Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page B

lose her thought.
    “Wait, lass, I didn’t mean to startle ye. You’re not taken, are you? Is there somewhere we can meet? I was jesting about the friar.” He held fast and wouldn’t let her withdraw.
    Julianna should have been outraged by his remarks, but for some reason, she found him charming. Still, a lady should show a reaction to his behavior, shouldn’t she? She swung her hand, slapping him across the cheek.
    The warrior had the gall to laugh. She wasn’t about to be mocked, but then again, she wasn’t as brave as she’d let on. He would probably laugh harder if she were to strike him again. How had she thought an insignificant slap would affect him? He didn’t even flinch.
    “Ye dropped your weapon at the pond. Here, take it.”
    She gasped at the realization that he’d seen her at the pond. The knave spied on her. How much had he seen? He pressed the dagger into her hand.
    “You dare much to return my weapon, my lord, but I shan’t use it on ye and waste a good effort. I must return to the keep, pray allow me to pass.”
    “Let me come to you tonight, I’ll pleasure ye. I will even entice you since you are objectionable about enticing me.” He pulled her close. “I want to kiss you again.”
    “I suppose ye think I should be grateful for your offer, my lord, but I—”
    His lips took possession of hers again and his hand roamed the material of her nightrail until she felt the splendor of his palm covering her breast. She didn’t have the strength to move him. Something awakened inside her, and she wanted to feel his hard body against hers. Her hands moved over his chest, where she felt the pounding of his heart.
    He overwhelmed her with his kisses, so much so that she didn’t think about the consequence of her actions. She needed to get away from him and the danger he presented. Taking a bit of skin between her fingers, she pinched as hard as she could. The warrior became aware that she wasn’t returning his kiss.
    She pulled back to reproach him. “My lord, please, you shouldn’t kiss me. Now, release me.” She stomped on his boot then held her slippered foot, grimacing in pain. Somehow she maintained her balance and dignity.
    Before he could speak, she fled and didn’t dare look back. She didn’t stop running until she reached the hall. The men were still drinking inside, and she slipped past them unnoticed. Once she entered the chamber, she closed the door and leaned against it. Those inside the room continued to slumber, and all she could hear was the thumping of her heart. Mayhap there was magic in the love act, he certainly weaved a spell over her with his kisses.

Chapter Four
     
     
    The border of MacKinnon land
    Highlands, Scotland
     
    Sunlight escalated over the trees in the distance, lightening the gray sky. Rain had fallen the night before, dampening the lush foliage in the woods. Colin MacKinnon breathed in the fresh scent of pine before he opened his eyes to greet the day. Though he forced himself to close his eyes, he hadn’t slept. Nearby, he heard the men beginning to stir. A voice called to him and he saw his second in command, Walter Ross, cooking over an open flame.
    “’Bout time ye woke. Are ye hungry, lad?”
    “I haven’t slept the entire night. I could eat something.” Colin accepted the food thrown at him, and he immediately took a bite of whey bread.
    “Didn’t sleep, aye? What made ye restless, the thought of the women left behind at Steven’s wedding?”
    Colin almost laughed, but he stopped himself. “I did meet a woman there, and damned if I didn’t let the bewitching minx get away.”
    Walt handed him warm ale and grunted. “Was she an enchanting bean-sithe?”
    “Aye, she was a lovely faerie to fill my lonely nights. I never responded to a woman like her, Walt, makes me wonder if my da was wrong.”
    His friend grunted again. “There’s nothing better than a willing woman warming your bed when ye return from battle. Speaking of battle, what