X Marks the Scot Read Online Free PDF Page A

MacGregor.
    Liadain jumped back away from him. MacGregor turned and faced the woman, but Liadain could not see her face. It was not for lack of trying. The view was blocked by his massive form.
    “Now isnae the time,” he said dryly.
    Stepping around him, the woman surveyed Liadain slowly from head to toe. The woman gave an overly dramatic curtsy. “Pray excuse me, my lady. I didnae realize he dallied…” As if she had second thoughts, the woman pulled MacGregor to the side, not even making an effort to lower her voice. “Papa took his leave this morn and I want to meet ye after the celebration.”
    This was clearly a private conversation—one Liadain did not particularly want to be a part of. “MacGregor, I will take my leave—”
    Spinning toward her, he held Liadain in place with a wide-eyed look of desperation.
    She could not stay the giggle that escaped her lips. Though it served the wretch right, she still felt sorry for him. He was clearly backed into a corner, searching for a means of escape. For a brief moment, she thought to flee, but she was a healer. She couldn’t stand to see anyone suffer.
    Liadain boldly placed her hand on his rock-hard forearm and fixed the blond with a withering gaze. Nodding to the woman, she said in a firm tone, “I donna share, my lady.”
    Liadain could feel MacGregor’s stare boring into her. As their eyes met, she felt a shock jolt through her and she was amazed at the thrill he gave her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, his thumb making light, circular caresses.
    “She doesnae share me.”
    The woman stammered in confusion. “My apologies, my lady,” she said, bobbing a brief curtsy before she ran off.
    Liadain could not help herself as she burst out laughing.
    ***
    Declan was rendered speechless. He could not say what surprised him more—the fact that the persistent woman would not yield or the fact that the healer actually came to his rescue.
    “Why would ye do that?”
    Her gentle laugh rippled through the air. “Your eyes said that ye were in desperate need…of escape.”
    “There is that,” he said, shaking his head in astonishment as he watched the blond woman sulk away. Turning his attention back to his champion, he smiled. “I truly thank ye, and my apologies that ye heard…er, her words.”
    She waved him off. “A word of advice, if I may?”
    Declan twisted his mouth in annoyance. “I donna think I have a choice,” he said dryly.
    “If ye continue to behave as a rogue, MacGregor, ye will always find yourself in these situations. Howbeit ye arenae my husband so I donna have a care,” she quickly added. “But when ye settle down with a wife, she may. Just something for ye to think upon,” she said with an air of indifference as she continued to walk.
    For some reason, her words disturbed him. Granted, if he ever wed, his wife might have such concerns over his dalliances, but what bothered him more was the fact that the healer was not troubled. He was taken aback because she was unaffected by his wicked behavior. Perhaps he was mistaken and what he’d thought were stolen glances were only that—nothing more.
    He shook off their conversation and they continued to walk as if the incident never happened. What was the matter with him? Prior to the woman’s untimely interruption, the thought actually crossed his mind to kiss…the healer .
    Hell, the lass looked so lusciously alluring. She always did. Her actions showed that she could be as playful as a young lass or as composed as an intelligent woman, a strength that did not lessen her femininity.
    Casting a sideways glance, he saw that tiny curling tendrils escaped the heavy silken mass of her raven tresses. Her beauty was exquisite. She carried herself confidently, unaware of the approving glances that men threw at her. Declan studied her thoughtfully for a moment. She was truly a woman to be treasured.
    “’Tis such a lovely day. Mòran taing for walking with me.” Thank you very