The Highlander's Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page A

the country needed. A man who wasn’t willing to give up. A man who got what he wanted. For that was the case, was it not?
    Jamie had never had any intention of leaving Glasgow in the hands of his younger brother in order to do a messenger’s work. But here he was, planning to leave in less than twelve hours.
    He tilted his head back and drank down the co ntents of his cup, visions of a little blonde cherub running on the moor, slowly transpiring into a full grown woman.
    One thing was certain, he wasn’t heading north for a woman. He was headed north to gain allies, forces and supplies. And he’d not let thoughts of some lass get in the way. Hell, the likelihood of her having survived was only fifty percent.
    And yet, the name Sutherland could make any man shake in his boots. If anyone were to survive it would be one of them.
    Wallace called for music and the pipers blared their horns as the leader of the freedom fighters took up a jig in the middle of the great hall. Even a couple of the council members joined in as they all celebrated.
    But not Jamie. He frowned at the display. They’d nothing to celebrate yet. Wallace had lost a battle that morning and there were many more battles to come before they were free of Longshanks ’ grip.
    Malcolm tr udged over to Jamie’s side, nudging him with his shoulder.
    “Dinna worry brother, Glasgow will be in good hands while ye’re away.”
    “I’ve no fear that ye wouldn’t take care of our people.”
    “Why the grim face? ’Tis not as if Wallace has sentenced ye to death.”
    Jamie grunted. “Nay, but he has sent me on a lesser man’s errand.”
    “Och, nay. I say the opposite. Ye are the one he trusts most with such an important mission.”
    Toby and Donald nodded. “Aye,” they said in unison.
    “There’s none other who would do the deed justice as ye would,” Donald said.
    Toby slapped Jamie on the back, a wide grin on his face. Of both his friends, Toby loved a good adventure more than Donald, who preferred a bonfire and a willing wench.
    Jamie took another gulp of ale and glanced at his brother, who looked at him with a great deal of respect in his gaze. “What gives ye that impression?”
    “As ye stated, we canna fight the English with only half the country on our side. We need more forces, supplies, men. We need the Highlanders. They’re the fiercest of all fighters.”
    “We are Highlanders.”
    “Aye, but the majority of Wallace’s men now come from the south, since they’ve been most affected by that bastard English king.”
    Jamie nodded, watching as Wallace jumped back up onto the table and continued to dance, kicking a bowl of stew over onto the floor which was promptly set upon by the dogs. ’Twas hard for Jamie to refrain from grabbing Wallace by the throat and tossing him out for disrespecting his home. But resist he did all the same.
    “The sooner I gain our cause more forces, the sooner I can have my table back.”
    Malcolm, Toby and Donald laughed.
    “Aye, brother. There is much that would change.” Malcolm grabbed a jug of ale a passing servant carried and refilled Jamie’s mug.
    “Aye, much, ” Jamie answered.
    Another annoying flash of golden curls assaulted his mind.
    Damn, Sutherlands.

Chapter Three

     
    Dunrobin Castle
     
    Bluebells danced in the wind like a myriad of pretty court ladies swaying to music only the truly favored could hear. Lorna lay in the grass, staring at a thatch of flowers as they shimmied in the breeze. The spring sun warmed her skin, making her feel alive and renewed. She was nearly certain if she ended up with cheeks pinkened from the sun, Aunt Fiona was going to raise hell.
    Precisely the reason she’d escaped this morning, riding her mare, Angel, across the moors and to the crest of the grassy knoll, where she could look down at the village and keep. It was a peaceful place. Only the sounds of birds calling, the gentle sea breeze wafting up the hill and blowing against the blades of grass. The