Read Tempted by the Highland Warrior for Free Online Page B

conquered her mouth, bringing her back against the wall. With his kiss
he broke down her defences, until she was trembling beneath the onslaught.
    At last, he let her go, resting both hands upon the wall. His
dark eyes were heated with desire, his mouth looking as if he wanted to do more,
kiss her in other secret places.
    She didn’t know what to do or what to say now. Confused, she
fumbled for words—anything to distract herself from the turmoil of ragged
feelings. ‘Y-you should get dressed,’ she told him quietly.
    He studied her, his eyes discerning. Then he touched her cheek,
a question hidden within his expression—almost as if he were asking if he’d
overstepped his bounds.
    She didn’t know what to say. Colour flooded her face at what
she’d done, for she could give no reason why she’d allowed him to kiss her. Only
that she’d wanted him to.
    Taking his hand, she led him over to the pile of clothing.
‘Nairna brought these for you.’ Then she went to the far side of the room,
turning her back. Inside, she trembled from the kiss. He’d shaken her deeply,
making her crave his touch.
    From behind her, she heard the light rustle as he picked up the
clothes. Heaven only knew what possessed her to do it, but she turned over her
shoulder to steal a look at him.
    Callum’s shoulders and back held stripes of both healed and
unhealed lash marks, scars that he would carry for the rest of his life. His
waist was lean, but, despite his thin frame, he had the body of a fighter. He
had tight, muscular buttocks and powerful thighs.
    And, oh God, he’d caught her looking at him.
    A slow, wicked smile curved over his mouth, as if daring her to
look further.
    Marguerite whirled around, wondering why she’d done such a
thing. But he hadn’t been angry. In fact, she’d caught a glimpse of amusement in
Callum’s eyes, as if he’d wanted her to look.
    He was undeniably handsome, despite the harsh conditions he’d
endured. His dark eyes held secrets and an intensity that weakened her senses.
Long dark hair flowed past his shoulders and she imagined what it would be like
cut short. His clean-shaven face revealed a strong jaw and a determined
confidence in his demeanour.
    She didn’t know why she was attracted to a man who’d been held
prisoner for so long. It might be compassion, but more likely it was her own
curiosity. Callum had made no secret of his interest, and she could not have
chosen someone more different from herself.
    She’d been raised in a castle, surrounded by servants. And
although it wasn’t her nature to demand material goods, she’d had everything she
ever wanted. Callum was the third-born son, with hardly more than the clothes on
his back. He could give her nothing at all.
    Perhaps that was what drew her to him. He saw her , while the other men saw only her father’s wealth
and power.
    When Marguerite risked another look back at him, Callum was
sitting on the bed, fully dressed. His wrists rested upon his knees, his head
bowed. He looked tired, yet unable to sleep. She took a step forward, and the
sound of her motion prompted him to lift his head. He let out a slow breath, his
face masked. Then he touched the place beside him in a silent request for her to
sit.
    She remained still, unsure of herself or what he wanted from
her. Time hung suspended while she debated whether or not to stay a little
longer. He appeared calmer, more in command of himself.
    ‘You can’t kiss me again,’ she warned.
    He didn’t tease her with a smile, but gave a single nod as his
silent promise. In his hands, she saw the faded blue ribbon.
    She took a breath and moved a slight distance beside him. ‘It’s
all right to sleep, you know. No one will harm you.’ Though she was tired
herself, she intended to return to her own room, once he had found a peaceful
rest.
    Callum reached out and pulled her to sit beside him. Then he
laid his head upon her lap.
    The gesture should have made her uneasy. Instead, as