My Fair Highlander Read Online Free PDF Page A

to the men who had rescued her; they were stronger still, hard men who appeared undefeatable in spite of their lack of armor.
    â€œThis is an act of war upon England,” roared the knight who had so recently tried to assault her. He’d been knocked to his knees.
    â€œI’ll agree with ye there, man, but Scots who just committed the act of war.” The man talking was clearly the leader of the Celts. His voice was edged with solid authority, and his men became quiet while he spoke. He sat tall atop a huge stallion that was as black as midnight. His sword was held in a confident grip, but it was his expression that sent a shiver down her spine. Hard and edged with fury, he glared at his captives while pointing the deadly tip of his sword at their leader.
    â€œThis is Barras land and yer in Scotland, which makes ye the invaders.”
    â€œWe are sent on the king’s business to bring his son’s bride to where she can be raised well and protected.”
    The Scots grumbled, their words muffled, but it was clear that they were not friendly. Their leader chuckled, drawing Jemma’s attention back to him.
    â€œYe’re here to try and steal my queen, man, and that is something that I’ll not be having.”
    The English knight spat on the ground. “We will not be allowing you savages to raise the future queen of England. She will be raised away from the pope’s grasp.”
    The amusement that had coated the Scotsman’s face faded until there wasn’t any hint left.
    â€œDinna call me a savage, man, no when I just had to stop ye from raping the first woman ye came across like some horde of bastards straight out of hell.” The sword point reflected the rising moonlight. “You’re on my land, and ye will nae be raping any woman here, be she peasant or noble.”
    His land? Jemma stared at the Scot, shock holding her in its grasp. Laird Barras didn’t look at her, his attention directed at the English knight, but it felt like he was conscious of her. It was the oddest feeling, but she would have sworn that he was angry on her behalf.
    â€œThe bitch needs to be taught her place.”
    â€œYou English have no place calling us Scots savages. We do nae teach by using the back of our hands across a woman’s face.”
    The English knight succeeded in rising to his feet. He sneered at Laird Barras. “You just want the bitch for yourself.”
    â€œWhat I want is to run ye through and spare this world of having to tolerate ye. But I believe I’ll leave ye here to face her brother when he hears of what ye have been doing with his sister. From what I hear, Lord Ryppon is nae a man to be crossed.”
    The English knights shifted, and many of them cursed. They looked as though they wanted to panic once more, but the Scots allowed them no space to escape through their ranks.
    â€œShe’s a lying whore.”
    Laird Barras grinned. “Nae, man, she spoke the truth, and I would not care to be wearing yer boots when the sun rises. That’s the only reason I’m going to leave ye alive, to be eaten by one of yer own kind. I find that idea just a little bit more appealing than ridding my land of yer stench myself. But only a wee bit so if yer a smart man, ye’ll get off my land before I change me mind.”
    He slid his sword back into the sheath strapped across his back. The movement highlighted arms thick with muscle. Lifting the sword above his head caused him no strain. One hand held the reins, and he wheeled the stallion around to face her. She felt his attention settle on her more than she saw it. The last of the sun was gone, night closing around them like a curtain. But she still witnessed the relief that passed over the Englishmen’s faces. They helped one another to their feet and looked at the Scot with relief shimmering in their eyes. Many of them crossed themselves with thanks because it was a relief they had not expected