The Fearless Highlander (Highland Defender Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

blasted key before her father marshalled him up the gallows stairs.
    She bit the tip of her fingernail. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea, given how ill you’ve been.”
    “I’ve not had a decent meal in over a year,” he pleaded, testing the waters with the soulful expression that had always worked on his Ma.
    By the blush spreading from her neck to her silken cheeks, his pinched brows did the trick. “Very well, I’ll order a tray.” She emitted a delightful giggle. “I’ll tell the kitchens ’tis for me so they don’t balk.”
    Och aye, he kept his pleading eyes in his arsenal for young maidens like Miss Hill. And if she stayed long enough, he just might convince her to give him that key. “You are an angel.” Now that he’d won her sympathy Hugh didn’t want her to go anywhere, but she promised to return as soon as she put in the request for food—then he’d pour on the charm for certain.
    When later she walked through the door with a servant in tow, Hugh could have died a happy man simply by the fragrant aroma of cooked food.
    Charlotte gestured toward the table across the surgery. “Please set the tray there.”
    “Aye, Miss Hill,” the lad said in a Highland brogue. “Is that all?”
    Hugh eyed the boy—Highlanders working for the government didn’t sit well. Must be a Campbell .
    “I believe so, thank you.” She inclined her head toward the door. “I’ll let you know if I should need anything more.”
    As the lad left, the lady regarded Hugh. “Can you sit?”
    “Aye.” He looked to his leg irons. “But I’m a bit tied up at the moment.” Unchain me and after I have my meal I’ll be on my way—back to the Coe where nary a soul will find me .
    “How about if I pile some pillows behind you?”
    “I’d prefer it if you could remove these manacles.” The corner of his mouth ticked up.
    She shook her head with an exasperated cough. “My father would lock me away for an eternity if I did such a thing.”
    Hugh sighed. “Och, lassie, you cannot blame a man for trying.” His brows pinched again, going for the kill. “Is it true the king has ordered the prisoners to the gallows?”
    “Papa has written to the king, the Privy Council and to the Master of Stair requesting a pardon.”
    “So it is true?”
    Charlotte looked down with a nod. “I wish it didn’t have to be like this.” She collected pillows from the other two vacant beds.
    “Me as well—most likely more than you.”
    “But I believe in my father’s sensibility—and there hasn’t been a Jacobite uprising in Scotland since Dunkeld. His argument is sound.” Placing her hand under Hugh’s shoulder, she leaned over him with the pillows. Lord in heaven, she smelled more alluring than a bouquet of freshly cut roses. Fire ignited deep in his groin—hell, there was only so much a man could do to resist temptation. If only he hadn’t promised to keep his hands at his sides, Miss Hill would be in his arms about now. Oh, to sink his fingers into the supple flesh of a woman. He almost groaned.
    Hugh sat forward as she fluffed the pillows behind him. Bless it, he couldn’t help his sideways glance. Her breast was so close, if he leaned over a wee inch he could inadvertently brush it with his cheek. He started to incline his head when she straightened.
    “Oh my.” She grasped his shoulders. “Are you lightheaded?”
    Taking in a deep inhale through his nose, he certainly felt light in the head. What miserable prisoner wouldn’t be when cared for by a beauty such as Miss Hill? Charlotte, the doctor had called her. The name danced on the tip of Hugh’s tongue. He liked it—feminine, yet sophisticated. He cleared his throat and sat squarely. “Not to worry. I’ll be right as soon as I get a bit of sustenance into my gullet.”
    “Let us hope so.” She moved the tray to the bedside table and sat on the stool. Her sleeve slid back revealing her injury.
    “How did you get that bruise?” He leaned forward for