The Care and Feeding of Your Captive Earl (What Happens In Scotland Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

themselves at Matthias. For this—one kiss, one glorious moment of bliss.
    He growled somewhere low in his throat and it jolted her from her reverie.
    Oh, God. What was she doing?She was no better than any of the pitiable women who fell at his feet, desperate for one glance, one scintilla of affection.
    Nothing good ever came of such weaknesses—for the ladies, at least. All that was left after attaching one’s affections to a rake were deflated dreams and broken hearts. And for too many…complete ruination.
    Angry with herself, she jerked away abruptly, pushing against his chest, breaking the kiss.
    She swallowed, unable to catch her breath. Her cheeks felt hot and her heart galloped wildly beneath her ribs like a runaway horse.
    “That was…wholly improper,” she managed to get out. “Do not do that again.”
    A lazy smile spread across his face. “You enjoyed it.”
    And before she could even contemplate the truth of that statement, his head dropped into her lap and he promptly fell asleep, snoring loudly.

CHAPTER THREE
     
    They traveled for hours through desolate and beautiful Scottish lowlands, verdant hillsides rising up around them, broken only by the blue, cloudless sky. Gwen had lowered the window to let in the crisp heather-scented air.
    Her gaze drifted to Matthias. He was still asleep, his head in her lap. He looked so peaceful in sleep—his strong, handsome features relaxed and serene. He was really quite beautiful.
    She now understood, in a detached, appreciative sort of way, why so many women had fallen for him. Handsome, wealthy, the heir to a title…He had everything to recommend him. Additionally, he kissed like an Adonis.
    His mouth had fallen over hers, and like a man deprived, he had devoured her, taking complete control. Her body had reacted instantly—her nipples hardening, her heart hammering frantically against the wall of her chest. Even now, remembering it made her feel breathless and light-headed.
    The carriage hit a large ditch in the road, jolting them. Matthias moaned and shifted slightly.
    Breath held, she waited to see if he would awaken. It would cause infinite problems if he did. She had more sleeping tonic, but she wouldn’t risk his health by giving him an excessive dose—the apothecary had been quite insistent on two drops and no more. If he woke, she would have to convince him they were headed toward London, instead of the opposite direction. He was nothing if not intelligent and would figure it out eventually—not to mention the fact that they were sans Evelyn— then he would insist they turn back.
    When he remained sleeping, she released the breath she’d been holding. And yet the fear did not dissipate. What would she do when he awoke? Perhaps she had better tie him up now. Only, she feared he would find himself tied up and scream out. No, better to wait until they reached their destination.
    The next morning, the carriage finally came to a halt in a small, desolate-looking hamlet.
    When the driver came around to help her alight, she stretched, rubbing her sore neck. Sleeping inside a cramped carriage was unbearable and every muscle screamed out in protest.
    “Where are we?” she asked.
    “Selwick. The most remote hamlet ye’ll find this side of Scotland.”
    Nodding, she glanced around. Indeed, there was a narrow dirt road, flanked by squat, humble cottages on either side. Gray, billowy smoke rose up from the chimneys, promising warmth.
    “Do you know where I might find someone willing to let a cottage?”
    The driver shrugged. “There’s a small inn at the end of the road…”
    “Excellent. Will you wait here with Mr. Smith, while I make inquiries? Oh, and if he wakes and mutters nonsense about being kidnapped” —she laughed uncomfortably— “pay him no mind. He also believes he is the queen of England.”
    “Aye, miss,” he said somewhat cautiously.
    It took nearly the entire morning, while visiting every house within the small hamlet, but she