The Craving (Rogues of Scotland #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

ready to leave the camp when I heard a scream. I jumped out of the wagon ready to defend the gypsies when I saw Ana. She had taken her own life. Because I wouldna marry her.”
    Meg wiped at a strand of hair tickling her cheek. “The gypsies cursed you, didn’t they?”
    “The old woman did. I think she might have been Ana’s grandmother. She sent me into the black void. I didna realize it was a mirror until the second time I was released.”
    “Are you cursed to remain in the mirror forever?”
    Ronan turned and faced her. “The old woman said I would be in there until I earned my freedom.”
    “What does that mean?” Meg asked as she leaned forward.
    “It means, sweet Meg, that if you doona send me back, I’ll be free.”
    Her back straightened. “Oh. Is that all? Fine. I won’t send you back.”
    Ronan nearly shouted with joy. It hadn’t taken nearly as much effort on his part to convince Meg as he thought it might. He’d felt the sun, had a delicious meal, and no longer had the mirror to worry about.
    Best of all, he had engaged in conversation with a most enticingly beautiful woman. And he found himself hungry for something else.
    “Why are you here, Meg?”
    Suddenly twitchy, she rose to her feet and shrugged. “I needed a place to think. Aunt Tilly offered Ravensclyde, and I accepted the invitation. Now, back to you. What are you going to do?”
    “Do?” Ronan hadn’t thought about that. His attention had been focused on getting free, not what would happen once he did. He expected it to take days - weeks even - to convince Meg to release him.
    It had gone frighteningly easy. That sent a niggle of worry down his spine. Nothing that came easy was good. 
    Ronan pushed that concern to the side for a moment. With Stefan, Daman, and Morcant dead, there was no one for him to find. And nowhere for him to go.
    He was homeless, penniless, and friendless. A hell of a problem to find himself in. Then he looked at Meg again, an idea taking root. “Do you need help around the castle?”
    Her mouth twisted as she shook her head. “Not really.” She paused as if considering his words. “Then again, you don’t know anyone or the times. I’m not sure I should just let you go out on your own.”
    “I’ll be fine, I assure you.”
    “Things are different than when you knew them.”
    Ronan smiled. “So you believe my tale, sweet Meg.”
    “I’m not saying that,” she replied saucily. “But I’m leaning in that direction. Too much doesn’t add up. Your tartan is an old weave for one.”
    He closed the distance between them and smiled when he realized he had her backed against the chair with nowhere to run. “Where is your man, sweet Meg?”
    Her gaze darted away before coming back to his. He made her nervous, and by the rapid pulse beat at the base of her neck and the way her eyes darkened when she looked at him, her body had a reaction to him.
    “I don’t have a man,” she said in a husky whisper.
    Ronan’s gaze dropped to her lips. They would taste as sweet as wine. “Their loss.”
    Meg slipped to the side and backed away from Ronan. He was more than temptation. He was sin, begging her to sample what he offered. 
    And did she ever want a taste of it.
    “If you’re in need of a woman, I’m sure you’ll find plenty willing to accommodate you throughout the castle.”
    Ronan’s smile was predatory, as if he knew she wanted to give in to the desires heating her body. If he only knew just how much she yearned to do just that.
    “How will you explain my appearance?” he asked.
    Meg grimaced. “I don’t know yet. You can’t just come down with me.”
    “Why no’?”
    Why not, indeed? She was in charge of the castle for the moment. Already a story was forming about Ronan, clarifying his position as someone who just arrived seeking work. It wasn’t a lie. She just wouldn’t tell anyone he came from a mirror. 
    “You can remain for as long as you need. During that time, you may help around