Loving A Highlander Read Online Free PDF Page A

her mouth causing her to whimper with need.
    Isabella tore her mouth from his and gasped when he slipped a knee forward, pressing it against the juncture of her thighs.  She moaned as her fingers twisted in the material of his shirt, enjoying the sensation as he shifted against her womanhood. 
    Taking a deep breath to clear her head, she took a step back and ran a trembling hand through her hair.  “We can’t.”
    Gerard gave her a wicked grin.  “It was just a kiss, lass, nothing more.”
    Isabella turned away.  Aye, it had only been a kiss, but oh how she wished it had been more.  Could be more, but she knew now was not the time and seriously doubted if that time would ever arrive.
    They moved in different circles.  Men like him considered women to be little more than play things, a pleasant way to pass the time when they were bored.  A night in his bed would be enjoyable, but that would be all it would be.  He would soon depart for his world and she would be left alone in hers.
    Gerard turned her to face him.  “I’ve offended you.”
    “No,” she said, refusing to meet his eyes. 
    He tilted up her chin, forcing her to look at him.  “Don’t think that I don’t want you, lass, because I do.  I want you much, but…”  He gave a sheepish grin.  “I’m not in any shape for that kind of activity.  Perhaps, when I am better, we can discuss it further.”
    Isabella flushed as images of a naked Gerard wrapped in her arms flashed through her head.  “Sounds like…fun,” she murmured.
    Gerard’s grin was pure wickedness.  “Oh, aye, lass, it would be most enjoyable.”
    Her gaze dropped to the bulge at the front of his pants.  Was it just her imagination, or had it grown larger?
    “Keep staring at me like that, Bella,” Gerard growled, “and I will use what little strength I have to show you how much fun it can be.”
    Isabella met his gaze.  There was a challenge there, one she would have loved to accept, but he was in no shape to follow through on his promise.  She pointed to where the clothes he had been wearing when he arrived were spread out on a stump to dry.  “Your clothes are over there.”
    Gerard looked down at the garments he was wearing.  The pants were far too small and ended well above his ankles.  He arched his brows.  “Are you suggesting I change?  I thought I looked quite dashing.”
    The tension broken, Isabella’s laughter floated on the air as she walked over to retrieve his things.  “I’m sorry,” she said, as she handed the garments to him.  “My husband was a good deal shorter than you.”
    Her expression clouded as she thought about Owen.  How could she have been foolish enough to marry him in the first place?  It had been obvious he hadn’t loved her.  Oh, he had said all of the right words and had been eager to get her in his bed, but there had been no warmth in his eyes.  Not that she hadn’t enjoyed their time together, because she had.  But it was clear to her now that the words he had spoken had been empty of meaning.  His promises, hollow.
    Gerard winced at the raw pain stamped upon Isabella’s pretty features before she willed it away.  He blew out a harsh breath as his anger began to simmer.  To trick a man was one thing, but to prey upon a woman was beyond evil.  To cause a woman to fall in love with you only to walk away was especially cruel and his hatred for Isabella’s husband was rekindled. 
    “I’m sorry, lass.  Life isn’t always fair.”
    “No,” Isabella whispered with a faraway look in her eyes.  “No, it certainly isn’t.”
    Gerard pulled her to him and gently grasped her chin.  He stared down into her blue eyes, eyes that looked troubled and held a sheen of tears. 
    He steeled himself, preparing for the onslaught of tears he knew was coming, but none came.  Instead, Isabella took a deep breath, and stepped away from him.
    “I have been managing just fine on my own,” she said, staring off across the