Free Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming by B. J. Scott

her any further. “Did you recognize the man?”
    “The room was dark and I dinna see his face, but his voice was familiar. I was not about tae let him have his way and we struggled. I grabbed the dagger and in my attempt to break free, I stabbed him. He fell to the floor and I got out of the room as fast as I could. The next thing I knew, I was on the deck of a ship. A storm was raging and I was certain a wave would sweep me over the side.”
    “Where was the blackguard who attacked you? Were there no others on board to offer their assistance?”
    “Nay, the storm was fierce and anyone on deck was busy with the rigging or trying tae keep the ship from capsizing.” She paused and took in a gulp of air. “Then I saw him. He was holding his side and cursing. When he came at me with the dirk in his hand, I panicked. I let go of the rail, prepared tae run, but the vessel pitched and I fell over the side.”
    He continued to hold her and gently stroked her hair. “You must have been terrified. It was a miracle you dinna drown.”
    “I was certain I would, but fought tae reach the surface. I remember the fog and searching for the ship. I was so cold, I couldna feel my legs and my arms grew so verra tired. There was a break in the clouds and the ship was upon me. I must have hit my head on the hull.”
    “Do you know why you were on the vessel or where you were going?” He eased back and gently lifted her chin.
    “I dinna know how I came tae be onboard or why. Just that the man tried tae rape me. I wish I could remember.” She began to tremble again.
    “It dinna matter. You have enough tae deal with right now. Trying tae force your memory tae return willna help. It will all come back in time.” He brought her onto his lap, cradled her in his arms, and rocked her back and forth.
    “I’m not sure I want tae remember,” she sobbed, then buried her face against his chest.
    He’d forgotten he was naked. When he heard her call out, the only thing on his mind was getting to her side, and he had not paused to pull on his trews. His body responded to her soft round bottom resting on his thighs, so he eased her onto the mattress, and tried to stand up, but not before grabbing a plaid and wrapping it around his hips. “Mayhap you should try tae get some sleep. We can talk about this in the morning.” He tried to ease her back against mattress, but she struggled to remain upright. “Lay down, Lauren. I will return to my spot before the hearth, but am close by if you need me.”
    She clung to his arm and peered up at him with hazel eyes that melted his heart. “Please. I dinna want tae be alone. I fear the nightmare will return. Stay with me. I beg of you.”
    He swallowed hard against the knot in his throat. She was so frightened, how could he deny her this request? He raised the pelt and lay down.
    She immediately snuggled up beside him, her head on his chest, her hand resting over his heart. Could she feel the way it thundered against his ribs, like a monster clawing to get out?
    She closed her eyes. Thick dark lashes rested on pale cheeks and her soft pink lips were drawn into a tight bow. Oh, how he wanted to kiss her. Just once and he’d be satisfied. Or would he? She stirred and when her thigh rubbed against his rigid manhood, he stifled the urge to groan aloud.
    She opened her eyes and peered up at him. “Thank you for staying with me.”
    Alasdair couldn’t speak. In the soft glow of the firelight she looked like an angel. He lowered his head and brushed her brow with his lips. When she tilted her head back, he captured her mouth in an all-encompassing kiss.

Chapter 7
    An onslaught of desire threatened to override Alasdair’s good sense. He fought the urge to plunder Lauren’s sweet mouth with his tongue, to lift her nightrail, to make her his own.
    He broke their kiss and raised his head, knowing if he didn’t stop himself now, he might not be able to harness the unbridled passion heating his