Highland Defiance - By Sky Purington Page 0,35

she watched Iosbail flirt shamelessly with several MacLeod clansmen, all of whom flirted right back. Confused, she looked at Adlin. He looked at Logan. “Mind if I explain?”

“Aye, lad. ‘Tis fine.” Logan winked at Mildred and strode off.

Adlin nodded at Iosbail. “The marriage is for the tie of the clans only and to appease Bruce. Logan’s loved another lass for years. Besides, Iosbail would never agree to be tied down to one lad.”

“Ah.” Mildred sat next to Adlin on a bench facing the fire. “And the whole of the clan understands apparently.”

“Those who are here. When Bruce and his retinue arrive all will change. Iosbail and Logan will appear the ever devoted husband and wife.”

A woman handed her and Adlin goblets, her eyes lingering on the MacLomain laird a second too long before she sauntered off. Mildred ignored a sharp jolt of jealousy and asked, “Will Iosbail stay here, then?”

Adlin shrugged. “You never know with her.” His eyes glinted with amusement. “I suppose it will depend on if she finds someone to her liking.”

Despite the contentment she felt being with Adlin, she couldn’t help but wonder what part she ultimately played in all of this. “I don’t want to marry Bruce.” Her eyes met his. “You won’t let that happen, will you?”

Chin jutted forward, Adlin’s eyes grew dark. “Nay. Never.”

A strange, intimate pleasure warmed her body far better than the roaring fire and she pressed her legs together. It was less what he’d said but more how he’d said it that made her cheeks burn and throat turn dry. Without meaning to she whispered, “I don’t know you nearly well enough.”

What had she said exactly?

But she knew.

Adlin took her hand and squeezed gently, his piercing blue eyes were sharply enhanced by thick black lashes in this light.

He knew too.

Though she should be shocked by what she’d implied the idea of losing her virginity to Adlin seemed the most natural and enticing thing in the world. After all, hadn’t she been ready and willing on the beach last night?

“’Tis good whiskey in your cup, lass. You should try it.”

Mildred looked warily at it but took a sip simply because he’d suggested it. Though it burned a little the flavor was considerably better than what she’d had the previous night.

Adlin smiled. “Not bad, aye?”

Questions should be asked. Answers should be given. Yet when their eyes met, Mildred knew that tonight was not the time. Tomorrow was another day. Her eyes scanned the holding as she took another sip. No, tonight was one of peace and not worrying about what might come next. This night belonged to her and Adlin. A little blip in time that she knew with all her heart would change her life.

As if he read her thoughts, Adlin said, “Tomorrow is ours as well, Mildred.” He brought the back of her hand to his lips and she shivered. Then he brought her hand to his chest. “And far beyond that.”

A heavy swallow lodged in her throat. Desire coursed through her body.

The same woman who had brought their drinks wandered over with some bread. Adlin nodded and took some. Instead of handing her a piece he brought it to her mouth. “Take a bite.”

Mildred didn’t hesitate but stared into his eyes and took a bite of the warm, sweet bread. It melted in her mouth. When she moaned in pleasure she’d swear he did the same, the sound a faint rumble within his chest. The fire crackled, the pipes played and he fed her the rest of the bread before she knew it. Thirsty, she took several sips of her whiskey and sighed in contentment.

“Are you comfortable now, Mildred,” he whispered in her ear.

Never more so. In fact, life had never seemed more perfect. Tempted to ask him if he was working his magic on her, Mildred smiled. No need to ask anymore. He could work his magic as much as he liked.

The crowd seemed to be coming to life as the first rays of moon sliced through the arrow thin windows overhead. They created an ethereal cathedral of soft, seductive lunar light through the light layer of smoke billowing upward. The effect was stunning.

With the last sips from her goblet came another fresh cup full. The one lone pipe was joined by several more. Iosbail was the first to spin around the fire, her long hair and lithe body a tempting centerpiece for most hot-blooded men in the chamber. Mesmerizing, she spun and spun until several joined her. The