The Parchment Scroll Read Online Free Page B

for forth, trying to look around. A groan fell from her lips, and her lush mouth parted. Her breasts rose and fell as she sucked in breath, and she rolled onto her back, blinking a few more times. She now lay spread before him, on display as if he’d wished it.
    Hugh had to swallow hard. “Lass, can ye stand?” His words were rushed and cracked, but he needed her on her feet—and covered up.
    She still said nothing as he grabbed her hands, but the lass didn’t fight him as he hauled her to her feet.
    Perhaps she’s a mute?
    As soon as he was sure she wouldn’t tumble to the beach, Hugh took a step back and whipped his tunic over his head.
    He had to lift her arms like a bairn to get her into his shirt. Even though she was a tall lass, it was huge on her, falling almost to her knees.
    Hugh tilted her face up, forcing her to meet his eyes. Hers were leaf green, as beautiful as she.
    She blinked and swallowed, making him want to kiss her throat.
    He chided himself for yet another odd desire. “Lass? Are ye wit’ me?”
    The lass jumped in his grip, but didn’t pull away. Her eyes darted left, then right, before looking back up at him. She muttered something nonsensical, then her hands curled around his wrists, but she didn’t pull away from his fingers still cupping her cheeks.
    Her pink tongue slipped out, running along her bottom lip and Hugh’s mouth went dry.
    When their gazes collided, he couldn’t help himself. He dipped his head down and took her mouth.
    Soft.
    Her lips were soft and sweet. He forced her mouth open and invaded, pushing his tongue deep. He nibbled at her lips, urging her to return his kiss, tightening his grip on her face.
    His manhood twitched, and he wanted to draw her into his arms, deepen the kiss and hold her close. Run his hands over her perfect backside, touch her hips, and bury his hand—then his cock—between her legs. Hugh slanted his mouth over hers again, trying to coax a response.
    Her tongue tentatively touched his, rubbing, moving slowly, kissing back gently.
    Right as the triumph of getting her to return his gesture started to wash over him, the lass yelped and shoved him away with both palms flat to his bare chest. She ripped her mouth from his before Hugh had time to react.
    Her eyes went wide when their gazes met, but her mouth was still open, and he wanted to taste her again.
    “What are you doing?” she demanded, but Hugh didn’t miss her flushed cheeks or how her breasts heaved. Too bad they were now hidden by his own garment.
    “The lass speaks.” He cleared his throat.
    “Who are you?” Honey colored hair flew around her face as she backed up, frantically looking around the beach.
    Hugh stared. Her accent was odd. Like nothing he’d ever heard, but he could make out her words—and her anger.
    Her emerald eyes shot daggers at him as she regained her composure. She could be angry all she wanted; Hugh wasn’t about to apologize for the kiss he’d stolen.
    The lass was sweet.
    He wanted more.
    Besides, he was a barbarian, was he not?
    She startled when she looked down and noticed what she was wearing. Froze where she stood. Some unnamed emotion darted across her beautiful face, but she put her fingertips to her lips.
    He wanted to tell her it pleased him, and ask if she could still taste him there, but nothing would come out of his mouth.
    “Naked,” the lass whispered. She looked around again, and Hugh could feel her desperation.
    He frowned. “Aye.” He took a step toward her, but she took a step back, inching closer to the water.
    “I-I-I— ”
    “Lass,” Hugh said.
    “I never believed.” The words had a frantic edge, and she swallowed hard—twice.
    “Believed wha’?”
    Her eyes were even wider when she met his gaze again. “Where’s Bree?” She looked around, then shook her head when she didn’t see whoever Bree was. Her gaze darted down to the sand around their feet. “Where’s my scroll? Oh, God. I need it. Claire.” She rushed away