Page 81 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Kerr moved with surprising speed after that. He hopped and hopped till he crossed the line first.

The crowd erupted in applause. Kerr stepped from the sack and looked directly toward Ailis. Her stomach tightened from the chill that spread through her entire body.

He began walking toward her.

“Nay,” she whispered before she could stop the words. “What does he want?”

Sorcha’s hand found hers. “Ailis…”

Kerr stopped before them both and bowed. He took her hand before she could withdraw it. His fingers closed around hers, and his gaze never left her face.

“I shall win the next round, Ma’am, for ye. And I hope ye will be rootin’ for me.”

Her throat tightened with a lump as she looked at him. Her finger went rigid within his grasp, and she froze when he bent and pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

Revulsion crawled over her skin. She wanted to snatch her hand away, but shock held her still for one terrible heartbeat.

Across the field, Ailis noticed Gordon took in the scene. His jaw had locked so tightly that the muscle jumped beside his cheek. One hand stayed clenched at his side; his eyes were fixed upon Kerr’s hand around hers. The murderous look in them did not go unnoticed. At least not by her.

Her insides fluttered at it, and when Kerr released her hand, she quickly snatched it away.

“Prepare yerself, Ma’am,” he said quietly. “I intend to win the rest and take me prize.”

His eyes lingered over her with a confidence that made her skin prickle. Ailis’ stomach tightened from the dark possession she saw there.

Ailis forced a smile that felt nothing like one. “I wish ye luck, Laird Kerr.”

Kerr grinned then he turned away.

Ailis immediately rubbed her hand against her skirt.

Sorcha noticed. “Ye all right?”

“Aye.”

She was not. She could still feel the pressure of Kerr’s mouth against her skin, and she could still see Gordon’s expression.

The games continued anyway; the next event was announced by Malcolm in a loud voice that made everyone listen.

“The next contest requires another warrior. Are ye enterin’? The winner of this round shall compete with Laird Kerr in the hunt. The winner’s prize is Miss Ailis’ favor. She shall grant ye one wish before her bindin’ ceremony.”

The crowd cheered at this announcement, and the lairds in the competition began filing forward to take their place.

A murmur traveled through the crowd when Gordon moved suddenly, striding toward Malcolm.

Ailis’ heart began to pound as she watched him.

Surely, he wouldnae…

“I shall join the contest,” Gordon announced just as she took another breath that faltered inside her.

His expression remained composed, almost courteous, yet his eyes held a certainty that made Ailis’ stomach tighten with anticipation so delicious she felt her toes curl.

“I shall win me betrothed’s favor,” he said.

The words were meant for the men around him, but his gaze never left her.

Ailis forgot to breathe. Despite the cool Highland air, her body burned with a fever she had never felt before. Her pulse quickened. She could feel it beating beneath her jaw, each thud strangely loud in her ears.