Free The Laird's Kidnapped Bride by Mysty McPartland Page B

husband. He would have to be satisfied with just her. If he wasn’t, she would skin him alive. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip and she wondered how many times she would have suffer the act. Once a week, twice? Heaven help her, every night? She already knew he was a lusty beast.
    Merciful Lord! How was she ever going to bear it – or survive? She trembled just thinking about it. The color drained from her face when she remembered that there would be witnesses the first time to make certain she was still a maiden on her wedding night. She wouldn’t be able to stand the humiliation of performing such a vile act in front of strangers. Nay, she could not do it. She would refuse to co-operate. If he intended to have spectators to the deplorable bedding, he could think again. Never would she debase herself in such a manner. He had rats taking up residence in his brain if he thought for one moment she’d agree to such a thing. She jumped when someone rapped loudly on the door. “Enter,” she called out and watched a dozen servants rush into the chamber.
    The ordeal was about to begin, and it was far too late now to change her mind. All she could do was pray that she would live through the night and wake up in the morning with her mind still intact, not raving like a lunatic. In a stupor, she let the maids wash her, do her hair and dress her in her wedding finery. When it was all over, she dismissed them and stood staring down into the fire. Wringing her hands together, she tried to summon up her courage to face the nightmare ahead of her. She could not let anyone see how truly scared she was. Her pride wouldn’t let her. I can do this, I can. Squaring her shoulders, she dropped her hands and thrust her chin in the air. She was no simpering miss to cower away up here.
    With her gumption back, she twisted around, marched over the door and swung it open before she could lose her nerve. She left the chamber and, with as much dignity she could muster, glided down the staircase. When she stepped into the hall, she blinked twice to find it crowded with every member of the clan. Young and old were here to witness their laird marrying. She swallowed past the nervous lump blocking her throat and on trembling legs, walked slowly forward. She frowned when she couldn’t find the odious beast she was about to commit herself to for a lifetime. Her brow crinkled as her gaze swept over the tall, broad-shouldered man standing in front of the table. Her heart fluttered in her chest over his handsomeness. Oh, my, he takes my breath away. She wanted to weep over the fact that she would not be taking this mouthwatering man as her husband.
    When she finally reached him, she tilted her head back and smiled. “Good eve, sir.”
    “Yer a sight to behold, sweeting.” Cameron’s knees nearly buckled at the beautiful sight she made.
    A confused frown tugged at her brow, the deep voice was so familiar to her but she shook her head in denial. Nay, it couldn’t be possible, it was a foolish thought. “Pray tell, sir, have ye by chance seen my betrothed?” The booming laughter filled the hall and she stiffened in annoyance, “ye’re a very rude man, sir. Now I demand ye tell me what ye’ve done with the blasted oaf I am to wed?”
    He reached for her hand and squeezed it lightly. “Tis I, sweeting. Cameron, laird of the McClouds and yer future husband.”
    Her skeptical eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open as she leaned closer to stare at the handsome face. Her gaze lingered on high, stark cheekbones, the straight, sharp nose and a sensually curved, full-lipped mouth. His chin was square with a dimple in the middle. Aye, he was a striking devil, all right. She met his humorous regard and stayed annoyed. “Yer still a brainless dullard and will be most likely back to stinking within the day.” She turned away and asked a maid to bring her a cup of wine. She could barely believe that this gorgeous male was the same smelly brute she had met