Temptation in a Kilt Read Online Free PDF

disaster.
    “Donna worry, lad. Once I remove your tunic, we will check if your ribs are broken or bruised. Mayhap all they need is to be bound.” The man he called Seumas hefted her arms, and he started to pull up her tunic.
    She thought she squeaked. “Nay, I am fine. There is nay need—” she coughed.
    “Lad, I willnae hear it. I need to see your…”
    God’s teeth! Was that her tunic up over her breasts? She’d bound them before she left Mangerton, but she was not sure if the bindings remained intact. Rosalia tried to search his expression as swiftly as he yanked the tunic down.
    Turning his head, he coughed. “Seumas,” he choked out. He nodded for Seumas and his men to take their leave. His massive body blocked her frame, and she did not think his men had seen her. At least, she hoped not. He stood over her, his hands on his hips, and she was silenced by his dark expression. He whipped around and started to fold blankets and gather supplies. His actions made her nervous and his jaw was clenched tight.
    Without warning, his angry gaze swung over her. “When I pulled up your tunic, I was expecting a lad. Ye apparently have some daft reason to be traveling alone dressed in a lad’s clothing with that prime horseflesh as your means of travel,” he curtly stated, pointing at Noonie. “I will have the tale. Now, lass ,” he ordered.
    Rosalia studied the man in front of her. She found herself completely at a loss for words and did not have the strength to look into his judging eyes. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she lowered her head, staring at her hands. She did not want to be a watering pot, but she had been through so much and did not need him as an added complication.
    His expression softened and he cupped her chin gently, searching her upturned face. “Lass, if I wanted to harm ye, it would have been done. My men and I journey from court, and I must know if someone gives chase to ye,” he spoke in a soothing tone, successfully disarming her with his smile, but fortunately not robbing her of her wits.
    “I have wasted your time and willnae keep ye further from your journey. Please leave me my mount and I will be on my way.” She spoke with as reasonable a voice as she could manage.
    He let out a long, audible breath. “I can see ye are going to be difficult.” He smiled blandly. “First, I must check ye for injury. Now… I can either do it or have my men return and watch me do it. Ye decide,” he said, his lips twisting into a cynical smile.
    There was an uncomfortable silence and then Rosalia reluctantly nodded her head in consent.
    “A wise choice, lass. I must cut the bindings to check your ribs, but I have supplies to use for binding if there is a need.” He pulled out his dirk and started to lift her tunic.
    She gasped, reaching out and grabbing his arm. Nervously, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Wait… I donna know your name.”
    “I am Laird Ciaran MacGregor of Glenorchy.” A smile played on the corner of his lips. “Will ye gift me with your name?”
    She was not sure where Glenorchy was, but hopefully it was far enough from her home that he would not recognize her name. She glanced down for a brief moment to decide whether or not to speak it. After further consideration, there was not much he could do with a first name. “I am… my name is… Rosalia,” she said quietly.
    “Rosalia?” He cast a questioning gaze and then his face split into a wide grin. “’Tis a beautiful name.” He partially lifted her tunic but left enough material to cover her breasts. Taking out his dirk, he cut her bindings. “Now I must touch ye to check your ribs.” He hesitated, waiting for her response.
    She nodded her consent.
    He applied pressure and she inhaled a sharp breath. Stepping around her, he bent down behind her. “Rosalia, I am going to check your back.” He paused for her response.
    “Aye,” she whispered.
    Slowly, he touched her back and then pulled down