Finding My Highlander Read Online Free Page B

have sworn the bones in her own hands rattled as she held his head.
    Take slow, calming breaths . It seemed she constantly needed to remind herself to breathe. A damp sheen of sweat covered her forehead even though the temperature had dropped precipitously. She felt clammy, and her head pounded ferociously. It was imperative they do something to get Lorne’s body temperature under control.
    Andra stood and faced three, fierce Highlanders. She knew what had to be done, but cringed with worry for her safety should she even suggest it. “Listen to me, he is freezing, yet burns with fever.” Three sets of startled brows rose at her tone and demand for attention but she rattled on. “His condition is very grave, and it’s imperative that we stabilize his body temperature. I have a suggestion which may help,”
    She paused to take a deep breath, exhaled and rushed on. “I need a solemn oath from each of you,” her eyes drilled each man, “on your honor as gentlemen, give me your solemn vow, your promise that you will not harm, nor molest me in any manner.” Unflinchingly, she searched each face.
    All three mouths dropped open with outraged sputtering; Kendrick spoke first and none too happily. “Och, Andra, why do you question our honor, we are Highland warriors. We dinnae molest defenseless women.”
    Struan interjected. “Just like a bloody Cameron to accuse us of the worst behavior while ‘tis your clan that harbors the most despicable heathens on God’s earth.”
    Exasperated with Struan’s constant grumbling she spun on him. “My clan? I have already told you, I have no clan. I belong to no clan!” Andra clutched and unclutched her hands. The man had trod on her last nerve. She found herself shouting—again.
    “Oh, you’re being ridiculous.” She stomped her foot in frustration, a petulant and completely uncharacteristic behavior, as her normally calm, controlled demeanor cracked in frustration.
    “Just give me your word of honor, if you possess such a thing.” Under the circumstances, she should be quaking in her boots, but Andra stood firm. She stared down these massively muscled men capable of inflicting great harm with the flick of a wrist. Though she couldn’t begin to say why, she felt no harm would come to her from them.
    Their faces expressed offense, but she knew with certainty not all Highlanders could profess honorable behavior. Fists bunched at her hips, she stared at them, refusing to drop her eyes even when Struan curled his burly arms over his thick chest and grumbled something unintelligible while scowling at her as if he would just as soon toss her on the fire.
    “You offend us grievously if you think we would harm any woman, especially one who has aided our own. You have my word, madam, no man will harm you in any manner.” Kendrick’s voice vibrated with an edge of anger. The tallest of the bunch, he stood at least six-foot five, and the rest of them weren’t much shorter. Though not petite, Andra felt diminutive next to any one of them. Kendrick, however, was the most imposing man she’d ever laid eyes on in both physique and intensity. He intrigued her.
    His eyes flashed a deep, commanding blue in the firelight. A thin, white scar ran along one side of his clenched jaw. She wanted to reach out and slide her fingers along that scar on his jaw. Why was her mind going off on such thoughts?
    Instead, she wiggled her hand indicating they turn around. “I must disrobe, do not be peeking, nor goggling at me.”
    All three men repeated the word goggling with raised eyebrows but did as she requested and turned their backs. She hastily pulled her family’s ancient plaid from the bag, unlaced her black-leather ankle boots, stripped off her soaked socks. Andra peeled off the leggings and long black skirt, removed her fitted leather vest, and pulled off her favorite heather-colored, turtleneck sweater, hopelessly stained with blood and dirt. Standing in pale-pink satin and lace underwear