Page 9 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
Amara braced her hands on his back and lifted her head. It was hard to see through her braid that had fallen in front of her, but she got a quick look at William and Myles, sitting patiently atop their horses, each wearing an amused look. Her hands slipped and her head plopped back down.
“She looks like a wet hen bein’ taken to market,” Myles remarked, his expression flat.
“With sharper teeth,” William scowled, then grinned. “And expensive ribbons.”
Myles chuckled, “Just look at her still tryin’ to get free, Billy.”
“She should be careful. Next, she’ll be tied to the horse.”
“Facing backward,” Myles suggested.
“Barefoot,” William added. “I find meself curious to see what she tries next.”
Rhys, halfway through swinging Amara into the saddle, growled and tossed over his shoulder, “Say another word, either of ye, andyecan ride tied up with her.”
William and Myles instantly quieted. Rhys grunted in what she supposed was satisfaction then swung up behind Amara in the saddle. His arms caged her on either side as he grabbed the reins, and they started riding again.
Amara opened her mouth to argue then decided to save her breath, and her strength. Nothing she said was going to get through his thick head anyway. Besides, she suddenly found herself robbed of breath and voice as the heat from his chest seeped into her back. She was keenly aware of his arms so close to the sides of her breasts and was shocked and amazed at how they suddenly swelled at tightened at his nearness.
What is wrong with me? He’s me enemy and he’s kidnapped me!
But it obviously didn’t matter to her body. Amara remembered the way he’d looked the night of the feast. How she’d been so drawn to his dark looks, the way his black hair curled at the ends, just as it still did. How his deep brown eyes had scanned the festivities, sharp and alert.
She remembered how her mother had chastised her for staring at him, but she’d not been able to help it then. He’d been the only man to spark any kind of interest in her, and apparently, that spark was still there.
His powerful thighs caged hers against the saddle while his chest pressed against her back and his arms encircled her upper body as he steered his stallion. She was truly trapped. His body wrapped around hers. The heat pouring off him, into her from their contact, was both comforting and alarming. She’d been so cold, it was all she could do not to lean into him just to share his warmth.
“Ye’ve gone quiet, lass,” Myles called out, his words thankfully jerking her from her inappropriate thoughts. “All that barkin’ gone soft now that ye’re nestled in our laird’s arms?”
Rhys chuckled, his warm breath teasing the top of her head. Amara stiffened.
“She looks…” William paused as he thought about what he was going to say. “Peaceful. Aye, she looks calm and peaceful.”
Amara bristled. “I’m plottin’,” she snapped. “Silently. And with great detail.”
A round of male laughter echoed around her. Amara scowled. Her intent had not been to be a source of amusement for them.
“There’s the lass we ken,” William chuckled.
Everyone fell into silence for the next couple of hours. As the sun started its decent, Amara felt hope and desperation rise in her chest. She needed to escape. She knew she could be foolish at times, taking risks she shouldn’t, but even Amara knew that to try and escape in the dark was too dangerous.
Anything could happen in the cover of night. She could be attacked by an animal, or a human. But the opportunity to get away was quickly slipping away.
And then it was gone.
The sun disappeared behind the hills and night fell as they made camp near a small stream a bit off the path they’d been riding. Amara couldn’t wait to get away from Rhys and his disturbingly addicting heat. He dismounted then reached up and helped her down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she took several quick steps away.
Rhys didn’t say anything, he just gave her a look, one eyebrow raised in what looked like amusement. She raised her chin and met his gaze, silently cursing as she felt heat climb from herthroat to stain her cheeks. At least he didn’t remark on her blush, but that didn’t take away the stain of shame.
Rhys grabbed her upper arm and led her toward the clearing where Myles was already setting up a space for the campfire, while William was out gathering wood and kindling.
“Are ye just daft enough to try yer luck at escaping at night, or do I need to bind ye?” Rhys asked once they’d stopped walking.
She glared up at him, then sighed. She would not be going anywhere tonight, and he apparently knew it.
“Nay,” she said, her voice low.
He studied her for a moment, as if trying to read the truth there. Then, he nodded and let go of her arm. Even though it didn’t hurt, Amara immediately rubbed the area. The heat of his touch lingered and she wasn’t entirely comfortable with it.
