Free The Laird's Captive Wife by Joanna Fulford Page B

thoughts. When he took her in his arms he had intended only to comfort her. He had not reckoned on that kiss. Innocent and sensual in equal measure, it aroused and disturbed, awakening memories he had thought safely buried. For all manner of reasons he could not afford the indulgence. How the hell had he let things get so far out of hand?
    Aloud he said, ‘It’s all right, lass. I willna hurt you. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Nothing’s going to happen.’
    ‘I shouldn’t have…I didn’t mean to…’
    ‘Shhh.’ He laid a finger gently on her lips. ‘I think neither of us meant to.’ He drew her cloak over her again and tucked it around her. ‘Go back to sleep, Ashlynn, and sweeter dreams this time.’
    With that he returned to his own side of the loft and flung himself down on his cloak. Those quiet words of reassurance might have satisfied her but he could no longer fool himself. Something had awoken inside him that he thought dead. The knowledge shook him to the core of his being and with it came a resurgence of anger for letting it happen. That was the first and last time. For both their sakes it mustn’t happen again. He took another deep breath and let it out slowly. Then he wrapped the cloak around himself and shut his eyes. It was a long time before sleep came.

Chapter Four
    A shlynn was awoken by a hand shaking her shoulder.
    ‘Time to move, lass.’
    She came to with a start but, on recognising her companion, relaxed a little. Grey dawn light revealed the details of the hay loft and awoke the memory of the previous evening. With it came profound embarrassment and regret. What a fool she had been! What must he think of her? Yesterday it would not have mattered but now…A covert glance at her companion revealed nothing of his thoughts for he had moved away and was buckling on his sword belt. Ashlynn bit her lip.
    ‘Iain, about what happened last night…’
    His hands paused in their task and the dark eyes met hers. ‘Nothing happened last night, lass.’
    ‘I know.’ She paused awkwardly. ‘Thank you.’
    Just for a second it took him aback. However, his tone was perfectly even when he spoke. ‘I’ve never forced a woman yet, and I’m not about to start with you.’ He finished buckling the sword belt and then moved to the ladder, pausing briefly to glance in her direction. ‘Now we’ve established that, we’ll get on our way.’
    Having broken their fast on cheese and oatcakes they saddled the horses. Iain said nothing until they led the beasts from the barn. Then he paused, regarding her with a steady gaze.
    ‘Will there be any need for me to tie you on your horse, lass?’
    Under that piercing look she felt herself redden. ‘No.’
    ‘Do I have your word on that?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Good. We’ll be going then.’
    With that he swung into the grey’s saddle and waited for her to mount the mare. Then they set off. They rode in silence for some way, he seeming indisposed to talk and she not caring to intrude on his thought. From time to time she threw him a sideways glance but, as was habitual with him, his expression revealed nothing.
    In fact his attention was on the countryside around them, looking for any sign of movement that might betoken a mounted force. Nothing stirred, save a few sheep grazing on the hillside. Detecting no immediate threat he relaxed a little, turning his attention to the girl at his side. She rode well, controlling the spirited little mare with ease. Once again he found himself curious.
    ‘She’s a fine horse,’ he observed. ‘A gift perhaps?’
    ‘From my father.’
    ‘He had a good eye for a mount.’
    ‘Yes, he did.’ The memory brought others that were unwelcome and she changed the subject. ‘The grey is a fine animal too. What do you call him?’
    ‘Stormwind.’
    ‘It suits him. Did you train him yourself?’
    He nodded. ‘Aye, I did. A wild beast he was too when he was younger.’
    Looking at the grey Ashlynn could believe it, and yet