In the Warrior’s Bed Read Online Free PDF

Bronwyn cast a suspicious look at her brother but he refused to comment further. A chill rippled over her skin. She couldn’t shake the feeling of foreboding even when she stood in front of the small fire burning in her chamber. A sense of dread clung to her thoughts as she removed her surcoat. The wind whistled between the boards that made up the shutter for the windows. Once her boots were unlaced, she felt the chill of it on her toes. Her chamber had no floor coverings to help keep her feet warm. But one of the kitchen lasses had brought two buckets of water up. They sat near the fire, making her smile.
    At least she would not have to smell of dried ale on the marrow.
    Bronwyn undressed as close to the fire as possible to keep warm. Her doublet and wool skirt dropped to puddle around her ankles once she’d unhooked them. Stepping out of them, she stretched. Her chemise floated around her calves as she hurried to rinse her dress out. Once she finished, she hung it over a rough chair near the fire to dry. Working the lace free from her stays, she listened to the wind shake the shutter once more.
    It was eerie. Icy fingers stroked across her heart as she crawled into bed with her bundle of kitchen scraps. She was grateful for the impulse that had seen her to the kitchens before her ride because it was a sure thing that no one would bring her supper.
    It might have been enjoyable to share the meal with Cullen McJames…
    Bronwyn frowned, but the image of her father’s enemy rose in her memory until it was as if the man stood in her chamber. She recalled him clearly. She’d never met a man who drew her attention so keenly. For the moment, she didn’t argue with her mind’s impulse to replay their meeting. Alone with her thoughts, she might as well enjoy them.
    Who knew what tomorrow would offer?
     
    He was a fool.
    Cullen actually amused himself with his own thoughts as he returned to the crest of the hill the next day. Late in the afternoon, he kneed Argyll up to the top of it so that he might peer down into the valley that belonged to the McQuades.
    It was empty.
    He should have expected such. And still he had ridden out once again, when there were plenty of other tasks needing his attention.
    He wanted to see her again.
    Cullen scoffed at himself. He dinna even know who she was. Only that she was a McQuade and her laird had likely chastised her greatly for being anywhere near him.
    The sweetness of her face had kept him company most of the night. Something that he’d no been happy about. Not when the lass was so far beyond his reach.
    Kneeing Argyll and pulling the reins to guide the stallion back toward Sterling, Cullen turned his back on the valley. He lacked the patience to chase his sweet-faced lass because what he really desired was to be able to touch her. A pulse of need laced his blood as he rode toward home. It was bitter because there was no way to feed it. She was the only lass that held his interest and she was a McQuade.
    Fate was a siren at times. Tempting and taunting mortal man with the things he could not have. But the one thing that fate had not counted on was the will of a McJames. He had never been a man to settle for being told that he could not have what he wanted.
    He’d learn her name and that was a promise.

Chapter Two
    A fist pounded on her door at dawn. Bronwyn rubbed her eyes but sat up when the door opened. Her brother, Sodac, strode into the room without a shred of courtesy. She held the covers tight against her body.
    “Father says to tell ye to dress and get to the stables. We’re to leave as soon as the horses are ready.”
    He raked her with a look that was full of loathing.
    “Keir will be staying here, by Father’s command. Best ye think long and hard about what will happen to him if ye speak out against yer laird’s words. A third son needs the good will of his family in this life.”
    She gasped and her brother smiled at her distress.
    “I don’t expect a woman to