Highlander's Rebellious Love by Donna Fletcher

Dark Dragon protect the McCuil croft?”
    “Most believe so, which is why no one bothers or threatens them.”
    “Has he been seen there?”
    “You do not know much about the Dark Dragon, do you?”
    “Only his reputation as a ruthless warrior,” Patience admitted, “though I would like to learn more.”
    “Do you know that few have seen his face? That he wears a helmet into battle, only his eyes and mouth revealed?”
    “I did not know that. Why does he hide?”
    “Some believe he is badly scarred and wants no one to look upon him. Others say his evil ways have turned him so ugly that no one could bear to look upon him. It is said the King, himself, has not laid eyes on him. ”
    “And what do you think?”
    “I think a lot of it is gossip and nonsense produced by fear.”
    “But gossip always has root somewhere,” Patience argued.
    “More like a single seed that sprouts and grows out of control until it completely devours the tiny speck that gave it birth.”
    Patience nodded, agreeing with him, though wondered if that pertained to Hunter as well. Had gossip run so rampant about his exploits with women that his true nature had been devoured by it? If that was so, who truly was he? The thought had her more curious than ever about her husband.
    “Are you sure we will make it to the croft before nightfall?” she asked.
    “Barring any surprises.”
    “You expect Greer to attempt an attack?”
    “I cannot say, since there is, and never has been, any rhythm or reason to Greer’s actions. When his anger sparks, there is no telling what he will do, which could prove deadly for all concerned.”
    Hunter was right, anger could turn a minor skirmish into a major war, and in the end both sides would lose, even though victory would be claimed. Patience wanted to avoid that, though she worried that with Greer’s volatile temper that might prove impossible.
    “I enjoyed the kiss we shared last night and look forward to kissing you often.”
    She found his tactic of suddenly changing subjects to catch her off guard, amusing. And she smiled, which she found she was doing more often since meeting Hunter. Smiles and laughter was something she had once shared frequently with her sisters... until Heather had been abducted. Guilt rose up to grip at her heart. How could she smile or even laugh when Heather was prisoner of the Dark Dragon?
    While her heart ached for her sister, she would not let her sorrow show. She did not want it to be taken as weakness and used against her. She would remain a stalwart warrior, and she would rescue her sister, of that she was certain.
    “You take time to answer me. You did not enjoy it?”
    She kept her smile strong. “I was taking time to compare it.”
    “Good, for there is no one who kisses as well as I do, and you will realize how lucky you are to have me as a husband.”
    Patience laughed. “You are a boastful one.”
    He drew his head back as if affronted, though the teasing glint in his blue eyes told her otherwise. “I but tell the truth. And has not your comparison confirmed that?”
    “I also speak the truth and admit that your kiss was more favorable than others.”
    “It is good we both speak the truth to each other, for it will make our marriage stronger. So, I will speak the truth again when I tell you that your kiss was more favorable to me than others.”
    “I am pleased to know that, especially since you have kissed scores of women.”
    “Have you not kissed many men?” he asked the question he had wanted an answer to since she had admitted that he had not been the first to kiss her.
    “I am not sure if I should be insulted that you think me a woman who would be so free with her kisses or that you maneuvered me to the question you wanted to ask all along.”
    “You are much too perceptive. I will have to—”
    “Be direct and say what you will to me, for I intend to do so with you.”
    “How many men have you kissed?” he asked irritated that his words were