My Highland Spy
Page 24
Lady Liadain Campbell—healer, half sister to the late Archibald Campbell, seventh Earl of Argyll—was a thistle in his arse. He strived to be patient with her—after all, Ciaran had recently slayed her brother, the bloody Campbell, the right-hand of the king.
When the Campbell had disobeyed King James’s orders and abducted members of the MacGregor family, Ciaran had been left with no alternative. Declan supported his brother completely in that regard. His nephew’s screams of terror still plagued his thoughts. Since Ciaran still nursed a shoulder injury, he’d ordered Declan to attend court on his behalf to explain the circumstances. To Declan’s relief, Liadain Campbell had not only affirmed her brother’s treachery, but the king exonerated Ciaran.
She was a ward of the court, which meant there was no suitable male presence to watch over her. And with a clan debt to be paid, he could not abandon her to all the courtly vultures. He at least owed her that much. Although he had no problem watching over her from a distance, a very far distance, times like these that drove him mad.
Someone had to keep a watchful eye on the wily minx.
Declan thundered after her, his temper barely controlled. “What the hell do ye think ye are doing?” he bellowed. “Didnae I tell ye nae to—”
The obstinate woman lifted her chin, meeting his icy gaze straight on. “Ye arenae my husband, MacGregor. Ye have nay right to tell me what I can or cannae do!” She tossed her hair across her shoulders in a gesture of defiance.
He reached out to clutch her arm.
She held something close to her chest and tugged away from him. “Careful, ye fool. I donna want them broken.”
“What is that? Sticks?” Puzzled, he pointed to her bundle.
The lass responded sharply, “They arenae just any sticks, ye daft man. This is willow bark for healing.”
Declan smirked. “Willow bark? And they donna have enough for ye at court?”
She brushed past him and increased her gait. “I donna expect ye to understand.”
He grudgingly trailed behind her. “I donna want to understand. Ye need to cease wandering off by yourself. Do ye hear me?” He quickened his pace to catch up with her.
“Of course I can hear ye. Ye are bellowing at me,” she called over her shoulder.
He grabbed her shoulders and spun her around. His eyes narrowed and he studied her. Was she completely daft? Did she have no idea of the dangers that could befall a woman without an escort? He remembered a time not long ago when he sprang out from under the brush and startled her. He could have killed her. Did she not learn a lesson?
Apparently not.
She stiffened at his silent challenge and her emerald eyes were sharp and assessing.
Declan chuckled. “Tell me, healer. What if a man found ye out here alone?” He gave her body a raking gaze. “What would ye do since ye have nay escort?”
Every generous curve of her body bespoke defiance. “I came this far without your assistance and I donna need it now.” Turning on her heel, she started walking back without him—again.
Who was he to argue with a stubborn Campbell? She could bloody well walk back on her own.
Still, his conscience hammered away at him. “Wait, healer.” His voice softened. He ran up beside her and extended his arms. “Here. I will carry it for ye and promise to be careful.”
Damned twigs.
Reluctantly, she released the bark into his care and they continued to walk silently. Declan was grateful for the quiet because if he heard her sharp tongue again, he might just take her back into the trees and show her what could befall a woman who was caught out here alone.
Acknowledgments
A very special “thank you” goes out to the following people:
To my agent, Jill Marsal, for keeping me afloat in the murky waters.
To my editor, Cat Clyne, for supporting my dreams.
To the unsung heroes at Sourcebooks, it truly takes a village.
To Ravenna Ours Redman, for the use of her beautiful name. I recognize a strong heroine when I meet one.
To my family, for their patience and understanding of all things kilted.
To Sharron Gunn, my resident Gaelic expert, mòran taing!
To Mary Grace, for her brutal honesty, constant praise, and endless encouragement. To the woman who never blinks an eye when asked to read the same chapter five times, and to the lass who always appreciates a good kilt when she sees one. It is kind of fun to do the impossible, and because of you, this endeavor is possible.
