Seducing the Highlander Read Online Free PDF

would work. He had to decide that what was between them was not just friendship, but something much more.
    And in this case, that was highly unlikely. That left her with two options. Wait until Craig admitted his true feelings for her, or end her emotional connection with him. The first was unlikely and out of her control; the second, however, was absolutely within her power to make happen. How hard could it be? This whole revelation had come only a few hours ago. In a few days, the memory of their kiss would be forgotten and then their friendship could continue as before.
    Now . . . just how did one go about forgetting a man?

    Conor smiled inwardly as he watched his wife pack in preparation to leave. On the bed were the various items that Laurel insisted she bring back to McTiernay Castle—too many to keep to their agreement of only two bags. There was no possible way she was going to be able to keep that promise now.
    Beside the clothes and items she had brought were a couple of tapestries and a new gown Meriel had made for her. Items Conor specifically encouraged Laurel to accept, knowing what it would mean. All week he had been looking forward to this moment with eager anticipation. It was not often his wife made an error in judgment—especially when it could cost her as much as this one was going to.
    “Want me to pack those in my bags? I have room,” he offered congenially, obviously enjoying the idea that she might have to agree.
    Laurel shook her head and cringed playfully at the idea. “And have my things reek with the foul odor of your filthy clothes? I think not.”
    Conor shrugged, ignoring the lighthearted insult, and leaned against the stone wall near the bed. “Just remember, the limit of two bags was for the whole trip.”
    Laurel flashed him a smile and carefully began to fold the first tapestry. “I know.”
    Conor inhaled deeply and studied the relaxed manner of his wife. After nearly ten years of being together, he still could not tell if she was expertly hiding her anxiety, truly believed that she could accomplish the impossible, or if she already had a plan to circumvent the particulars of their agreement.
    He tried to hide a grin at the idea of her persuading him with kisses and lovemaking to release her from her pledge. While he would enjoy letting her try, it would not work. Today she would not escape her fate. For a whole week, she would be unable to argue, confront, disagree, or contradict him. A conciliatory Laurel on all topics. Just the thought sent a shiver through him.
    “Conor, would you go and make sure everything is ready for us to leave?”
    “No need. Spoke with Crevan earlier and he said that he would have the horses prepared and ready by the time you finished packing.”
    “Does that include Merry?” Laurel inquired. Her voice was without even a hint that there was anything unusual about the request.
    “Did you say Merry ?” Conor repeated, hoping he had misunderstood his wife but knowing he had not.
    “Aye. It is the least spirited of Laird Schellden’s horses.”
    Conor’s brows furrowed. “I’m fully aware of which horse Merry is, as well as just who rides her.”
    “Oh good,” Laurel said absentmindedly as she unfurled the second tapestry and tried folding it again into a tighter and smaller bundle.
    “Are you attempting to tell me in a less than appealing way that Meriel is coming with us?” Conor half bellowed, trying to keep his voice down.
    “Whether or not the idea appeals to you, she is coming with us,” answered Laurel, this time looking him directly in the eye.
    Conor blinked. Laurel was completely serious. This was not some ploy to get out of their arrangement. He only wished it was.
    Conor went to the window and looked below at the courtyard. Three long curtain walls formed a large triangle, making Caireoch Castle one of the more unusual fortified homes in Scotland. And while it was a fortress with strong defense capabilities, the shape made it