Free Highland Thunder (Isle of Mull Series) by Lily Baldwin

taking her hand back. “Duncan cleaned and dressed the sores just yesterday, but I thank you.” Jamie’s eyes traveled from her hands to her bare toes, up the length of her figure to her hair, which he reached out and grazed with his fingers.
    “You so seldom leave the wrapping off this prize,” he said as he boldly fingered a curl.
    “Aye, well ‘tis really in need of a good wash,” Brenna said, backing away. Jamie continued to stare as she moved nearer to Bridget.
    Sensing Brenna’s discomfort, the lady winked at her and then turned to the men. “Jamie, would you and Cormac please return the sacks of seed to store, and tend to Brenna’s goats?”
    “With pleasure,” Jamie said with a bow. Then he and Cormac headed toward the barn.
    “I thank you, Bridget. I am not used to men taking such liberties with my person,” Brenna said.
    “Jamie is a good lad. I’m sure he meant no offense,” Bridget said
    “On the contrary”, Fiona winked, “I believe he hoped to flatter you and turn your gaze his way.”
    “’Tis nonsense. I care not for the advances of men.”
    “Then you’d best find a rock to hide beneath,” Bridget laughed, “Not only are you lovely to look upon, but your strong character and even temper make you a very fitting wife.”
    “If that is the case, then you must set tongues wagging, for I seem to have a very wee hold on my temper these days. You look surprised, Anna, but ‘tis true. I’ve yelled at Duncan countless times. I even pulled his hair.”
    “Saints preserve us, an impulsive Brenna,” Anna exclaimed. “I marvel at the possibilities.”
    “Impulsive at least where Duncan is concerned,” Bridget added.
    “I suppose I’ve had my fill of his mistreatment,” Brenna said.
    “I concede he demonstrated poor manners here this morning, but all he does these days is for you, Brenna,” Bridget said. “He passes his nights here to ensure your safety. He provides you with fresh game.”
    Brenna followed Bridget’s eyes to a pair of rabbits hanging near her door.
    “And we are here this morning by Duncan’s request,” Anna said.
    “Aye, but only because he felt badly about my hands. He blames himself for not having taken care of the plow sooner. I told him he was wrong. These are my fields, my responsibility,” Brenna said.
    “Ah, but you are mistaken, my dear,” Bridget smiled. “Duncan asked us three days ago to join him here at daybreak.”
    “Is that true?” Brenna said, turning to the other ladies who all nodded in agreement.
    “He is a foul beast,” Brenna snapped.
    Bridget and Anna both wore the same stunned expression. “What? You both can choose to remain ignorant of Duncan’s true character, but I know the truth. Two days ago, he told me it would be dishonorable to ask the clan for help with my fields, but now I ken he was only trying to manipulate me into surrendering my land.”
    “Duncan is not alone in thinking you should move to the village,” Bridget began. “Many agree you’d be safer, and Duncan would not be so inconvenienced.”
    “Is that what I am to him—an inconvenience? But I have refused his help.” She said, her voice steadily growing louder, but she did not care. “I’ve tried to run him off my land time and again. He persists. If anything ‘tis I who am inconvenienced.”
    “Hellfire, I thought you were jesting earlier,” Anna said. “I hardly recognize you, Brenna, with your wild eyes. ‘Tis a wee bit thrilling to see you riled up.”
    Brenna took a deep breath. “Only you would think so, Anna,” she said and pressed a kiss to her friend’s cheek. Then she turned back to Bridget, a painful question waiting on her lips.
    “Is that your mind as well, Bridget? Do you want me to move to the village?”
    The beautiful lady shook her head. “Nay, lass. I feel your passion for this land. I believe you should follow your heart, although ‘tis certain to come at a cost,” Bridget said, gesturing to Brenna’s bandaged hands.