Free Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine Page B

man had ever been. Except for him during the last few days.
    He smothered the rest of what she had to say with his palm. “I came in here to help ye, but I need the Chisholms to stay in the hall and nae come down here because they hear ye howling like a scalded cat.”
    She curled her lips back, intending to take the largest chunk of flesh she could out of his hand, but he yanked his hand away.
    “Would ye quiet down?” Shaw spoke from the chamber door. “Someone is sure to hear… Ah… well now, I don’t think we’ve got time for that sort of convincing, Laird.”
    Clarrisa snarled. It was the most uncivilized sound she’d ever made, but it suited the moment.
    “I’m trying to keep her from raising the alarm.”
    Shaw grinned at her as Broen pressed his hand against her mouth again. “Well now, the gag worked well enough, if ye ask me.”
    A strangled sound made it past Broen’s hand. Clarrisa strained against him but only managed to feel just how hard his body was.
    “Curse it all.”
    Broen suddenly leaned in so close she could feel his breath against her cheek. Her skin prickled with awareness, which raced along her flesh, raising goose bumps. She’d never been so aware of how a man smelled or felt. Every breath pulled the details deep into her senses and unleashed a torrent of sensation. It was shocking, but pleasurable too.
    “Listen to me, Clarrisa…” His voice sent a shiver down her spine. It was raspy and commanding, bringing to mind the moment she’d contemplated what sort of woman he’d be attracted to. “I’m here to offer ye a choice.”
    The candles from the hallway flickered in his eyes as he stared into hers.
    “Aye, something ye have nae had from me before, and I’ll admit ye have the right to scratch me for appearing in the darkness.” He lifted his hand away, slowly at first, clearly not trusting her. He still had her pinned against the wall with his body.
    “Ye can come away with me now, or wait here to see if Faolan decides to make good on his boast to prove himself to ye.”
    He pushed away from her, and another ripple of sensation traveled down her body, only this time it was lament. She wrapped her arms around her body, trying to console herself. It was foolish to feel anything but relief, yet she hugged herself tighter.
    “I don’t trust you, Broen MacNicols.”
    But he’s never hurt you…
    He’d moved to the center of the room. “Do nae ye, lass?” He closed the gap between them once more. His warmth enveloped her, and his body pinned her arms in place between them. This time he raised her chin, cupping it in one hand. His breath teased her lips, the delicate surface registering an insane amount of notice from so slight a touch.
    “Feel how smooth yer skin is, lass?” He trailed his fingers across her neck. “Nae a single cut. Better to place yer faith in me than anyone else surrounding ye at the moment.”
    His fingers lingered on her skin, sending heat across her cheeks. For a mere moment, it looked like his attention had settled onto her lips. Her mouth went dry, and her breath froze in her chest. Would he kiss her? Would she kiss him in return?
    Neither happened. Broen stepped back, but it seemed like he hesitated.
    Fool! Would you have him drawn to you?
    “Trust me, Clarrisa. I’ll see ye to the Highlands alive. Ye have me word on that.”
    He extended his hand, palm up, and waited for her to place her hand in his. Her throat felt like it was swelling shut, far too tight to allow even a single breath through.
    “Has this cell endeared itself to ye, then?” He looked around and grunted. “No’ even a candle spared for ye.”
    “I know it well.” But she still didn’t like hearing just how defeated she was.
    The candlelight from the passageway allowed her to see his eyebrow rise mockingly. “But ye are nae sure I am any better a choice? At least I will take ye out into the night, where the air is fresh. ’Tis yer choice, and ye need to make it now.”