Excerpt copyright @ 2019 Kara Griffin
Lord, she really was innocent and for some
reason that made him happy. Grey wondered what she’d do if he kissed her. He
was tempted to just to see what her reaction would be. Would she shriek in
abhorrence or return the kiss? Given her appearance, he’d assumed the prior. She’d
shriek and he’d find it delightful.
“I mean what I say, Laird Gunn, I shan’t have
anyone in danger because of me.”
“Are you saying that because the MacHeths might
come after you?”
She looked up at him again and this time her eyes
widened with fear. “Aye.”
“Damned right they’ll come after you. Don’t
worry, lass, we Gunns are stronger than the MacHeths.”
“You Gunns are an arrogant lot, are you not?
Still, I’m nothing to you. Why would you go to such lengths to protect me?”
“You are everything.” Grey didn’t realize he’d
spoken his thought aloud until she smiled at him. “Besides, we made a bargain,
you and I. For your protection, I was given the trunks. You paid well for our
service and you cannot go back on your word. We aim to protect you and shall
from this day forth.”
“About that…”
He pressed a finger on her petal soft lips. “We
must be quiet and get some rest now.”
“You cannot expect me to be quiet when you
just—”
He kissed the breath right out of her. It was
her lips. Aye, they moved gracefully when she spoke, Grey couldn’t help
himself. Her lips stilled against his, but she had no idea what she was doing.
Lord, she was beyond demure and had the softest lips. Grey deepened the kiss
and lightly brushed his tongue against the silky softness of hers.
An instant need rose within him. His attraction
turned to lust. Hardness came with an ache beneath his tartan. He definitely
wanted her—wanted to keep her—wanted her in his bed, but most of all, he wanted
to keep her safe.
Grey pulled his mouth from hers. It took much
to coerce his brain to function again. She didn’t realize the jeopardy she was
in. But he’d throw himself from his horse before he’d dishonor her. Chivalry was
a goddamned curse.
“Laird…Gunn, please don’t do that again. I
promise to be quiet. You need not shush me.” She patted his arm in a condescending
way and looked straight ahead. Damned if she seemed unaffected by the kiss.
He wouldn’t have that. Lightly, he took her
face in his hand and turned her to look at him. Her eyes fastened on his mouth
and by the look of her, she verily was affected. Grey almost laughed. It didn’t
seem possible for her to keep quiet.
“I promise to be quiet, but you shouldn’t kiss
me.”
“We’re finished discussing this for now.” He
chuckled then. “Aye, it’s the truth, I’d like to do more than discuss it, lass.
There’s a lot more to kissing.”
“So I’ve been told.” She blushed and walked to
the tent James erected for her and her maid.
“By who?” he demanded. Grey blocked her from
entering the tent and watched her carefully.
“No one, Laird Gunn, no one of any import.”
As soon as she disappeared, Grey placed his
bedroll in front of the tent, as a security measure. He unsheathed his sword
and set it on the ground next to him. Sleep wouldn’t come, but he closed his eyes
and listened to the night sounds. No woman ever caused him such concern or
strife.
Though he protected his clan, he hadn’t had
someone close to protect since he’d lost his betrothed. Now, this lovely lass
entrusted her safety to him and by God, he would not let her down.
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