“No. Duff is a knowledgeable builder. It is why many of our structures stand firm and keep us well heated in the cold of winter. Annis is interested in such things and he kindly instructs her.”
“Unusual for a woman,” he said and found himself even more interested and curious about Annis.
“Unusual to meet a woman with a mind of her own?” Annis accused snappishly.
Bliss shook her head. “She also has superior hearing.”
Brogan’s smile returned. “Most women have a mind of their own and it is usually used to constantly nag at men.”
“A wasteful effort,” Annis said.
Bliss hurried to finish, seeing that Brogan was enjoying sparring with Annis far too much.
“Useless as well since men do as they please,” Brogan said.
“With no thought to others,” Annis argued.
“I give thought and I’m thoughtful to every woman I am with,” Brogan boasted.
“Praise yourself often, do you?” Annis asked with obvious sarcasm.
Brogan laughed. “As much and as often as possible.”
“And here I thought the ladies would be eager to sing your praise.”
“More like shout it,” Brogan boasted again with a hint of laughter.
Bliss stepped behind Brogan, hoping to catch her sister’s attention so she could shake her head at her in hopes she would hold her tongue. Unfortunately, Annis kept her head turned away.
“Poor souls, you tortured them that badly?” Annis asked with a chuckle of her own.
His response ran a shiver through Bliss.
“Why don’t you come here and find out for yourself, leannan?”
His banter had turned suggestive and that meant he was interested in Annis, and her sister did not realize it.
Annis was far too quick to respond. “I prefer not to be disappointed.”
“That is something I never do, leannan—disappoint a woman. Spend the night with me and I will prove it.” He had not planned to invite her to his bed, but there was something about her that enticed him. He did not know quite what it was, but he wanted to find out.
That had Annis jumping off the bed and racing over to him to give him a tongue lashing. As soon as her eyes landed on his freshly cleaned face, she halted abruptly. The man’s handsome features stole her breath.
“I can tell that you like what you see. I can guarantee you will more than enjoy coupling with me.”
His remark was like icy cold water thrown in her face and her finger jutted out to poke at his bare, hard chest. “There is nothing in this entire world that would make me couple with you, I would die first.”
“Some women have told me that I bring them such exquisite pleasure they could almost die from it.” He snagged her around the waist and tugged her closer to him. “I dare you to find out and deny it.”
“God, you are an arrogant arse,” she said and gave his chest a hard shove.
Bliss was relieved he released her sister without protest.
“If truth is arrogant, then I am guilty,” he claimed, standing and holding his hands up in surrender. He realized his mistake when all color left Annis’s face and once again he caught her in his arms before she hit the floor. He turned to Bliss. “I forgot the blood on my garment would be more visible to her when I stood.”
Bliss pointed to the bed.
Brogan carried her over to it and reluctantly laid her down, wishing she would remain there for the night. He found he quite liked the feel of her in his arms. He had never enjoyed speaking with a woman as much as he did with Annis.
Bliss left her sister to wake from her faint and looked to Brogan. “I beg you, my lord, please do not force Annis to share your bed. It will not go well. Annis is not one to be forced. Besides, would you not prefer a willing, experienced woman.”
“Are you offering yourself?”
Bliss raised her chin and her courage. “I am neither, but I would if you spared my sister.”
“Annis is lucky to have such a loving, unselfish sister.” He looked down at Annis, seeing that she was beginning to stir awake. “Fear not, I force no woman. She either comes to me willingly or not at all.”
“I am grateful, my lord,” Bliss said with a bob of her head.
“I would warn you though, Annis is a beauty. Find her a husband before a man less scrupulous than me takes an interest in her.”
“Less scrupulous? I thought you were the bottom of the barrel,” Annis said without opening her eyes.
“Your mouth—”
“Stings as it should to one who lacks manners,” Annis scolded.
“Not what I planned to say,” he said and lowered his face over hers so close their noses almost touched. “Your mouth is delectable.”
She went to retaliate and found his lips plastered to hers. His lips clung tightly and his tongue breeched the slight parting of her lips to slip into her mouth and chase her tongue. What was worse was that the pressure of his lips and his darting tongue shot a sensation through her that was actually enjoyable.