To my readers, for your posts, emails, and pictures, and for being so incredibly supportive. Thank you for helping me bring my love of Scotland to life.
About the Author
Award-winning author Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and was also a 2013 RT Reviewers’ Choice award winner for X Marks the Scot. Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America and several local chapters, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine Celtic Guide. When she’s not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she’s dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Visit Victoria at www.VictoriaRobertsAuthor.com.
Stay tuned for the next book in award-winning author Victoria Roberts’s Highland Spies series…
Kilts and Daggers
Highland Spies
by Victoria Roberts
When Fagan Murray is charged with escorting Lady Grace Walsingham back to her home in England, he expected tension with the headstrong lass. But he didn’t expect to be waylaid by Highland rebels. Fagan soon realizes he’ll do anything to protect Grace, even if he has to protect her from himself.
Lady Grace Walsingham hated the Scottish Highlands—well, one Highlander in particular. Ever since she discovered her sister was a spy for the Crown, Grace has yearned for adventure. But the last thing she wanted was to encounter danger in the Highland wilderness, needing the one man she despises to protect her.
Praise for My Highland Spy:
“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.” —Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master
For more Victoria Roberts, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Temptation in a Kilt
by Victoria Roberts
She’s on her way to safety
It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control…
He redefines dangerous…
Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he really is… on and off the battlefield.
“Wonderful adventure with sensual and compelling romance.” —Amanda Forester, acclaimed author of True Highland Spirit
For more Victoria Roberts, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
X Marks the Scot
by Victoria Roberts
He’s fierce, he’s proud, he’s everything she was warned against.
Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.
Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows ever sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only on
e she can trust…
Praise for Temptation in a Kilt:
“Well written, full of intrigue, and a sensual, believable romance, this book captivates the reader immediately.” —RT Book Reviews
“Filled with everything I love most about Highland romance…” —Melissa Mayhue, award-winning author of Warrior’s Redemption
For more Victoria Roberts, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
To Wed a Wicked Highlander
by Victoria Roberts
Torn between his duty and his soul mate, what will this Highland bad boy choose?
When a beautiful traitor is discovered under his own roof, Laird Alexander MacDonnell is faced with a decision he never thought possible. He’s sworn to protect his clan, but following his duty will mean losing his heart forever to the woman who betrayed him—his wife.
Lady Sybella MacKenzie is forced to search for her clan’s ancient seeing stone under the roof of her father’s enemy. But when she finally finds the precious artifact, ensuring her family’s survival will mean turning her back on the man who has captured her soul.
Praise for Temptation in a Kilt:
“An exciting Highland adventure with sensual and compelling romance.” —Amanda Forester, acclaimed author of True Highland Spirit
“Filled with everything I love most about Highland romance…” —Melissa Mayhue, award-winning author of Warrior’s Redemption
For more Victoria Roberts, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Highlander’s Bride Trouble
Hot Highlanders
by Mary Wine
Her clan is in chaos
Raised by her father and brother, Nareen Grant is strong, confident, well-educated—and skilled with a bow and dagger. It’s a tumultuous time for Scotland, and events conspire against her. Betrayed by her family, she makes her way alone, until she lands in the lap of Saer MacLeod. But she wants no help from a savage man of the Isles.
And rivalries are deadlier than ever
Raised on the rugged Scottish Isles, Saer MacLeod is considered fierce even by Highlander standards. He’s enchanted by the independent and headstrong Nareen. But when an old feud endangers her life, Saer’s fascination with her escalates into a ferocious desire to protect her…and claim her for himself.
Praise for How to Handle a Highlander:
“Mary Wine weaves a tapestry of action, sweet and spicy love scenes, clan culture, a touch of humor, and a twist and turn here and there!” —Long and Short Reviews
“Well-written and filled with delightful repartee, this is a feast for medieval fans.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Mary Wine, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com