The Scot's Bride

by Paula Quinn

  “She is my lord’s beloved, Miss Mailie MacGregor, of the MacGregors of Skye. Her father has refused Lord Sinclair’s offer of marriage, though she cares deeply for my lord.”

  Lachlan smiled but his gaze was hard as the rest of him. “Sinclair wants me to kidnap a lass? A MacGregor lass? He thinks me a fool.”

  “He thinks you are a man with nothing to lose,” Graham corrected him, looking a bit more confident since Lachlan hadn’t killed him yet. “And if rumor is correct, and that is the blood of game covering you, you are an excellent hunter. You can grab Miss MacGregor and be away before you are discovered. She is on her way to Inverness with a small party as we speak. She should arrive sometime tomorrow. After that, she returns to Camlochlin and any chance we had will be gone.”

  “Will Caithness not be the first place the MacGregors look fer her since Sinclair was refused her hand?”

  “They might, but she won’t be there.”

  Lachlan unfolded his arms and clenched his fists. “Would ye like to walk oot, or be tossed?”

  “MacKenzie.” Graham leaped to his feet, choosing to walk, though he was daft enough to open his mouth again. He spoke quickly. “As payment Sinclair will give you the name of the man who has your daughter, Annabelle.”

  Lachlan took a moment to replay over in his head what he’d just heard. When he was sure his ears hadn’t deceived him, he grasped the smaller man by the collar and yanked him close. “Ye enter my castle and dare speak of my daughter? Ye dare speak her name?”

  The older man gasped and looked about to faint. “My lord, hear me please!”

  Lachlan wanted to snap him in two, but flung him back into the chair with a warning. “Take care what ye say next, emissary. If it is to deceive me, ye and Sinclair will discover why I’m called the Dragon Laird.”

  “There is no deceit here,” the emissary vowed, clutching the arms of the chair. “Lord Sinclair has recently discovered the whereabouts of your daughter. Anna— She is not dead.”

  When Lachlan moved for the chair again, Graham squeezed his eyes shut and cringed. “Sinclair will give you the location and the names of the people who have her!”

  Lachlan hated him for making him say it. “My daughter is dead. I saw her body, killed with her mother and burned by a band of rogue Jacobites who were angry that I didna fight fer James Stuart.”

  “That’s what they wanted you to believe, my lord.”

  “Who is they?” Lachlan grounded out. “—and it had better be good. I am close to killing ye.”

  “The people who have your daughter. The ones who paid those Jacobites to take her and kill your wife.”

  Lachlan’s head was spinning. Why was he listening to this? Was he so desperate for any spark of hope that might bring his life back? Why would his enemies want his daughter? Why would they go to such lengths as to kill another child to trick him into believing Annabelle was dead? He wanted to laugh, but the memory of his discovery was too devastating. “My daughter was there with her mother. I saw her body.”

  “No.” Graham shook his head. “It wasn’t her.”

  The idea that any man, or group of them, could do such a thing to not one, but two children made him glad he’d slaughtered them all. They were in hell, where they belonged.

  “Your daughter is alive.”

  Could it be true? Could Annabelle be alive? It was too much to hope for. He wouldn’t let himself. He ran his hand through his dark mane and fought to control the beast welling up inside of him. If this was some kind of trick, he’d kill everyone involved. He’d seen her body. He closed his eyes as if that would somehow vanquish the memory of carrying her from the flames.

  “Who has this child and why does Sinclair believe she’s my daughter?”

  “Sinclair had heard rumors at the time of the tragedy that these people had arranged it,” Graham told him. “He recently paid them a visit and met her. He said she looks to be the age of six or seven, with long dark hair, which she uses to cover the scars on her arms.”

  “Scars?” Lachlan hated himself for falling for this tale.

  “Burns from the fire—like yours. It appears she tried to hold onto her mother when they took her.”

  Lachlan leaned on the chair for support. His belly burned with flames he knew could never be quenched. He didn’t want to go back to that day and Sinclair’s emissary was forcing him to. “I’m going to kill ye if what ye’re telling me is untrue.”

  “It is all true,” Graham assured him. “When my lord asked for her name, she gave it. Annabelle, a fostered child of her captors.”

  Annabelle. His heart thumped hard in his chest “That doesn’t make her my daughter.”

  “Are you not curious?”

  Aye. Aye, he was. “Who are they?” Lachlan bent over the chair. “I’ll go to them and see fer myself.”

