Highland Wolf (Highland Brides) Read Online Free PDF Page B

might. But his arm blocked its path and prevented it from closing.
    She gasped and shoved at his hand. But in a moment he was inside with his back pressed to the door.
    "What do you want?" She heard fear in her voice and cringed. Only a fool would let her enemy see her fear. Unless it was feigned. And it was not.
    "I willna hurt ye, lass," he said, his tone low, his eyes dark and unfathomable. "I but wish ta talk."
    "And nothing else?"
    She watched him watch her. Young Daniel from just down the way had faithfully lighted the candle on the flat lid of the nearby trunk. Its light chased shadows across the Scotsman's rugged face.
    "Not unless yer offerin'." His voice was heavily burred with the Gaelic accent. It spurred up memories. She pushed them away. "Are ye offerin', Betty?"
    She had played this game a thousand times, she reminded herself. Fear could only make her the loser. So she forced laughter. Inside her cloak was a blade as sharp as death itself. If she could make him relax his vigil, she could have it at his throat in an instant. "I don't usually conduct business here, Scotsman."
    His shoulders dropped a smidgen as he tilted his head and glanced toward the bed behind her. "It seems a likely place."
    His meaning was clear. He thought her a whore. So much the better. Misconceptions had often aided her cause. "It's too dangerous to bring strangers here."
    "I'm na stranger," he said. "Ye know me."
    Why was he here? What did he want? If she screamed, would anyone come? No. She'd have to depend on her own defenses. Keep him talking. "I know you have a necklace worth a king's ransom.
    "Are you offering that to me, Scotsman?"
    He straightened slightly, and though he didn't move toward her, she tensed, ready to flee. "'Tis what I came ta speak ta ye about."
    'Truly?" Her tone was casual, but the pace of her heart increased a bit more. "And all along I thought I was only jesting."
    He stopped, raising his brows in question.
    "I'm flattered. Not all men think my favors worth a king's ransom."
    She had hoped he would laugh. She was disappointed.
    A muscle in his jaw flexed. Anger flashed in his eyes as he stepped forward. "The necklace has been stolen."
    She gasped. "No! That lovely bit? 'Tis sorry I am, guvnor."
    "Are ye?" His hands clenched to fists, but she forced herself to remain immobile. In truth, there was nowhere to run. Not in these close quarters.
    "Course I am, luv. I've been thinking 'bout 'Arlington's offer for a stone or two, and I was 'oping you'd come ta make me a deal." She smiled. "I don't mean to seem immodest, but some say a night with me is worth more than jewels."
    His gaze was sharp and hard as he watched her. "So ye dunna ken anything about me loss?"
    Betty opened her eyes wide. "About the theft of ... 'Ey!" she said, placing her fists on her hips. Her fingers were only inches from her hidden blade. "You ain't accusing me of nothin' are ya?"
    "I need it back." He was directly in front of her in an instant. For a big man he was very quick. "'Tis of utmost importance."
    "Then ya shouldn't be wastin' time 'ere."
    She could almost feel him forcing himself to relax. "Where should I be?"
    She raised a brow. "Out chasing the thief," she said.
    "But I'd rather be here."
    So it was lust she saw in his eyes. Relief seeped through Betty's limbs. Lust was a guest she knew how to handle. "Would ya indeed, Scottie?"
    "Aye, I would." There was some sincerity in his tone, but there was more. Perplexity mayhap.
    Crossing her arms, she hugged them to her torso and puckered her lips into a pout. Furtively, she closed her fingers over the handle of her blade. "And I suppose I'm supposed ta simply forgive the insults ya spewed at the Red Fox."
    One corner of his lips twitched. "I think ye gave as good as ye got, lass. When it comes ta sharp tongues, yers could carve mutton."
    She shrugged and slipped the knife from its hidden sheath. "A girl's got to have some way to protect her heart. Specially from men like you."
    "And what