Fraser 01 - Highland Legacy Read Online Free Page B

breath, and the look of surprise on her face, she felt it, too. He quickly collected himself and helped her to her feet. “Come, I will see you home before someone finds the soldiers.” The sooner he returned her to her father’s keep and put temptation behind him, the better.
    “I cannot go home.”
    Ignoring her protest, he brought his fingers to his lips and whistled. A massive black destrier burst through the trees and halted in the middle of the path. With his head raised and nostrils flared, the warhorse pawed at the ground. Connor whistled again, and the stallion obediently trotted over and nudged his arm.
    “A friend of yours?” she asked drolly.
    “I’ve owned Thor since he was a yearling.” He reached into the canvas sack on the back of his saddle, pulled out a length of plaid, and draped the woolen fabric about her head and shoulders. “Your hair is beautiful, and I’m sure the envy of every lass in the village. While it is a shame to cover it, we must do what we can to hide your identity. Keep your head down and hopefully no one will recognize you.” From a pouch on his belt, he tugged out her slippers, and handed them to her. “Best you put these on and make haste.”
    “Where did you find them?”
    “They were on the riverbank, and I thought you might have need of them.”
    Cailin quickly slid her feet into the slippers. “Thank you.”
    “Best we leave. A patrol could come along at any minute.” He didn’t give her time to argue. His hands slid around her waist and lifted her onto Thor’s back. Once she was seated, he mounted behind her.
    Her head whipped around so she faced him. “It is scandalous for a maiden to ride this close to a man if he is not her husband.”
    He didn’t reply—he couldn’t speak. Instead, he shifted in the saddle behind her and stifled a groan. Given the way his body reacted to the softness of her bottom pressed against his aching groin, the tantalizing fragrance of her hair—a subtle mix of heather, lavender soap, and sunshine—this was going to be a long ride. A sharp kick of his boot prompted Thor to lunge forward.
    They traveled the short distance in silence. When they came to a halt in a small copse of trees near the postern gate of Mhaolain Castle, Cailin turned to face him . “Mayhap, I should go the rest of the way alone. I know my way about the bailey and when the guards make their rounds. To have you with me would surely attract attention.”
    “You’re probably right. Your father might not understand why we are alone together, and I dinna want to damage your reputation. Once you’re safely inside, I’ll take my leave.” He slid from the horse and offered her his hand.
    She couldn’t bring herself to move. With her head bowed, and eyes downcast, she toyed with the corner of the plaid he’d wrapped around her shoulders. A strange ache gnawed at the pit of her stomach, and an insidious sadness crept over her. This was madness, she didn’t even know the man, but she wanted him to stay. Better yet, she wished he would take her with him. She silently prayed he would carry her away from Dunkeld forever.
    “Are you certain you will be all right?” He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her from the saddle.
    His touch sizzled, slicing through her like a bolt of lightning, igniting her very core. Erotic sparks erupted from within and flew in every direction. When her feet touched the ground, she slowly raised her eyes, and her gaze locked with his. “Aye. I will never forget your kindness.”
    Connor leaned closer. “Cailin,” he muttered her name on a shuddering breath, and his mouth captured hers.
    The way her name rolled off his tongue gave her gooseflesh. At first, the kiss was tender, almost chaste. Languorously, his tongue teased the seam of her lips, willing her to open to his sweet invasion. To give in to desire was wrong, yet she offered no resistance when his arms enveloped her, and he pulled her into his embrace.
    Her fingers