Page 52 of The Lass Defied the Laird (Explosive Highlanders 1)

Four. Five.

Whatever.

Damn it!

The man proved to be addictive.

Said man seemed to understand it, for his green beacons sauntered over her simple dress and plaid spencer with calculating appraisal. As if she sat there nude, at his mercy, for his appreciation.

“Did you sleep well?” He asked in that low growl that induced her to think about anything but sleep.

Blast the giant!

New furious colour surfaced. This time it had nothing to do with memories and everything to do with… arousal.

“As well as you, I suppose.” Though tart, it came silky, almost an invitation.

He understood it because his green irises darkened, lowering to her cushioned lips. And they tingled.

This should not be. Either she should discover herself insatiable or this blasted husband of hers held unfathomable powers. Over her, that was.

She did not wish to learn which.

Her stomach needed nourishment as she forced herself to concentrate on food. A lot of energy spent, she reckoned.

Glen, the butler, entered the room with a tray, a letter on it. He presented it to her.

The content alarmed her. “Oh.” She exclaimed, forgetting herself.

Taran’s regard snapped to her. “What is it?”

“Drostan suffered an accident with his horse.” Her face expressed concern. “They are asking me to go and help him.”

“No.” Dry, final.

Her head snapped to him displeased. “What do you mean by no?”

His brows elevated as if his command was the law. “You are not going.”

“Of course, I am. He needs me.” She pulled the chair back to stand up and go prepare for the trip.

He held her arm on the table. “And this manor needs you.”

His drawl rang with much more than a manor’s routine. What it encompassed, she did not fathom.

“Are you suggesting me to deny assistance to my own brother?” Her glare took his fully.

He took several seconds to answer. “I am saying we are at a busy time.”

Her lungs inhaled deeply for patience. “I will be a day away. You can send for me if necessary.”

“Your place is here.” He replied irreducible.

Would the man listen to reason? “I learned the herbs with my mother.” She emphasised. “I can try to heal him.”

“I will send the healer from the village.” He countered unmoved.

“We have a healer in the village, too.” Her hand rubbed her brow worried. “But I am good at it. And father sounds quite serious.”

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