bane came to stand near her before continuing. “Each day, for as long as she’s here, Lady McCleod will visit the training field.”
    The murmurs started with McAdam and rippled through the men. Emboldened by the support, the injured man drew himself up and faced Bane. “I’ll not have her here.”
    “Will you not?” Though quiet, Bane’s words held menace. “Are you challenging me then?”
    The man’s face lost some color, but his voice carried arrogance. “Aye.”
    “Very well. To first, or in your case, second blood.” Bane crossed to the wall, stripped off his shirt, and left it on the stone.
    Kenzie tried to moisten her mouth, but in spite of swallowing several times, her efforts were in vain. He’s beautiful. Perhaps that wasn’t the right word. Two scars marred a spot near his belly button, but the muscled expanse of his chest looked as though it had been made for war.
    Or love.
    She put a hand to her throat. What was the matter with her? She should be looking away, but he held her captive with his fluid grace. He moved with the assurance of a predator. Danger became tangible in the set of his jaw and narrowing eyes, which at that moment were the color of a turbulent storm-tossed loch.
    Bane faced off against his clansman, his sword whipping through the air as he flexed his wrist. At an unspoken sign, the two men came together, their blades ringing as they fought.
    Right from the start Bane had more skill, and his muscles bunched and lengthened with practiced movements. The confrontation had the strangest effect on her. At one point, she realized she’d forgotten to breathe. Heat curled through her, despite the coolness of the morn.
    Bane never once glanced in her direction, so she felt no apprehension about staring at him as he fought. Odd, the battle didn’t worry her overmuch. As their leader, he would never kill one of his own men. This was a challenge to his authority, and from the look of determination on his face, he had no intention of losing. But it wasn’t his face that she couldn’t turn away from.
    What would it be like to have the right to run her hands over his body, exploring the contours? No doubt, he’d have an iron control over his desire, just as he controlled everything in his life. But what if his beast was free, would his passion ignite? She shivered. Would she be able to match the power she felt in him?
    With a start, she realized the battle had ended. McAdam’s arm showed an angry red welt that matched the wound on his chest. In spite of his injuries, he glared at her as he left the training field.
    She raised her chin, then dared to look at Bane. He stood, sword in hand, staring at her. His chest heaved, and some of his hair had come loose from its cue, adding to his untamed appearance.
    His compelling eyes were banked embers as they narrowed on her. She felt his challenge to the tips of her toes.
    With a catch in her throat, she turned and ran.
    ‘Twas the second time she’d run from him. Bane sheathed his weapon and drew the shirt over his head. He couldn’t let this continue.
    With long strides he covered the distance to the castle and entered the Great Hall. “I’m looking for Lady McCleod.”
    Maggie straightened from strewing rushes on the floor. “Laird Mackay, won’t you stay and have a cool tankard of ale?” She smiled, then bent low to pour the drink, her neckline exposing the tops of her breasts. As Maggie extended the cup, she used the tip of her tongue to moisten her mouth. The invitation used to flatter him, until he’d discovered ‘twas his position and power she found enthralling.
    Bane waved away the drink and grasped his sword hilt. “Nay. I’ve an urgent matter with Lady McCleod.”
    Maggie set the cup on the table. Her voice held the ice of winter. “Very well. Last I saw her, she was running toward the stable.”
    Bane rushed from the room, his heart pounding. She wouldn’t be foolish enough to