The Highlander's Choice Read Online Free PDF

increasing or Warwick was having trouble staying on his feet because he leaned even closer, forcing her to move so that her back practically rested on Liam’s chest.
    The odor of strong spirits on his breath made the closeness between them more unbearable.
    “I believe it is becoming quite crowded. Perhaps we should move to the terrace.” Warwick leered at her, but she reached for Liam as he immediately extended his arm.
    Liam lowered his head and spoke softly. “Mayhap a stroll in the garden is not such a bad idea, after all, lass?”
    Although she narrowed her eyes at him, she was grateful for his presence. She didn’t trust Warwick and certainly didn’t want to have him that close to her. At least in the garden she could maintain her distance from the man.
    …
    Liam was not at all happy about the man who hovered over Sybil, obviously making her uncomfortable. Another London dandy. But the lass’s wariness was real, not just distaste for the man. The three of them headed to the terrace, maneuvering their way through the crowd.
    Never one to enjoy a room full to bursting with people, he was only too happy to leave the noise and heat behind. Just as he reached for the door to escort Sybil through, a tap on his shoulder had him turning around.
    “MacBride, a word please?” Mr. Patrick Wollsley, a local horse breeder, stepped in front of the trio, blocking the doorway. A man of small stature, it was hard for Liam to accept that the man was Scottish. But his horses were fine horseflesh, and he’d acquired several strong animals from him in the past.
    “I will escort Lady Sybil outside.” Warwick quickly shifted her arm from Liam’s to his own. “She seems to be in need of fresh air.”
    Liam scowled at him, especially after the panicked look the lass sent him. “Mayhap we can speak another time?” he asked Wollsley.
    “’Twill only take a moment. I have a fine stallion I think ye might be interested in. ’Tis one ye asked about before.”
    Before Liam could gracefully offer to speak with him later, Warwick had the lass out the door, and headed toward the gardens. Frustrated, but unable to do much, Liam turned back to Wollsley. “Be verra quick. I’ve something I need to see to.”
    Liam’s mind wandered as Wollsley blathered on about the stallion, and what a fine stud he would make in Liam’s stables. Why would the lass look so anxious when Warwick whisked her away? Surely the man wouldn’t attempt to dishonor her in any way?
    His agitation grew in direct proportion to Wollsley’s praise of the animal, marking all of the stud’s finer points and abilities. Finally, unable to bear any more, Liam interrupted the man. “Once I am back at Bedlay Castle I will send for ye to bring the animal to me.”
    Wollsley nodded vigorously. “Verra good, Laird.”
    Liam shook the man’s hand and headed toward the door. He stepped outside, the night air cool, typical for a Scottish May evening. The moon cast a faint light over the area, slightly illuminating a few couples deep in conversation. He took note that none of them was a slight Englishwoman in a blue gown. He wandered down the few steps leading to the garden pathway with winding lanes of bluebells and wild hyacinths. Interspersed with oak, birches, and mountain ash trees, were the magnificent colors of rhododendrons and azaleas.
    But little of the spectacular glory of the flowers and trees provided a distraction to his search for Lady Sybil. His muscles tightened as he rounded a bend of Scottish primrose to see her shoved up against a tree while she fought off Warwick’s advances. The man had one hand on her breast and his knee wedged between her legs. His mouth covered hers, and she appeared to be trying to move her head, but to no avail. She pushed at his chest, but her slight size would never move the man.
    But Liam could. With a roar as fierce as any animal, he grabbed Warwick by his shoulders and wrenched him away from Lady Sybil. He tossed the