Copyright © 2016, 2018 Layna Pimentel. Second Edition
ISBN: 978-1-62210-360-7
Historical Romance | Scottish
171 Pages
Laird Colin McIntyre is faced with a dilemma. Wed the daughter of his enemy or watch the destruction of his clan. However, he’s captured before he can declare war. Time is of the essence, and if he’s to escape, his only chance rests with the hope that his men arrive before the wedding.
Abandoned by her guardian, Beatrice finds herself stationed as a servant in the keep and ordered by Laird Sinclair to tend to Colin, who is being held against his will. Inexplicably drawn to the Highlander and his kindness, she vows to help him escape, but at what cost?
With their fates intertwined, will Colin and Beatrice finally be free of Sinclair’s reign of terror? Or will they be driven apart once again by an invasion led by new enemy forces, never knowing how much they’re meant to be together?
– Excerpt –
“Are ye angry with me because ye think I’m going to pass ye off to another or because ye want more of the pleasure I gave ye last night?”
Beatrice hadn’t the slightest clue how to respond to his question. In fact, she had no idea how to feel at this moment. She desired him, but she wanted so much more than to become a leman. Up until her exile, Beatrice had hoped to one day marry and have children, and no one in the Highlands would have her.
“I’m not sure why I’m angry, if ye must know. I have no idea why I thought giving myself to ye was a good idea.”
“If yer talking about the lad, I had no idea ye still cared for him. If yer worried that I will hand ye off to another, I will not do so unless that is what ye want. And I have no idea where ye seem to think I would have made ye my leman. I do not want one at all. I haven’t got the time to keep mistresses about, but I do have need of a wife.”
Beatrice stilled in his arms. “A wife?”
“Aye, a wife. How do ye suppose I will have heirs? Immaculate conception?”
“I see,” she said, unsure of where this discussion was going to end.
“Right now is not the time to discuss these issues. Even a laird has to take time away from bed to tend to important matters. I will return to the keep, and Giric will escort ye when yer ready.”
“Why must I go? Yer affairs are exactly that. Yers.”
“My affairs also include you, from the moment I made ye mine. So, ye’ll join me at the keep within the hour, and do not keep me waiting.”
Colin lifted her off of him and placed her back on the bed. She watched him dress just as quickly, splash some water on his face, and walk out of the cottage.
Lord, if they didna have the audience outside of the cottage, she’d have yelled at him soundly and remind him that this was her home and not his.
But Lord, how she adored that man and the very body he possessed.
Beatrice left the bed to see what clean water she had left in the pail. Luckily, she had enough to clean herself up and make herself presentable before Colin and Lady McIntyre.
By the time she met Giric outside, a small group of soldiers had joined him.
“Are ye ready, Beatrice?”
“I thought I was only to be accompanied by ye?”
“The laird thought it would be a good idea to have more just in case there were any lingering soldiers loyal to the Sinclair.”
“I see. Well, if we must, then let us be on our way. I canna imagine he’d be happy if I kept him any longer.”
“Just a word of advice, lass. What the laird wants, he usually gets. So ye might not want to incite his anger.” Giric leaned in and whispered, “Unless yer wanting yer backside spanked.”
