Free The Draig's Woman by Lisa Dawn Wadler Page A

of his fingers grazing her skin. It was meant only to reassure her, but Claire’s breathing hitched at the contact, and her hands gripped his shoulders. Ian’s own breathing rapidly increased at this small touch. For just that moment, it was the two of them, their bodies touching and the air still. The thought of danger was gone from his mind with her in his arms. Letting out a sigh, he cupped her cheek.
    “You are beautiful. I could never have imagined a want such as this.” His voice quieted to a soft whisper. “Tell me, Claire, do you feel this between us, this need?”
    Her eyes searched his as she gave him a small nod. In a quiet voice she answered, “I just don’t understand why I do.”
    He answered her in a soft whisper. “Nor I.” He wove his fingers through her hair. “Such a fire I have never dreamed.”
    Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, and Ian needed no more of an invitation. His first kiss was soft and gentle, his lips brushing hers softly. The next was not. His lips parted as his tongue sought entrance to her mouth while holding her face. She returned the kiss and gave him what he sought: the surrender of her mouth. He kissed her hard and deep, tasting her, savoring the feel of this kiss, and passion returned. Holding her body to him, with one hand buried in soft hair, the other found what it wanted, her breast. So soft, yet so firm, his hand had never felt anything like this woman. His thumb moved to circle the hardened peak. The sounds she made and the way she moved, leaning into his hand, spurred him on. This passion between them quickly took hold, the feel of flesh combined with the taste of her mouth and the promise in both.
    The door slamming open halted the moment. Moving his face back to the shelter of her neck, he could see the men through her hair. “Get out!” Ian snapped. He felt her flinch with the door and more with his harsh words.
    Both men chuckled and looked at them. One said, “We’re looking for a man, a laird.”
    “So am I,” Claire spoke with a small laugh and then turned to look at them. She shifted her body at the waist just enough to give the men a full view of her bare chest and perfect breasts.
    Does her bravery know no bounds? She had captured their attention immediately. They did not even see him anymore. He vowed silently to kill them for looking at her, for seeing what was his. Ian’s hands clenched her hips, pulling her body closer. He needed them out now. He growled, “I said get out. There is no laird here. You are wasting my time and my hard earned coin!”
    The same man responded. “No need to yell, I hear you just fine. Be a good man and come down when you’re done. Just a few questions, that’s all. Agree and we leave.”
    “Fine, I will see you on my way out.” Ian watched the man turn to go. He had never felt such relief. Unfortunately, the second man didn’t move. He just stared at Claire. Now the other one waited, too.
    The man asked, his gaze never leaving Claire’s body, “Is the whore worth the coin then?” The back of his hand wiped his mouth as he spoke.
    Ian answered with a glacial tone. “The lass? She is just a warm body on a cold night. But a body I paid for, so leave. If I have to leave the woman to remove you, we will have a problem.” He felt her cringe at the icy words, and his hands moved softly over her back to offer some comfort as he prayed the man would leave.
    “I have a few coins in my pocket. Be a good lass and come find me later, aye?”
    Claire twisted again, looked him up and down. “Aye, I’ll find you,” she said, and turned her back on the intruder.
    Ian felt Claire shake, felt her fear. He hated that there was no way to save her from this torment.
    The men turned to go and closed the flimsy door behind them. However, they did not leave. They stood and watched through the cracks in the door.
    Ian whispered in Claire’s ear. “They are still there outside the door.”
    She said nothing. Ian kept his head