Seducing the Laird Read Online Free Page A

does not completely trust me. Not yet."
    "Be careful."
    Owen gently grasped Verena’s chin in his hand. For a moment it seemed he would kiss her and she froze. She stood trapped in his light embrace not knowing whether to pull away or toward him so she did neither. Thankfully Owen stepped back suddenly, releasing her.
    "I don’t want anything to happen to you."
    She tried to smile, but was flustered by the brief contact. She knew something was changing in her relationship with Owen. He was transforming from her friend and protector into something else. But Verena was not sure she was ready to face that change.
    "What could possibly happen with you watching over me?" she asked lightly, turning to return to the cottage. Verena didn’t let herself wonder why she would rather return to its small confines than remain outdoors with her longtime friend.
    "Verena," Owen softly called after her. She paused just before emerging from the woods and turned back to him. There was something in Owen’s gaze that she couldn’t define, an uncertainty or desire or perhaps both. Whatever it was, it made her nervous. For years Hadran had groomed Verena to be the perfect spy. She always knew precisely what to say and do, but now with her longtime friend she was unsure.
    "Men like the McPherson are kind and chivalrous when the mood strikes them or when they need something, but never forget he is a lord. He does not care for the likes of us. No pretty face is going to change that."
    "I know exactly what he is."
    Verena shivered as a chill wind swept through the forest. She didn’t envy Owen’s position out in the cold. There was a little stable next to the cottage where Owen slept, but that was less than ideal.
    She thought of Hadran running back and forth between them and Lord Gundy, delivering orders and knew Owen was right. Nobles didn’t care about their servants as long as their selfish desires were met. She must remember that as she dealt with Cairn.

 
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
    Verena sat on her pallet before the fire, staring into the flames and thinking of Owen’s words. Did he truly believe she needed a reminder of the ruthlessness of noblemen? Her job was to seek out the worst in people so Gundy could use it to his advantage. She had little respect or sympathy for any of them. It was true Cairn had kind eyes but that wouldn’t erase years of neglecting his home.
    She shook her head. Why was she thinking of his eyes?
    Reaching for her comb, Verena pulled it forcefully through her long, thick hair. She had plans of her own that didn’t involve entanglements with noblemen. She didn’t intend to be Gundy’s slave forever. She knew it would be difficult and dangerous to leave, but Verena was confident she would think of something when the time came.
    For years she had faithfully saved her earnings and already had a goodly sum. Soon she would have enough to settle anywhere she wanted. It would be heartbreaking to leave her adopted family of spies. She would have to settle far away where Gundy couldn’t find her. There was little doubt the English lord would try to ensure his dangerous secrets were never revealed.
    Some niggling unease made Verena turn her head to find the Scotsman’s eyes open and riveted on her. She quickly revised her earlier opinion of him. Cairn’s eyes weren’t merely kind; they were compelling, sparkling with an unnerving intensity. What did he see when he looked at her? Did he see the trustworthy woman she pretended to be, or could he see her deception and cunning?
    "I like your hair," he said softly.
    The warmth of his voice washed over her, making her shiver as if she had been caressed.
    "’Tis unseemly for a widow," she replied demurely, though she made a mental note to wear her hair down as much as possible in his company. "Are you feeling better this morning?"
    "I am much better, thank you."
    "You must be hungry."
    "Not yet. Talk to me for a while."
    Despite his words Verena stood up and began