Free X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts Page B

frankly, it annoys me.”
    Declan stopped abruptly. “Donna say ne’er , healer,” he whispered.
    She tapped him playfully in the arm and rolled her eyes. When they reached her chamber, she hesitated, her mouth dipping into a frown. “Do ye think ’tis safe? I donna know if my senses could bear it.”
    “I saw to it. ’Tis clean now.”
    “Thank ye.”
    As the healer pushed open the door, he laughed as they both gulped for air at the same time. Everything in the room was in its rightful place. In fact, there was no evidence that anything had ever been amiss.
    Releasing his breath, Declan chuckled. “’Tis safe to breathe now, lass. I cannae even smell the dreaded plants.”
    “Praise the saints for small favors. What did ye bribe the maids with to have it cleaned so quickly?” She shook her head. “Ne’er mind. I donna want to know. I think I am able to manage now on my own. Ye can wait outside.”
    Closing the distance between them, he peered down at her intently. “’Tisnae as much fun if I wait outside,” he murmured with a wanton purpose. His hot gaze slid over her body.
    Her breath quickened and her tongue darted out to wet her lips. “MacGregor, I donna understand ye.”
    “’Tis naught to understand, healer.”
    “Why do ye behave this way?”
    He was about to answer when she held up her hand to stay him.
    “’Tis as if ye are two completely different men. One man is an arrogant arse who is always chasing lasses, and the other man is kind and filled with compassion. I believe I am much fonder of the latter,” she said dryly.
    “Ah, lass, but I am one and the same. I will always chase the lasses with kindness and compassion.” He winked at her.
    “Ye insult me.” She smacked him in the chest. “Ye treat me the same as the women ye bed, and unlike them, I donna welcome your advances. When will ye get it in your head that I will ne’er be one of the many women that have shared your be—”
    Before he realized what he was about, his lips crashed down upon hers and Declan silenced her with a brutal, punishing kiss. How dare a Campbell invade his mind and render him witless? He would make sure she knew he was no gentleman and never would be. He knew she would be cross with him, but honestly, that would make it so much simpler to push her away. No woman ever consumed his thoughts, nor should any be allotted that privilege.
    His mouth did not become softer as he kissed her and his tongue explored the recesses of her mouth. He pulled her roughly to him in a firm embrace. He wanted her to know what she did to him. No female had ever made him lose such control. Lady Liadain Campbell drove him completely mad.
    At first, she tried to twist out of his hold. He held her firmly in place, waiting for her to further fight his advances. But then the very air itself changed. The healer gave in freely to the passion of his kiss.
    ***
    Liquid fire fueled Liadain’s veins. Initially, she wriggled in MacGregor’s arms, arching her body, fighting to become free. But he only gathered her closer, his firm hands locked against her spine. Instinctively, she placed her fingers against the corded muscles of his chest, and that was her undoing.
    His grip tightened around her and the warmth of his arms was so male, so bracing. She buried her hands in his thick hair and returned his kiss with reckless desire. Her thoughts spun. It had been far too long. She missed the warmth and touch of a man. Blood pounded in her brain, leapt from her heart, and made her knees tremble.
    She drew herself closer to him. God help her. Her desire overrode all sense of reason. She could feel the thrill of his arousal against her, and the knowledge made her feel even more wanton.
    MacGregor’s touch was purely divine. Her whole being flooded with pleasure.
    Without warning, he pulled back. The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes startled her. “I will wait outside your door and donna say ‘ne’er,’ healer.” He smiled provocatively