  Graham offered him a quavering smile and held up his finger. “I don’t know who has her. Do you think Sinclair would send someone from whom you could torture the information? Only Lord Sinclair knows and he will be glad to tell you.”

  Lachlan stared at him. “Sinclair will tell me where the child is, who he thinks is my daughter, on the condition that I kidnap the daughter of a Jacobite warrior.”

  “’Tis not a condition, MacKenzie, but a favor, a gesture of thanks for reuniting you with your daughter.”

  Lachlan’s smile was deadly. “Tell Sinclair I’m coming to Caithness for him. I’ll get the name withoot kidnapping a woman.”

  “He is not in Caithness,” Graham let him know. “He thought you might feel this way. He is no fool. The MacGregors will suspect him so he cannot be in Caithness when she is taken. You will keep her hidden until things settle a bit. I will return to Caithness with news of your agreement and have word sent to him. He will then agree to meet with you.”

  Lachlan plucked his knife from his belt and stepped closer to the chair. “I should kill ye and send Sinclair your head. Do ye think my answer to his offer will be clear enough?”

  The emissary bolted out of the chair and ran for the door without giving him an answer.

  Alone, Lachlan fell into his chair. He wondered if Sinclair was in Caithness or not. He’d like to go there and kill the bastard for giving him false hope.

  His daughter was alive. As if it were possible. But what if it was? His heart raced. Shouldn’t he do whatever was necessary to find out? He hadn’t given up finding the men he believed had killed her. If there was any chance that Sinclair was being truthful and there was a girl who could be his daughter, he had to find out.

  But kidnapping a lass from her family…her MacGregor family was not something he looked upon lightly. Besides that, they’d kill him if he were caught.

  Memories of Annabelle’s face, her soft voice, her scent rushed through him.

  He wouldn’t let himself get caught.

  New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, six overprotective Chihuahuas, and three small parrots. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.

  You can learn more at:

  http://pa0854.wixsite.com/paulaquinn

  Twitter: @Paula_Quinn

  Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-Paula-Quinn/

  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 Ma
lcolm Grant

  A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss

  Acclaim for

  Paula Quinn’s Novels

  Featuring the MacGregor Clan

  A Highlander’s Christmas Kiss

  “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.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “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! 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

  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.”

  —RomanceJunkiesReviews.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

  Fall in Love with Forever Romance

  SUGARPLUM WAY

  By Debbie Mason

  The USA Today bestselling Harmony Harbor series continues! As a romance author, Julia Landon’s job is to create happy-ever-afters. But she can’t seem to create one for herself—even after a steamy kiss under the mistletoe with Aiden Gallagher. After a bitter divorce, Aiden has no interest in making another commitment; he just wants to spend quality time with his daughter. But with Christmas right around the corner, both Aiden and Julia may find that Santa is about to grant a little girl’s special wish.

  TOTALLY HIS

  By Erin Nicholas

  In the newest of New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas’s Opposites Attract series, actress Sophie Birch is used to looking out for herself. When her theater catches fire and a cop scoops her up to save her, she fights him every step of the way…even though his arms feel oh-so-good. Finn Kelly can’t help but appreciate how sexy the woman in his arms looks…even if she’s currently resisting arrest. But when Sophie finds herself in trouble again, can Finn convince her to lean on him?

  THE SCOT’S BRIDE

  By Paula Quinn

  For readers of Karen Hawkins, Monica McCarty, and Hannah Howell. Charlotte Cunningham refuses to abide by Patrick MacGregor, the barbaric highlander assigned to keep her out of trouble. But what’s Charlie to do when her biggest temptation is the man charged with keeping her a proper young lass?

  BACK IN THE GAME

  By Erin Kern

  Fans of Friday Night Lights will love the heartwarming Champion Valley series by bestselling author Erin Kern. Stella Davenport swore she’d never let anything get in the way of her dream—until sexy, broad-shouldered Brandon West walks back into her life. Brandon knows that love only leads to heartbreak, but Stella is a breath of fresh air he didn’t even know he’d been missing. When she’s offered her dream job in Chicago, will he be willing to put his heart on the line?

  LETHAL LIES

  By Rebecca Zanetti

  Long-buried secrets and deadly forces threaten Anya Best and Heath Jones as they hunt down the infamous Copper Killer. Will they find love only to lose their lives? Fans of Maya Banks and Shannon McKenna will love Rebecca Zanetti’s latest sexy suspense!

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