Free Her Highland Rogue: A Wild Highland Guardian Novel by Violetta Rand

laird’s son, someone might guess they were intimately connected. ’Twould be better to walk about with a blindfold on than be forced to look upon Errol’s handsome face and not be able to openly admire it. She’d have to remind herself multiple times a day to avoid him. Just a mere thought about Errol gave her gooseflesh.
    “I believe you,” Edme said. “But that doesna change how I feel about the captain. Broc can never be trusted again. If you willna permit me to speak with him, then I will talk to the laird.”
    “I beg you to give it some time first,” Aileana said. “Master Errol is familiar with the situation. And after the fight last night…”
    Edme clicked her tongue. “You weren’t spared Muriel’s wagging tongue?”
    “She speaks truthfully, Auntie.”
    “Only when it serves her needs,” Margot shot back.
    “I am the cause of the strife between the laird’s son and Broc. If I had come to you right away, none of this would have ever happened.”
    Further explanation wasn’t required. Her aunties encircled her, wrapping reassuring arms around her. Aileana let their protective warmth sink in. How she wished life could always stay this way. But childish hope would not improve her situation.
    “Aileana?” a masculine voice called from behind.
    All three women turned, to find Errol standing in the doorway.
    Aileana’s heart raced. What did he want with her? Hadn’t he tormented her enough today? She eyed his soft lips.
    “Answer the master,” Edme said.
    “You mustn’t keep him waiting.” Margot gave her a gentle nudge.
    She sighed, then broke away. “Milord?” She curtsied.
    “We must talk alone,” he said gruffly.
    Oh God.
His tone suggested misery of some sort.
    “Sir.” Edme stepped forward. “My work is nearly done here. I would gladly chaperone…”
    “We don’t require supervision,” he said sharply at first. But then his stony expression softened. “The lass will be safe with me.”
    “Of course.” Edme bowed her head.
    “Come.” He gestured for Aileana to follow him.
    Reluctant to leave her aunties behind, Aileana walked slowly into the corridor, fearing what he’d say next. But instead of talking, he simply gripped her elbow and steered her faster down the hallway, then turned into one of the less used cellars. He kicked the door shut with the heel of his boot, then turned around, his eyes smoldering with need.
    “We never discussed the fight…”
    “Don’t talk, Aileana.” His mouth crashed over hers, forcing her to swallow her words.
    His strong hands settled on her waist and he tugged her into his chest. All the things she’d promised herself earlier, like staying away from him, had been for naught. The moment their lips met, desire sparked to life inside her. She’d mistaken it as a whim before—but once in his grasp again, her fingernails digging into the sleeves of his linen shirt, she knew it to be false. He withdrew long enough to suck in a ragged breath and she stared into the flames of his eyes. What did he want? Bedding her would solve nothing. And she refused to give up her maidenhood to a man who didn’t care deeply about her.
    She had his protection. But the first and only man to ever make love to her would offer his heart. And they’d hardly spent enough time together to share even their most basic beliefs.
    “I need more, lass.”
    She shook her head vehemently. But it didn’t dissuade him; once again her protest was lost in an equally passionate kiss. He tasted of ale and meat—smelled of fresh linen and smoke. It frightened her how willing she was to taste and touch him with sweet abandon. Women were tasked with promoting everything moral. But she’d lost her way the moment he called her name from the doorway in the cellar. And judging by the looks on her aunties’ faces, they knew it well, too. What other reason would Errol seek her out?
    After they finished with each other in the shadows of the storage room, she’d crawl to the