True Love Brides 02 - The Highlander’s Curse Read Online Free

for those beneath his authority and did not shy away from a difficult task. She could envision him as laird of his own holding, a man who could be relied upon to provide protection and justice, one who would never abuse his authority or take more than his due.
    He was a man in truth, rugged and tanned, his clothing simple but well made. There was a practicality about him, and she sensed that he carried no item that was not of use to him on a regular basis. His hair was dark blond and that, combined with his tan, made him look golden. His eyes were so vivid a blue that they seemed to reflect the sky. She was not so bold as to look directly upon him, but she had noticed how his laced leather jerkin showed the muscled breadth of his chest to advantage, how the undyed linen of his shirt made his tan look deeper. His kilt was woven in the colors of the forest, one end cast over his shoulder like a cloak. His boots were high but she could still see the powerful strength of his legs. Just a glimpse of his body had been enough to weaken her knees.
    His kiss completed what that glimpse had begun. Annelise felt as close to swooning as ever she had and wondered how any soul resisted such pleasure as this. The hunter held her gently but firmly, one hand tilting her face upward for his kiss, his fingertips just beneath her chin. His other hand rested on her waist, steadying her but not claiming her. She was free enough that she could step back and stop the embrace if she so desired, but Annelise did not so desire.
    She wanted more.
    All she had ever wanted was an honorable man for a husband, a home and children. She knew little of this hunter, not even his name, but his sure touch and his tender kiss told her all she believed she needed to know.
    Her choice to be bold had already borne fruit.
    Annelise was not surprised when he ended their kiss, nor by the ruefulness in his smile when she dared to look up at him. She was disappointed that such pleasure should end, but hoped for another kiss. She bit her lip shyly, still tingling with the warmth of his caress.
    “You would tempt a saint, my lady,” he whispered. “And I am no saint.”
    “Do not speak thus!” Annelise protested, feeling her cheeks burn. “I am no temptress.”
    “Your kiss entices me as no other.”
    “It is not due to any amorous skill on my part.” She dared to tease him. “Perhaps you tempt my reaction, sir.”
    His smile was quick. “Or perhaps we awaken something in each other.”
    Annelise caught her breath that his words should so closely echo her own thoughts. “Destiny,” she whispered in delight.
    “I do not like that notion,” he said with a shake of his head and she felt crushed. He raised his hands to let them rest lightly on her shoulders and Annelise could not look away from the warmth in his gaze. His fingers curled, his thumbs moving against her shoulders in a slow and beguiling stroke. “It implies that we have no choices to make, that all is set in stone from the moment of our birth.” He took a breath, then stepped back so there was a space between them. “I make choices and act upon them, my lady.”
    Annelise was confused. Did he mean to turn away and leave her? She could not believe it, but could make no sense of his retreat. “You reject me?”
    “I protect you,” he replied gently. “Even from myself. Even against my own desire.”
    “Why?”
    “You are innocent. You are noble. You already have said that we are on the lands of your sister’s husband. I would not willingly choose to place myself in his court of justice or sully your name with whispered rumor.” He lowered his voice. “No man of honor takes more than his due.”
    His words made Annelise smile, for there was no one to see them in this place much less to gossip about her choices. “If not destiny, what power is at work?”
    “Recognition,” he answered without hesitation. “I believe we see more keenly with senses other than sight. I believe that you and I