The Parchment Scroll Read Online Free Page A

from the hot crystals, clutching the scroll tight. She had to lock her knees so she wouldn’t fall over.
    “Ye believe, after all.” Satisfaction soaked the woman’s statement, but she only smirked when Jules shook her head. Bree slid her arm in Jules’ and tugged her forward, to the hazy bubble. “Let us go home.”
    Jules gulped but didn’t pull away.
    Just what am I getting myself into?
     

Chapter Four
     
    Hugh grunted as Dubh shot down the beach. He gave his great stallion free rein, the wind parting his hair and Dubh’s mane alike. When the horse slowed of his own accord, Hugh closed his eyes and sucked in fresh, frigid sea air. He weaved his fingers in his horse’s thick black mane.
    The stallion snorted and slowed to a walk. His ears pitched forward and he hooved the rocky sand.
    “Wha’ ‘tis it, laddie?” He patted Dubh’s neck and looked around.
    They were close to MacLeod lands. Needed to move back down the beach.
    A feminine moan had Hugh freezing on his horse’s back.
    A lass?
    The female in question was up ahead, wobbling on her feet not far from the rocky hillside. She had her hand at her forehead.
    And…she was naked.
    Too much drink?
    Hugh kneed Dubh, navigating the slight incline. When the stallion trotted within a few feet of the lass, he reined him in, slipping off his back. He patted his rump as soon his deerskin boots hit the ground, but the horse wouldn’t go far. Even if Dubh wandered, he’d return to Hugh’s side with a whistle alone.
    Frowning, Hugh watched the lass stumble. As if she was aware of nothing. Her arm shot out to steady her body, but found no purchase.
    And what a body it was.
    The lass had large high breasts, a slim waist, and hips that had just the right amount of curve. His eyes rested at the apex of her thighs. Barely-there honey colored curls guarded the heaven between her legs.
    She whimpered and lurched toward him, but Hugh couldn’t be sure she even realized she was no longer alone.
    He took two steps forward, but she lost her balance before he could grab her.
    The lass collapsed at his feet.
    Something small and cylindrical rolled away and Hugh stopped it with a booted foot before the wind could send it flying. He glanced at the lass, but she was very still. She’d passed out.
    He bent and snatched up what he recognized as a piece of rolled parchment, paying it little notice as he buried it in his trews’ pocket.
    Hugh adjusted his sword so the scabbard wouldn’t poke him, and squatted next to the lass.
    She’d landed on her side, one arm above her head, and the other across her belly. His gaze trailed her shapely form once again. One of her legs was over the other, blocking her sex. Preventing him from closer inspection of the dark-blonde curls he’d seen.
    His eyes landed on her breasts. They were as plump and perfect as he’d already observed. Her nipples were peaked, probably because of the chill in the air.
    Perhaps he should look away, but no one had ever accused him of being chivalrous—and after all, he was a man. His cock certainly liked his perusal of the female foundling.
    If he truly was the barbarian they’d all thought, he’d be doing a lot more than looking at a beautiful naked lass.
    Hugh snorted and pushed rich golden locks out of her face. Her lashes were long against her high cheekbones. Her hair was wavy, settling over her shoulders and against her back. He stopped himself from stroking her cheek. His gut told him it would be silky, and leave him with the drive for more.
    He frowned. The urge to part her thighs and slip inside her was one thing, but to caress her with a gentle hand?
    That hadn’t been his way even with—
    Hugh shook his head, growling.
    He never thought about her , let alone said her name in his head, and today was not the day to change his ways.
    The lass on the sandy ground stirred, blinking up at him, but her green eyes were cloudy.
    “Lass?” Hugh ventured.
    Her brow knitted, and she moved her head back