The Highlander's Conquest Read Online Free PDF Page B

robbing them?
    Perhaps she should have spent more time exploring with Arbella and Samuel instead of staying behind to read the scriptures and volunteering her time at the abbey. At least she’d paid attention when Samuel snuck her outside with his bow and arrow. That was a skill she was glad to have, and one that she’d excelled at. Her father had even encouraged it, liking the fact that it took her out of doors when she would have rather stayed in. She missed her brother, but understood his duty to their country. Hopefully, he would be able to come home from France where he was currently serving King Edward in his royal quest to regain his lands.
    So lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t noticed Sir Blane dismounted Mad Maiden until his hand brushed her elbow.
    “My lady?”
    She jerked her gaze toward his and nearly drowned in the depth s of his green eyes. They reminded her of a vast and fruitful meadow. Aliah licked her lips, her eyes traveling over his face until she settled on his mouth. What would it be like to feel his lips pressed to hers?
    “Are you all right with riding behind?”
    “Aye.”
    “I will mount and pull you up behind me.”
    “And what of Mad Maiden?”
    “I will have one of my men lead her . We shan’t leave her behind.”
    Aliah nodded, watching as Sir Blane turned toward his warhorse and gracefully mount ed . She caught a healthy eyeful of his muscular calves and thighs, encased in hose, which sent her belly to quivering and her heart to pounding. He was exquisitely made and the urge to touch him was strong. Yet another sin she would have to confess.
    He held out his hand to her. “Put your foot in my stirrup.”
    Taking his larger hand in hers, she put her foot in the stirrup and gasped as he easily swung her up behind him. Too late she realized what a bad idea it was.
    Her thighs were spread wide, with his taut buttocks between them. Her knees touched the outside of his strong thighs and her breasts were pressed indecently to his broad back. Swallowing hard, she wrapped her arms around his waist and closed her eyes. Perhaps this was God’s way of testing her . His way of finding out if she was suited for a life of serving only him. She would prove she was. This was a test she could pass, no matter how hot she felt of a sudden, or how her insides quivered. She could ignore the intense, dizzying need building within her. Couldn’t she? She held her breath. What was happening to her? She’d never had these feelings before. It scared her. She didn’t understand it, but knew somehow, Blane was at fault.
    “Hold on, my lady, we shall set a grueling pace to reach camp by nightfall.”
    Aliah nodded, her chin bumping into his warm back. “Aye.”
    Holding on tight, her body lurched as Gunnar leapt into a gallop.
    Aliah watched the countryside fly by as they rode hard over the dirt-packed road. Rolling hills and pastures were dotted with sheep and cows grazing lazily on the lush grass . Barren fields were cleared of their harvested crops , awaiting spring when farmer’s would once again tend to them . Smoke spiraled from the ro o f s of cottages, its s c ent carrying on the light breeze. Aliah watched as the sun slowly sank, taking the day from bright to somber grey. Winter was coming soon. She was glad to make this journey now, knowing that if she did so within a few weeks’ time snow would likely be falling impeding their progress.
    By the time the horizon had turned pink and orange, and t he moon and sun both showed low in the sky , Blane started to slow the horses. Aliah glanced around but did not see any inns or a village in sight.
    “We shall make camp within the woods,” he stated to his men, who moved as one into the trees.
    They rode deeper into the forest for sev eral minutes, and then stopped. S he supposed Blane had found a spot he deemed a good campsite, however, Aliah could not tell the difference between this spot and any other.
    A half- dozen of his men fanned o ut while