Forbidden Heart (Hearts of the Highlands #6) - Paula Quinn Page 0,57

The captain had advised her to keep it. She ran her hands over the soft purple silk. She couldn’t imagine how much fabric like it cost.

She had to have gone mad, indeed, because she peeled away her habit and picked up the silken bundle. She smiled as all logic left her and she imagined herself showing up in it tonight at the town hall.

She let the folds spill from her hand and held it up to admire its shape and cut, and the delicate silver stitches along the square neckline.

With a rush of heat going through her, she pulled the gown over her head and ran her arms through the tapered sleeves. She felt the breath leave her body at the feel of the silk falling over her body. She had never owned anything so luxurious and it had been a gift! She wished she had a mirror, but she ran her palms down the dress, feeling the slightly loose fit and expert craftsmanship.

She could never wear it to meet members of the church. She smiled at her silly ravings. She would be excommunicated and perhaps her uncle would be kicked out of the church with her.

She pretended to be married to the captain, waiting for him in the bedroom while he bid good eve to their last guest. Soon, he would be here. He would ravish her, unable to resist her another instant—and no longer having to.

She closed her eyes, feeling his breath on her, his woodsy scent covering her. His sumptuous lips roved over hers and down her chin to the thrashing pulsebeat at her throat. He kissed her and held her waist in his hands.

Her eyes opened. Stop! This would do her no good if she were meeting the men of the church tonight.

She grew serious. She had to be the epitome of purity. That’s what they believed. The truth was that she wasn’t pure, and she didn’t know her uncle. He paid for everything she needed but he had visited her only once. If they asked her what she thought of him, she would tell them that he made certain she always had what she needed. Hopefully, he did the same for her family. She would tell them nothing else until her uncle threatened her again. Then, she would tell them that.

She stepped out of the gown. She never planned on wearing it and packed it into her bag.

She donned her gray robes and sat in a chair by the window. She took out her beads and her small book of prayers and there she stayed until the sun began its lazy descent.

When it came time to leave, she put on her wimple and veil, tucking every strand of her hair beneath.

She felt more peaceful and ready to face them. She searched the halls for the captain and hated herself for it.

Before she reached the town hall, she saw the lights from dozens of candles and the hearth fire glowing from inside.

What would these men be like? She would find out soon but, first, she spotted someone waiting outside the doors. Her escort? Was her uncle so thoughtful? She didn’t think so.

As she grew closer, she saw who it was. The captain. He wore a hooded mantle and dark boots. When he turned to face her, her heart melted at the masculine beauty he possessed.

“Captain.” There was so much she wanted to say to him. So much waiting to roll off her tongue, held back by strength she didn’t know she possessed. “What are you doing here?” He wasn’t alone. Mac, Will, Padrig, and Morgann were there, smiling at her, soothing her nerves.

“How d’ye feel?” he asked, looking her over.

“Anxious, I will admit.”

“Remember what I told ye,” Will drawled. “They shyte like the rest of us.”

Now, instead of whacking his brother with his fist, Padrig nodded.

“We just heard aboot the gatherin’,” the captain said. “John planned it withoot my knowledge, which speak volumes to me. I am goin’ to escort ye inside and whoever doesna like it will have to stop me himself.”

“He will have to stop us all,” Padrig said.

“I will stop you all right now!” she argued. “You must not come inside with me. The moment they see you they will draw conclusions.” She looked at Galeren. She hadn’t told him that John threatened her life. There was no time now. “Please, if you were hurt…”

“Verra well. We will do as ye ask,” he comforted. “But we will remain ootside and escort ye back