Highlander Untamed Read Online Free PDF Page A

Rory was served the most delicious view of bosom that he had ever been fortunate enough to behold. Her firm, round breasts were near bursting from the tight, low-cut bodice of her gown. The creamy white skin, softly pink from the cold weather, begged to be touched…or kissed. The surge of lust he’d experienced before was nothing compared with the bolt that struck him now.
    Her dress was on the edge of indecent, by no means as modest as the traditional loose-fitting Scottish arisaidh, yet he was glad she did not seem to favor the ridiculously elaborate stiff gowns with their wide skirts and large ruffs about the neck so favored by the court of Elizabeth and its northern neighbor in Edinburgh. This dress exhibited her gorgeous body to perfection, the thin satin fabric clinging to her curves, dangerously hinting at the glory to be discovered beneath.
    God had certainly outdone Himself when He created Isabel. Although He’s had a laugh at our expense, Rory thought. It was such delicious irony. The face of an angel barely saved from holiness by a sensuous mouth paired with a figure that did not evoke any thoughts of religion. Rather, she was the embodiment of temptation.
    His body responded to her beauty the way his mind would not. The traitorous heat of desire burned in his loins, but Rory realized he would get no relief in that area. Yet although the attraction angered him, it did not worry him. Lust was an annoyance he could control. His duty lay elsewhere.
    Bedding Isabel MacDonald, tempting as it may be, was not an option. Though it was expected under the terms of the handfast, Rory would not take her to bed knowing that he intended to forsake her in the end. He would not risk getting her with his child. A child who would soon be left without a father was a complication he simply could not allow.
    Noticing the wide-eyed stares of the men next to him, Rory felt a fierce urge to pull her into his arms and cover her up. To a one, he trusted his men with his life and knew none would dare offense. But he could hardly blame them for appreciating what was so freely offered.
    The awkward silence continued. He realized that she was waiting for him to speak. Rory looked down and noticed that he was still holding her hand. It was as soft as rose petals and looked so small and white next to his large, tanned, battle-scarred fingers.
    He dropped it as if scalded.
    Annoyed by his reaction, Rory forced his voice back to its cold, emotionless timbre. “Mistress MacDonald. You must be tired from your journey and wish to retire to your room. Tomorrow there will be a feast after the contract has been signed and the ceremony completed.”
    “Thank you, my lord, I am tired, and rest would be most welcome.”
    “Is this your maidservant?” he asked brusquely, indicating the woman next to her.
    “This is my nursemaid, Bessie MacDonald. She will be helping me get settled. I hope that is not a problem?”
    “No. There is a pallet in your chamber. She may sleep there if she prefers.”
    Before she could reply, he turned away dismissively. But not before he noticed the way her hands twisted in her skirts with the curtness of his response.
    Alex shot him a puzzled glance as he stepped forward with a conciliatory smile. “I’m Alex MacLeod, Rory’s brother. Welcome, and if I can do anything to help get you settled…” His eyes twinkled mischievously.
    “Thank you, Alex, your welcome is most appreciated,” Isabel said pointedly, offering him her hand.
    Aware of her none-too-subtle set-down, Rory couldn’t help admiring her fortitude. At court, his forbidding size and stern expression seemed to terrify the lasses, yet she didn’t seem intimidated at all. The lass had some spirit.
    “Of course, you’ll be wanting some refreshment, and a bath can be arranged if you desire. Deidre,” Alex motioned to their old nursemaid who’d just joined them, “can bring you anything else you need, you have but to ask.” He finished with a courtly