Highland Sons: The Mackay Saga Read Online Free Page B

intensity of her expression made him uneasy. It was as if she could force him to make sense of her actions. “I’m trying to understand.” He closed the space between them. “You’re asking me to accept something I can’t explain.”
    “Not everything needs to be explained.”
    “True.” He smoothed back her hair, cupping the side of her face with his hand. Her skin felt silky against his palm. She smelled of wildflowers and heather, combined with a darker fragrance that spoke of the earth. “For instance, how would you explain this?”
    Her eyes widened slightly, just before his lips claimed hers. At first she didn’t respond, as though she didn’t know what to do. Then her hands traveled up his chest until she grasped his shoulders and pressed against him.
    He deepened the kiss, molding his mouth and body to hers. This was madness. He barely knew her. But a wildness surged in him, making him forget everything but the woman in his arms.
    His lips trailed downward, exploring the sweet hollow at the base of her neck. Bane drew her against his length, as his mouth claimed hers once again. Breathing became a labored activity to match the rapid beating of his heart.
    When Kenzie began to shove against his shoulders, he took a moment to realize what she was about. His control teetered on a fine edge, until he forced himself to break the kiss. Lord above, what had come over him?
    With her hand to her mouth, Kenzie stepped back. He could see terror in her eyes, much like a hare cornered by the hounds.
    “I’m sorry.” Kenzie wrapped her cloak close to her body, then turned and ran back toward the castle.
    He’d kissed many a lass, and not one had had that reaction to him. The kiss had surprised even him in its intensity, but it shouldn’t have inspired fear. Instead of solving the mystery surrounding her, he had more questions. He’d give her this night to rest, but tomorrow he’d know why she faced a wolf without hesitation, but his kiss terrified her.
    Kenzie stumbled along the path, blinded by tears. She’d never allowed a man to touch her like that. Why him of all people?
    A laird—and she’d responded. Her stomach clenched.
    He’d smelled of leather and spice. The combination created an intoxicating aroma, but that was no excuse for kissing him back. Mayhap it was because he made her feel safe?
    That is, until she realized what she was about. He hadn’t demanded, and he’d released her when she’d struggled, but she should never have allowed him such liberties. Her jaw set and she squared her shoulders. ‘Twas best to avoid him while they were in the castle.
    She came to a sudden halt when she entered the great hall. Several of Bane’s men sat on benches near the fire, but glanced up when she came in.
    Every one of them stared, watching her as she moved about the room. Goose bumps raised on her arms. She reached for her hood, but she’d left her cape in the solar.
    Feeling exposed, she kept her head down. Why is it their leader never made her feel like she needed to hide, or was simply something to be possessed? She turned away from them and studied the other end of the cavernous room.
    Bane’s mother sat by a small table, a beautiful young woman by her side. The girl had long red hair, fine features, and skin with the dewiness of Lady’s Mantle in the morning. Kenzie felt colorless next to her, yet none of the men had even glanced at the redhead. Judging from the slight thinning of the beauty’s lips, she’d noticed.
    Kenzie approached Lady Mackay. “Have you seen my mother?”
    The older woman glanced up. “Ah, Kenzie. Nay, I’ve not seen her, but I’d like you to meet Maggie McDelavin.” She set aside her embroidery. “Maggie, Kenzie and her mother are staying with us until their cottage can be repaired.”
    Maggie took so long studying Kenzie that she felt like the prize sheep at the fair.
    “Indeed. And how long might the repairs take?” Maggie’s voice held the cold of the moors in