Enraptured Read Free Page A

us.”
    â€œI am not one of them ,” Coll retorted in a goaded voice. “I’m of this glen, same as I’ve always been. I dinna take on this job for him. I did it for the crofters. There willna be any more families tossed out of their homes.”
    The other man let out a snort of disbelief. “For how long?”
    â€œFor as long as I’ve breath in this body. Dinna try me, Will. I have no hope for you any longer; you’re on your way to the gallows as fast and straight as you can go. But I willna let you take the others with you.” Coll took a long step forward. “Is that clear?”
    â€œAye.” Will set his jaw, not meeting Coll’s gaze.
    â€œThen be off.” He swept them all with an encompassing gaze, then crossed his arms and waited. The other men began to melt back into the trees. In moments, they were gone.
    Violet watched with a jaundiced eye. It must be handy to be able to shake others into submission. Authority cameeasily to such a man. He had saved her and she must be grateful for that. But she had too often been shoved into the background by men who were louder, larger, and stronger than she to like this bully who had come to her rescue. His obvious contempt for her rankled. Like all men, he did not see her as a person in her own right, but only a possession of a husband or father.
    He swung back to her. Disconcertingly, even though she stood on the step of the carriage, his face was level with hers.
    â€œAre you going to issue orders to me now?” Violet arched a brow, her hands on her hips.
    He took in her pugnacious stance and, irritatingly, smiled. “You are a bonny bruiser, are you not? Nae, I have no orders for you, though someone should have taken better care of you.”
    â€œ I take care of myself. I am a grown woman.”
    â€œAye, I can see that for myself.” Casually he planted one hand on the carriage, leaning against it. “Still, you’re a stranger to the Highlands. And these roads.”
    â€œI have become quite well acquainted with these roads, believe me.”
    His mouth twitched, but he said only, “You shouldna be out here at night. It’s dangerous.”
    â€œAre you threatening me now?”
    â€œWhat?” He stared. “You think I would harm you? I’m the one who just came to your rescue, if you’ll recall.”
    â€œYou chased off one set of thieves. But how am I to know you were not simply eliminating the competition?”
    â€œOch, but you’ve a bitter tongue on you. Most people would have been grateful for my aid.”
    â€œI’m sorry. No doubt I should have fainted. Or perhaps you expect payment?”
    â€œA simple ‘thank you’ would have sufficed. But I can see there’s little likelihood of that. So I’ll choose payment.” One large hand clamped around her nape, holding her still, and he leaned in to kiss her.
    The touch of his lips was brief and soft, and it sent a shiver through her. Violet’s lips parted in surprise. He raised his head, and his eyes roamed her face, settling on her lips. “I think perhaps my price has gone up.”
    His mouth came down on hers again. He tasted her, the kiss slow and lingering. His tongue teased along the parting of her lips, then slipped inside to caress and explore. Heat surged in Violet, every sense suddenly wildly alive. She had never felt anything like this before, and the onslaught of heat and pleasure stunned her.
    He made a low, satisfied sound deep in his throat, and his arm came down to curl around her waist. “Sweet,” he murmured against her lips.
    The word shot through her, waking her from her daze. Sweet. Wee. Melting in his strong, masculine arms.
    Violet jerked out of his grasp and jumped back into the carriage, calling to the postboy to drive on. The vehicle rumbled away, leaving Coll staring after it in surprise. Violet did not look back.
    She crossed her arms, unsure if