The Trouble with Highlanders Read Online Free PDF Page B

ye’d have to shoulder as a leman would be pleasurable. Stop talking like a bride of Christ. I never raised ye to detest the very flesh ye are made of. I saw the blush staining yer cheeks after he greeted ye.”
    Daphne had to resist the urge to rub her face. Gitta’s gaze was too knowing for her comfort.
    â€œYe raised me to be respectful to the Church.”
    Yet she’d already fallen from grace when it came to Norris…
    Something rippled down her spine that she refused to allow herself to acknowledge. She wouldn’t admit he made her quiver. “Ye’re a fine cook. He’ll sing yer praises, no doubt.”
    She choked back the rest of what she wanted to say, because it was surly, and she had enough sins to answer for.
    Like lusting after Norris Sutherland…
    ***
    â€œYe must be getting old.”
    Norris eyed Gahan, and his captain chuckled at his sour humor. The remains of the duck sat in front of Norris, the scent of rosemary and pepper lingering. Daphne MacLeod had never joined him at the high table for the evening meal.
    â€œThe fair lass did nae show a single one of those blond hairs tonight…” Gahan continued as he sat down and tore off a piece of remaining meat. “Ye must be getting old and ugly to prompt her to choose an empty belly over sharing supper with ye.”
    â€œIs that a fact?” Norris growled, balling his hand into a fist.
    Gahan only smirked at his threat before popping the meat into his mouth and humming with enjoyment. He smacked his lips and pointed at Norris. “Well now, I suppose it could be on account that ye failed to impress her when she was in yer bed, but I did nae want to be overly harsh when I’m merely speculating.”
    â€œThat would be a mistake,” Norris retorted as he stood. He leaned over to make sure only Gahan heard him. “She was very well pleased, more than once.”
    â€œAnd still she is nae here when we’ve ridden so far to see her.”
    â€œYe’re an arse,” Norris snarled.
    â€œAye, but nae a blind one.”
    Norris straightened. “Possibly a dead one before dawn if ye do nae cease to badger me.”
    Gahan considered him for a moment then reached for another piece of the duck. He drew a bone slowly from his lips once he’d sucked the tender meat from it. “If ye’re staying here, do nae expect me to shine yer ego by ignoring the reason behind yer grumbling… Laird.”
    Norris stared at the look in his captain’s eyes and left. Gahan was bold, but it was the very same quality that made him such an indispensable man. When Gahan told him something, it was the truth. The man had no use for ego polishing, and he was making a point by needling him.
    He had come to see Daphne, and that was exactly what he was going to do.
    ***
    Her chamber was freezing.
    Daphne snorted and rubbed her hands together, reminding herself this was nothing to the misery they’d feel in a few months when winter arrived. Better to keep herself from being dramatic; reality would be harsh enough.
    Someone knocked on the door.
    â€œCome in.”
    She turned around and felt her belly twist when Norris appeared in the doorway.
    â€œNo… ye stay out.” She covered her mouth but not quickly enough, because her voice was high and squeaky, betraying her turbulent emotions.
    â€œIf ye are going to hide, the least I might do is chase ye to make it worth yer time.” The door shut behind him with a soft thud.
    â€œWhat audacity,” she accused. “I did nae invite ye to me chamber, ye rogue. Ye knew me reasons for allowing ye… intimacies with me.”
    â€œAh, but I am more interested in learning why ye refused to share such a fine meal with me when I know ye will nae sup upon anything so grand again for a long time.”
    He took several more steps inside her chamber and planted his feet solidly. There was something in his eyes that looked like