The Highlander's Bride Read Online Free

hair, they were a little large for her face. Her right cheek was slightly swollen and the bruise on her arm was deepening in color and size. Seeing the evidence of her injuries in daylight, Conor quelled the anger stirring in him and reached out to take the plaid she was handing him.
    The gasp from his brothers was audible. Whoever had beaten her had done so mercilessly. The reason behind her restless sleep was abundantly clear. They all began asking questions at once.
    “What happened to you, lass?”
    “Who did this to you?”
    “Here, lass, sit down.”
    “What’s your name, lass?”
    “Aye, where is your home, pretty lady?”
    “Tell me who did this, and I will seek your revenge,” one of the twins vowed.
    “My brother will save you. He’s a laird,” she heard the youngest one promise.
    Conor motioned for silence with a flicker of his eyes.
    “Who did this?” Conor’s tone was laden with controlled fury. The four guards had returned from their night’s post and joined the group, wondering what had caught their laird’s anger. Then they saw Laurel.
    “Who hurt me does not matter. What’s important is that I don’t give them another opportunity. Please, can I come with you?” she asked anxiously.
    The question made no sense. He had promised her protection, and that made the answer obvious. “You will come with us,” Conor clarified, his voice conveying no emotion. On the other hand, his gaze held hers, and she saw a dangerous storm brewing within the liquid gray pools.
    His answer was comforting, but only if they left in time. She would see no more good men go to their deaths because of her. “Soon? Can we leave right away?”
    It was obvious she thought that whoever did this was looking for her. His eyes slightly narrowed at her request. “Aye lass, we’ll be leaving. But before we reach the end of our travels, I will be knowing who did this,” he stated, pointing to her face and arms. He motioned for the group to decamp. “We leave immediately.”
    Everyone began to mount. As Laurel wondered who she would ride with, Hamish approached. “My lady.” The guard gestured toward his horse. Laurel began walking to his tan-colored horse, wondering why she was disappointed that the dark leader had not offered.
    The highland chief was much more fierce-looking in the morning light. His body was taught and rigid, and the complete control he had over his every move was frighteningly powerful. His dark wavy hair whipped about his face and his ice-gray eyes no longer bore any of the warmth and concern that flickered there in last night’s moonlight. Yet, he was the one to whom she was drawn. With him, she felt safe and protected. Him, she trusted.
    Conor had already mounted his stallion and had intended to put some distance between him and the bewitching maiden by having her ride with one of his men. But when he saw Hamish approach her and her simple acceptance, something inside him went cold. Without conscious thought, he nudged his horse into movement and, with one quick sweep of his arms, settled her across his lap. Hamish looked questioningly at his laird, and then turned to mount his horse. He was not pleased with his laird’s decision, but his loyalty to the McTiernay chieftain would never waver.
    “May I ask your name?” Laurel inquired over her shoulder as she twisted to ride astride.
    He leaned down so that his lips only just caressed her ear. “Conor. You will call me Conor.” He spoke so softly that it sent shivers throughout her body.
     
    They rode hard that morning, stopping briefly only once to eat some food and rest their horses. Laurel ate very little and said less as they rode. Conor knew she was in great pain, as she tried not to wince each time his horse took unexpected turns through the rocky passes. But she never complained.
    At first, Laurel had been reassured when Conor picked her up to ride with him. But her physical reaction to him was so intense, so unexpected, that when he