Read Highland Scoundrel (Highland Brides) for Free Online Page B

she stepped closer and bent slightly to notice that his name had been tooled into the leather.
    "I wasn't certain ye would come," he whispered in her ear.
    Shona straightened at the strange tone in his voice, but as she did, he gripped her arm and pressed his hips against her backside.
    A bad turn of events.
    "Of course I came," she said, turning gingerly in the small space between the monkey saddle and him. "Why would I not?"
    He chuckled, relinquishing his grip as she tugged gently. "Ye have forever been the wild one, Shona. I've never known what to expect from ye. But twould be like you to welcome a bit of frolic."
    "Frolic?" She didn't like the sound of that word, but she smiled sweetly as she sidled sideways.
    "Do ye remember the bull?" he asked, watching her.
    She smiled with some warmth now, for the memory brought back vague feelings of fondness for him. It had been a summer when she had seen too little of her cousins. Thus he had been a replacement, albeit a poor one, for a short span of time.
    "I do," she said. "He was quite unhappy to be mounted."
    "Then try me." Suddenly Gilmour was gripping her arms and pressed up hard against her.
    She tried to retreat, but he was stronger than he'd been when they were twelve. She blinked at him and stuttered, "W-what?"
    "Try me," he growled. His breath was not good. "I've no objection to be mounted by a bonny lass like ye."
    Shona quickly considered her options. She could scream, of course. But screaming was so melodramatic, and Gilmour had always been sensible enough. So she smiled, trying to ignore the fact that his pelvis was pressed against hers with appalling intimacy, and hoping he'd see the humor in the situation.
    "Tis a bit late for me to ride, I fear, Gilmour."
    He chuckled. "There is no reason to act coy, sweet Shona. We've known each other far too long. And waited too long. But now we shall finally be united."
    She was truly surprised to hear this. "We will?"
    "I do not mind that ye are at times..." He pressed harder. "Less than proper."
    Shona shifted her gaze sideways. She thought she had heard someone enter the stable. What to do now? Hope they rescued her or hope they didn't notice her?
    "It's very generous of ye to overlook my shortcomings, Gilmour," she said, still listening to ascertain if someone had opened the door. But no sounds distracted her, so she must have been mistaken, which meant they were still quite alone. "But I fear ye've misunderstood my intentions."
    "I think not," he rasped, and fervently pressed his lips to hers.
    It wasn't as if she hadn't been kissed before. After all, she'd bested Liam in a bet when she was all of fifteen, and he'd been obliged to give her a few pointers, but Shona was certain her skin hadn't crawled at his touch.
    She pushed against Halwart's chest with all her might, finally breaking the suction on her lips.
    "Gilmour," she said.
    "God, you're a hot lass!" he growled, stepping forward.
    "Aye. I am quite warm." She skipped off sideways, looking for a way out. "I think I'd better step outside for..."
    But in an instant he caught her by the arm and swung her in for another sloppy caress.
    "Gilmour!" She covered his mouth quickly with her hand. "I must apologize, for I fear I've misled ye. Twas not my intent to come out here for a private tryst. Though of course the prospect is quite tempting." About as tempting as sticking her hair in the kitchen fire. Still, Gilmour was really a decent sort when sober, and she saw no reason to hurt his feelings. "Please forgive me if I've given ye the wrong impression."
    He twisted his face away. She dropped her hand.
    "I dunna have the wrong impression. I have a need. A sharp need in my nether parts that will not be quieted until I have you," he said, and crushed her against his chest, but she had found his hair and gave it a good hard yank, so that his head was canted slightly toward the rear and he was forced to turn his eyeballs downward to look into her face.
    "Gilmour!" she warned,