by Paula Quinn
“The Menzies,” Lord Murdoch’s son told him, his smile returning, this time with a curl more sinister than mocking.
The Menzies. The lord’s tenants in Linavar. Decades-long enemies of the MacGregors and Grants. The closest villagers to the mountain pass.
Immediately Cailean’s heart turned hard toward them. “Why would they try to kill innocent men?”
“Because, Grant”—Duncan sneered as if Cailean were too dense to figure it out—“all they know in these parts is us, the Black Riders. They hate us.”
“They dinna know who we are,” Cailean argued. He wanted to be sure before he took his vengeance. “We were no’ wearin’ our coverin’. Why would they think we were Black Riders?”
“Do you want to conduct an investigation or do you want justice, Grant?”
Cailean didn’t like him. At all.
“I want justice.”
Murdoch’s smile widened. He liked trouble. He also liked wine and women—one in particular. Cailean had never asked her name. He didn’t care what it was. He felt pity for her to have such an admirer. Nothing more.
“When do you want to leave?” Duncan asked.
“As soon as Patrick is stable.”
Murdoch laughed at him. “Your sentiments make you weak.”
Cailean dipped his head and glared at Duncan from beneath the shadows of his raven lashes. “Come with me to the practice field and let me prove ye incorrect.” One corner of his mouth curled in a cold sneer. “Yer faither will likely thank me.”
“I’ll kill you for that, Grant,” Duncan promised. “But not tonight. It’ll be dark out soon thanks to these damn short days and I’m drunk,” he added, as if his slurred words weren’t proof enough. “Tomorrow perhaps.”
Cailean shrugged, finished with the useless conversation. Duncan would never touch him. As much as he envied Cailean, he knew his father’s admiration was fairly given. Cailean could fight with weapons or without, a dangerous man created in the misty northern mountains.
He went to stand near the table where the men worked on Patrick, but closed his eyes, still unable and unwilling to watch the outcome.
Three times he’d felt life leaving people and a dog that he loved. Two had died in his arms. He prayed Patrick would not be the third.
Sage first, a scrappy hound who had chosen him from among many better men at Camlochlin. Had she known his life would need saving one day, and that she would die for saving it?
Alison. The first lass he’d ever cared for, the one who’d stolen his heart in a brothel. He could still remember her rich russet waves tumbling over her breasts while they made love, he for the first time. Memories of her haunted him. So many things did. It was why he’d given up his passions for cooking and writing, and left Camlochlin five months ago. Why Patrick, who was perfectly content to bed wenches in the Highlands, had followed him all the way to Glen Lyon with the hopes of talking some sense into him about strong-arming defenseless people for pay.
Patrick couldn’t die. How could Cailean do anything but live out the rest of his days in dreaded anticipation of the next catastrophe if he did?
“Ye look like ye’d do well to take some comfort in these.”
Cailean opened his eyes and looked down at the giant, milky mounds jiggling beneath him. He lifted his gaze to the woman’s equally round cheeks dabbed in crimson powder. Madam Maeve herself. The woman in charge of the lasses hired by the widowed Lord Murdoch to serve meals to and satisfy other appetites of his private guard of twenty men, including Cailean and Duncan.
“Ye look tired. Come with me to my bed. I’ll help ye ferget all this blood.”
Forget? How could he ever forget it? “Not now, Maeve,” he practically growled at her.
She pouted her ruby-red lips at him. “Beautiful Cailean,” she purred, and moved closer to him. “Whatever ’tis that makes yer eyes smolder like smelted iron and yer jaw tighten like ’tis taking everything in ye not to take yer sword to all of us—whatever that is and wherever it comes from, hold on to it. Share it with me tonight.”
“Another time mayhap.” His voice was low, as deep as the shadows that plagued his days and nights. He hadn’t taken any of her girls before. Why did she think he’d take her now when his cousin was possibly dying ten feet away? A better question was, why did he expect anything more from the people in this damned castle? They were soulless and void of compassion. The kind of people he’d chosen to be with. That kind of man he’d become.
“Have ye met Marion?” Maeve asked, and motioned to a lass who was standing on the other side of the hall, watching what was going on and wringing her hands together.
“She’s new…and free fer ye.”
He gave Marion a slow looking-over. She had rich, russet hair like Alison’s. That was likely why he decided to help her.
“Is she untouched?” he asked Maeve discreetly. When the madam nodded, Cailean reached into his cloak and pulled out a small pouch. “Let’s keep her that way, aye?”
Not knowing that the smile he offered her while he looked into her eyes was as well practiced as his sword arm, Maeve agreed to anything he wanted. Of course the leather pouch filled with coin that he tossed into her hand didn’t hurt.
“Dinna offer her to anyone else. In fact, bring her to Perth, to Ravenglade Castle, and after I put m’sword through my cousin’s attacker, I’ll see to the remainder of yer payment. Now leave me.”
