Kilts and Kisses Read Online Free PDF Page B

can sometimes see them from the parapet flying in the distance, usually killing some poor animal,” she said with heavy sarcasm. “Ye better gather them before your men come to find ye.”
    “Nay one comes out here by the loch or na tursachan , but I’m sure ye already know that. ‘Tis why ye’re here.”
    “Ye best be on your way.”
    “I will nae cause ye any harm, but I’ll do as ye ask.” He held his arms up in the air. “ Trobhadaidh. ” Come.
    Ceana stood in awe as three hawks flew out of the tree and flocked toward the MacKay man. Two of the birds landed on his shoulders and the other on his arm. “Magnificent.”
    He gave her a warm smile. “Would ye like to touch one?”
    “May I?”
    “Aye. Come slowly toward me, and keep your hands and arms down at your side. Donna make any sudden movements.”
    Ceana walked at a leisurely pace and stopped beside him. “I’ve ne’er seen one this close before. Do they have names?”
    “Aye.” He lifted his left shoulder. “This one is Mac na Bracha.” The son of the malt. He lifted his right shoulder. “This one is Mac na Praisich.” The son of the still. “And this one,” he raised his arm, “is Mac na Diobhail.” Son of the Devil.
    Ceana bit her lip to stifle a grin.
    “I call him that because he bites. The other two recognize the hand that feeds them. Ye may touch the one on my shoulder if ye wish.”
    “Are ye certain?”
    “Aye, that one doesnae bite.”
    Her raised fingers caressed the soft feathers of the hawk. She couldn’t believe she was touching a bird of prey, let alone that the man before her held three. “How do they know to come to ye when ye call for them?”
    “Many hours of training and cursing.”
    She was startled when a laugh escaped her. “Thank ye, truly.”
    “‘Tis my pleasure, lass.”
    When she realized she didn’t know this man at all and was consorting with the enemy alone, she pulled her drifting thoughts together. “Ye best take your leave before—”
    “Now why did ye have to do that? We were getting along so well.” He cast a roguish grin. “Besides, I cannae yet take my leave. Ye havenae gifted me with your name. What am I to call ye? I am Luthais MacKay.”
    “If my father’s men find ye here—”
    “Ah...Mistress Gunn. ‘Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He looked directly at her, and she suddenly felt light-headed. “Tell me. What were ye doing on MacKay lands?”
    To her annoyance, she found herself starting to blush. “I was reading my journal.”
    “But ye could have read your journal here on your own lands. Why were ye on the MacKay’s?” When he saw her hesitation, he added, “What do ye think I’m going to do with your answer, lass? ‘Tis but a simple question I’ve asked of ye.”
    She took another moment, trying to weigh her response. Perhaps a bit of the truth wouldn’t be harmful—at least, she hoped not. “As of late, we’ve had many visitors and I needed a respite, a change of view.”
    “Too many suitors storming the gates, eh?”
    At the remembrance of Sorcha’s line of men, Ceana’s voice was hoarse with frustration. “Ye have nay idea.”
    “Och, aye. I understand now. Ye were at the stones to find your husband.”
    She looked at the man like he had three heads. “Pardon?”
    “Come now. Ye must know the tale. Everyone does.” His eyes grew amused when he realized she had no idea what he was talking about. “‘Tis said that if a man and a woman touch na tursachan at the same time and share a kiss, they are destined to be husband and wife.”
    “And who says that exactly?”
    “My clan.”
    “I see.” Her response held a note of impatience. “Most of my clan think the stones have healing properties, while others believe the stones are the home of the fae.”
    “And what do ye believe?”
    “None of it.” Without warning, Mac na Diobhail pecked her and she jerked her arm away.
    “ Na dean sin !” Don’t do that! “Are ye all