Stealing the Bride Read Online Free PDF

had sent the storm breaking around them out on the hills. She had never been so aware of a single touch, never thought that anyone might be.
    He turned his head sharply when her motion gained his attention.
    “I’m sorry …” she stammered as she tried to cover up her actions. “About yer family.”
    She couldn’t ignore the fact that she found his grief genuine.
    That was a surprise indeed and one that held her silent while she stared at him. He allowed her to gaze into his eyes for a long moment before shrugging.
    “So ye see, Elspeth Leask, ’tis the truth that I used you as an excuse to avoid doing me duty.”
    “Doing yer duty?” Amusement coated her words. Hayden raised one dark eyebrow in response.
    “What? Do ye think that being hounded to marry is something that only happens to women?”
    He chuckled, the sound rich and strangely attractive. Elspeth felt her cheeks warming and it had nothing to do with the small fire flickering near her. This was a blush and it stunned her because she couldn’t seem to recall ever blushing for a man before.
    “I suppose I never did think about the fact that men get pressured into wedding.”
    “Well we do. I’ve nae run away from anything in my life before but I confess that I willingly abandoned my own castle to escape from the pressure to choose another wife from among parchments and pleading from their kin.”
    “Well, you did nae run away from it completely.” Her voice became softer and her blush brighter. She suddenly realized that they were very much alone. She’d been alone with men from her clan before, but Hayden was different, and she was keenly aware of him. Sensation flirted over her skin softly like the heat from the fire, awakening hundreds of little points that responded with enjoyment.
    “That’s true enough.”
    He reached out and cupped her chin. It was such a gentle touch, and she remained still, fighting against the urge to lean into it more. Somehow the idea that he wasn’t using his greater strength to claim her made her want him that much more.
    “Yer brother said ye took his horse to go and think about me. I must say I find that an interesting idea, Elspeth.”
    “Ye are using my name on purpose now.”
    His fingers began smoothing along her jaw, stroking her skin in delicate circles that sent the most delicious sensation through her. Beneath her stays, her nipples drew into hard points, heat spreading over the delicate mounds until they were warm and willing to be uncovered with no concern for the evening chill.
    “Maybe I am.”
    She offered him a soft snort. Both of his eyebrows rose before he looked up and laughed. His hand dropped away from her face, making her almost sad. But the sound of his brassy amusement sent her lips twitching up into a smile.
    “Yer brother warned me that ye were no simpering lass. I see Dunmore is nae given to muddying his words.”
    “Ye may depend on my brother to tell ye whatever he thinks without any worry for how it will strike ye. Some call him blunt, but I consider it better to know exactly what he means instead of sifting through honey-coated words.” Her skirts were still wet and beginning to stick to the skin of her legs. Being so aware of her body made the feeling annoying. “But I’m being a poor hostess to nae offer ye a pint of ale.”
    Elspeth stood up and her dress fell in heavy clumps around her because most of the fabric was still wet, making the wool stiff. She was conscious of Hayden’s gaze on her. She discovered herself fighting the urge to look back at him.
    “Yer brother invited me but I find the idea of ye playing hostess a bit more pleasing than having him interrupting us.”
    “We’re merely sharing a fire. At least the fact that ye are here will keep me from feeling too guilty for using the log.”
    She searched through the kitchen, looking for the mugs that were stored away for the night. This kitchen had pottery and wooden dishes, the silver finery residing in the