The madam curtsied, showing off her ample cleavage once more. “If ye change yer mind about what ye need sooner—”
He wouldn’t. He didn’t want comfort. He wanted blood.
Also by Paula Quinn
Lord of Desire
Lord of Temptation
Lord of Seduction
Laird of the Mist
A Highlander Never Surrenders
Ravished by a Highlander
Seduced by a Highlander
Tamed by a Highlander
Conquered by a Highlander
A Highlander for Christmas (e-novella)
The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell
The Sweet Surrender of Janet Buchanan (e-novella)
The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd
The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor
The Taming of Malcolm Grant
A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss
The Scot’s Bride
Laird of the Black Isle
Acclaim for
Paula Quinn’s Novels
Featuring the MacGregor Clan
Laird of the Black Isle
“4½ stars! Top Pick! Quinn just keeps getting better and better.”
—RT Book Reviews
“I loved this book so much. From beginning to end, it grabbed my heart and never let go.”
—TheRomanceDish.com
The Scot’s Bride
“Tangled, twisting threads of plot are skillfully woven together with history and engaging characters in this Highland Heirs nonstop read. The realistic atmosphere Quinn creates lures readers into the romance and will keep them turning the pages. Enticing dialogue and underlying mystery themes make this an enjoyable read.”
—RT Book Reviews
A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss
“4 stars! Combining the joy and magic of the holiday season with a powerful and dramatic love story may come as a surprise to readers who have never experienced Quinn’s talent for providing the unexpected. This tale of revenge and redemption is sensual and poignant, powerful and meaningful. The nonstop action propels the plot as much as the twists and turns. Highland romance readers rejoice!”
—RT Book Reviews
“Top Pick. Ms. Quinn weaves a powerful story of redemption, responsibility, betrayal, and finally love between Temperance and Cailean.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
The Taming of Malcolm Grant
“The gradual development of romance between the hard-hearted fighter and the resilient healer illuminates the fast-paced story.”
―Publisher
s Weekly
“4 stars! Quinn and her Highlanders are a perfect match, and Malcolm Grant is the ideal Scotsman for a tale that’s humorous, poignant, and highly romantic. Quinn understands and motivates her characters carefully. She delves into their deepest thoughts and makes readers truly care about their lives.”
―RT Book Reviews
The Scandalous Secret of
Abigail MacGregor
“4½ stars! With its quick-moving plot, engaging characters, and historic backdrop, the latest installment of The MacGregors: Highland Heirs is a page-turner. Quinn twists and turns the tale, drawing readers in and holding them with her unforgettable characters’ love story.”
—RT Book Reviews
“A wonderful book…Paula Quinn has raised the bar even higher with this newest novel in the MacGregor saga.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
“I loved the enemy turned lovers theme that this story follows…the drama never stops!”
—HistoricalRomanceLover.blogspot.com
The Wicked Ways of
Alexander Kidd
“Paula Quinn has done it again!…If there ever was a book that deserved more than five stars then this one is it. I was absolutely captivated from start to finish.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
“The Scottish highlands and a pirate ship provide the colorful setting for this well-written, exciting, and action-packed romance.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Vivid…Quinn’s steamy and well-constructed romance will appeal to fans and newcomers alike.”
—Publishers Weekly
The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell
“Plenty of passion, romance, and adventure…one of the best books I’ve read in a long time…a captivating story from beginning to end.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
“Delicious…highly entertaining…a witty, sensual historical tale that will keep you glued to the pages…This beautifully written, fast-paced tale is a true delight.”
—RomanceJunkies.com
Conquered by a Highlander
“Rich, evocative historical detail and enthralling characters fill the pages of this fast-paced tale.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“What a conclusion to this fast-paced, adventure-filled story with characters that jump off the page and will capture your heart.”
—MyBookAddictionReviews.com
Tamed by a Highlander
“Top Pick! Quinn’s talents for weaving history with a sexy and seductive romance are showcased in her latest Highlander series book. This fast-paced tale of political intrigue populated by sensual characters with deeply rooted senses of honor and loyalty is spellbinding…Top-notch Highland romance!”
—RT Book Reviews
“A winning mix of fascinating history and lush romance…Readers will be captivated by the meticulously accurate historical detail.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Seduced by a Highlander
“Seduced by a Highlander is sparkling, sexy, and seductive! I couldn’t put it down!”
—Karen Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author
“Scottish romance at its very best! Deliciously romantic and sensual, Paula Quinn captures the heart of the Highlands in a tender, passionate romance that you won’t be able to put down.”
—Monica McCarty, New York Times bestselling author
Ravished by a Highlander
“Deftly combines historical fact and powerful romance…Quinn’s seamless prose and passionate storytelling will leave readers hungry for future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“4½ Stars! Top Pick! An amazing love story where characters’ deep emotions and sense of honor for their countrymen will enchant readers.”
—RT Book Reviews
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