Read Highland Scandal for Free Online Page B

laces of her neckline.
    “Not yet. I’m a highlander and I can handle a wee bit of rain.”
    He held her close and wrapped his plaid around them both. The wind stirred about them. Rain lashed against him. She snuggled tighter against him. He held her close.
    “Rowen.”
    She lifted her face toward him. The faucets of her eyes gleamed and so trustingly held his own. He could see the warmth of her love in the depths. He ached from having her being ripped away from him.
    “I shall love you forever. If you ever need me, I shall be at your side. Just call upon me. Now, you may not be my wife by law, but before God, you are my wife. I belong to you.”
     
     

 
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
     
    Lachlan stood beside the stable master. Rowen glared at the man. Her lips were pinched which matched her fist resting on her hips.
    “Wat were ye doing wen ye injured her?” He turned his sharp gaze on Rowen.
    “I was chasing after a stag. I did not injury her. An adder scared her and she stomped it.”
    “If it wasna ye, I’d be telling ye that ye didna ken how to ride. She didna fall or stumble and she isna bitten.”
    Lachlan bowed his head to hide the grin twitching his lips. Rowen hitched up her chin that she nearly blocked her view of the stable master.
    “Nay. I dismounted quickly and made sure she was not hurt.” She bit out each word.
    He bobbed his head in curt nods. “She isna hurt but she needin’ some rest.” The stable master scratched his head. “Isna that right, my bonny lass?” He patted the horse on her neck. “Ye can go. I need to make a poultice for her.”
    Lachlan rested his hand on the small of Rowen’s back and escorted her from the stable. Actually, he pushed her out.
    “You can stop now.” She twisted about and swatted at his hand resting on the small of her back.
    He lessened the pressure. “Do you promise not to run back in there?”
    “I will not. He insulted me then complimented me. If wasna me” —she took on a thick highland lilt—“ I’ll be tell ye didna ken how to ride. So he did not have to instruct me to sit a horse.” She halted in the shadow of the stable. She let out a huff. “He is caring for the horse as his job demands.”
    “Good to know. You can be fierce when someone tries to order you about.”
    “Fierce. Truly? I would have chosen a different word.”
    “That would be…um…beastly. Aye, beastly.”
    “I’m still not pleased with your word choice, but I will agree with beastly.”
    He laid his hand over his heart. “Thank you.”
    Her light laughter rang out. He loved seeing her laugh. Her head fell back and showed off the elegant length of her neck. Her eyes closed. Her mouth spread, releasing the sound. Her shoulders shook in the most adorable way. Lachlan felt a spread of warmth and comfort that was lacking in his life.
    The arrival of the hunting party stirred a racket in the courtyard. Castle folk moved aside for the riders. Lachlan put a proper distance between him and Rowen. She folded her hands together and hid them in the fall of her skirts.
    Och, they both looked guilty.
    Eacharn pulled up. He grinned down at her. Lachlan narrowed his gaze, focusing on his chin. One clip would knock him to the ground.
    “I am glad you are well and sad you missed the hunt.” Eacharn hopped from the saddle. His excited energy had him shifting from foot to foot.
    She spared Lachlan a glance from the corner of her eyes. “Me as well. I see that it was a success.”
    “That it was. I have to tell you all.”
    “Come clean up and get something refreshing to quench your thirst. Then you must tell me.” Rowen donned a pleasant smile. The warmth failed to reach her eyes.
    Eacharn motioned for her to come along. She fell into step beside him. Lachlan watched them disappear among the crowd. Feeling the weight of someone’s gaze, he turned away from the retreating couple. Caelen stood in front of him and glared down at him.
    “Cease with that look. You know how it