The Trouble with Highlanders Read Online Free PDF Page A

Broen MacNicols now.”
    She smiled, emotion taking control of her in a flash of white-hot happiness. But horror followed it, and she shook her head, trying to master her impulses.
    â€œJust how did yer bride elude ye in yer own castle?” she inquired suspiciously.
    Norris grinned, cocky and full of confidence. “I may have had a hand in making sure Broen could interrupt us. Be sporting enough to admit that was right kind of me, considering they were in love.”
    It had been, and for a moment, Daphne found herself liking Norris Sutherland a great deal more than she’d ever anticipated. The man could be compassionate.
    â€œWell, it matters naught. Yer father will likely be well on his way to selecting another bride for ye, and I do nae need any rumors linking us.”
    â€œI rather enjoy the memory of the facts linking us.” His voice had dipped low and deep, just as it had the night they…
    â€œYe should nae voice such things,” she sputtered.
    He was amused by her, his eyes twinkling with pleasure. “And why nae? Ye enjoyed making those memories—a great deal.” Now there was a hint of pride in his tone.
    Daphne fought the urge to shiver. Emotion wanted to wash away her sense and leave her helpless in front of him.
    â€œEnough, Norris. The priest is already threatening to write to the bishop about me transgressions.” She bit her lip, stunned by how easily she was sharing personal information with him. “I have enough to worry about.”
    â€œI see…” he muttered in a tone she recalled instantly from their more intimate moments. “Ye mean the man is threatening to write about our transgressions, do ye nae, lass?”
    â€œNo,” she snapped and sidestepped once more to avoid him. “Father Peter would never accuse ye.”
    He paused for a moment, his expression turning pensive. “In that case, the man is a hypocrite. I recall being deeply involved in your transgressions. In fact, I’m very tempted to add to the list. If the man is going to carry tales to his superior, I believe we should make sure he has something unique to report. I know a few positions he’s likely never heard of.”
    Her eyes widened. “Ye’re going to end up locked in the stocks for saying things such as that.”
    Norris grinned, flashing his teeth at her. He shook his head, irritating her. She couldn’t seem to shake the urge to argue with him. She stepped forward and pointed her finger at his wide chest.
    â€œDon’t think being the son of an earl will save you. The Church will no doubt double their efforts to make ye repent, so ye set a good example. Mind yer words, and do nae be grinning at me like that.”
    â€œI’m grinning because I assure ye, lass, if I get locked in the stocks for impious behavior, it will be for me actions, not just me words. Which means I would nae be alone.” He caught her up against him in a motion that was almost too fast to see. One moment she was pointing at him, and the next moment his arms bound her against him. She had only a moment to inhale the warm scent of his skin and notice just how solid his body was before his mouth claimed hers.
    His kiss was demanding. His lips pressed hers apart while he cupped her nape and angled her face upward for the assault. She struggled against him, trying to push him away, but he held her prisoner. It was a desperate attempt to maintain her sanity. A moment later, her discipline crumbled beneath the teasing motions of his lips. He wanted her mouth to open, and she had lost the will to deny him. What was worse was the fact that she wanted his kiss, needed it to be harder. She curled her hands into his doublet, holding him close as she kissed him back.
    The kiss changed instantly. He became more demanding, and it fanned the flames smoldering inside her. Passion leapt to life between them, as though they hadn’t parted for weeks. It twisted and bit