by Amy Jarecki
“Good all around. The cattle are fat and the harvest has been bountiful for once.”
“Indeed? I reckon that’s one thing the queen on her throne in London cannot take away from us.”
Then man looked over his spectacles. “She’s doing a bloody good job of trying. Word is English wool is selling for twice the price of Scottish in Carlisle.”
“Miserable thieves.” Robert watched a retinue of government dragoons ride past. “We’re surrounded by them.”
“Now more than usual. The colonel at Fort William has ordered an entire regiment of redcoats to Inverlochy to keep order for Samhain. As if we dastardly Highlanders would summon the fairies to play tricks and curse the English usurper.”
“Aye?” Robert chuckled. “As unlucky and barren as the queen has been, I reckon a fairy curse would do her in.”
“Today is not soon enough, if you ask me.”
“Good day.” Muck and mud squished beneath Robert’s mount’s hooves as horse and rider headed for the stable. Weariness spread through his limbs, but he’d be set to rights as soon as he ate a hearty meal—and then he’d prowl about for companionship of the female variety.
He rode through the big doors and into the dimly lit barn, the smell of hay a pleasant respite from the boggy, cattle-laden yards. He dismounted and wiped his eyes, helping them to adjust.
“Need a stall for this beauty?” asked a lad, reaching for the reins.
“Aye. And give the fella an extra ration of oats. He’s earned it.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the boy led the horse away, Robert glanced up. Christ. Every muscle in his body clenched, his jaw twitched, and he balled his fists while hot ire raged from the base of his loins to the top of his head. The sudden burning throughout his chest could be nothing but pure, unadulterated anger. Janet Cameron, daughter of his nemesis, Ewen Cameron, stood but fifty paces away, right outside the tack room. Chin held high, she wore a maroon lady’s riding costume, with ample skirts, trim of gold, and a lace neckcloth. Atop her golden tresses sat a black bonnet adorned with an enormous red plume. Complete with leather gloves, the ensemble must have cost a small fortune.
No wonder her father has resorted to thievery.
Robert glowered a moment too long, and the lady caught him staring. His stomach flew to his throat as if he’d leaped from a cliff and was plunging downward—or floating. God’s blood, he’d seen the woman at countless fetes, and her bonny face never ceased to turn him into a deaf-mute. Damnation. His heart raced as he stood like a fool.
She arched her brows and quickly shifted her gaze away, but not before he looked into her eyes. Even at fifty paces, the intensity of the rich blue arrested him. Janet Cameron may be the daughter of one of Clan Grant’s enemies, but she was a damned tempting sight to behold—though even looking twice at that woman was dangerous.
No, he would not be ensnared by a Cameron—or any woman, for that matter. These were perilous times with the Highlands infested with snoops and turncoats. Only the closest of kin were to be trusted. Robert had cattle to breed, crops to plant, and alliances to make to ensure his clan survived the reign of the English zealots to the south. Queen Anne’s days were numbered, and when the time came, he would stand beside the true king. It will be a glorious day, indeed, when James sails across the channel and claims his rightful place as king.
Perhaps once things eased without a constant threat of war, Robert might consider taking a wife and starting a family. But such an endeavor was years away. At seven and twenty, he was still a young man and certainly not ready to settle down like so many of his friends had done. He would enjoy the life of a bachelor and answer to no one for a good deal longer.
“Come, Kennan. I’m hungry,” Janet said, looking impatient.
Though her voice was smooth and sultry, Robert’s hackles stood on end. He should have known her bloody brother was there.
The thief’s heir himself stepped into the aisle. “All is in order, sister.”
Robert girded his loins as he marched forward. “Hey there, Cameron, come to Inverlochy to sell my cattle, have ye?”
“Beg your pardon?”
“You ken as well as I, your da’s using the same grazing lands as I am. My shepherd counted two hundred seventeen calves and, when he returned two days later, there were only one hundred fifty-one and no sign of dead.”
Kennan thrust his fists into his hips. “And you believe they were stolen by my kin? You’re daft.”
“Cameron men were seen nearby. It only could have been they.”
“With all due respect, Mr. Grant,” Janet said, shouldering between the two men. “The Camerons are not thieves.” The words were spoken with such surety, a more gullible man might have believed the lass.
Robert glanced downward, clenching his jaw and steeling his emotions from being overrun by her damnable cornflower-blue eyes. “So says who? Your da?” He snorted. “Mayhap he’s a liar as well.”
“Hold your tongue in front of a lady, ye maggot. How long have you been in the hills? Has the altitude addled your mind?” Kennan stepped closer. “Or is it your stench? Good God, Grant, ye smell worse than a swine’s bog.”
He did. He kent it as well. After a month of wrangling, Robert had no doubt he looked like a wild heathen. But he couldn’t back away now, not even with the bonny lass watching. Taller than the Cameron heir, he stepped so close, Kennan was forced to crane his neck, their noses but a hair’s breadth apart. “That’s right, arsehole, deflect with insults. I would expect no less. You’d best pray we do not catch your men plucking the prime steers from my herd, else you’ll be climbing the gallows whilst I stand back and laugh.”
Kennan didn’t flinch while both men slid their fingers over the hilts of their dirks. “I’ve no cause to quarrel with you, Grant. At least no’ today. I hope you find your thieves. The Camerons have a keen interest as well. We lost numbers up near Brae Roy and reckoned it was Campbell poachers.”
“Is that so?” Robert didn’t believe it, though he trusted the Campbells even less than the Camerons.
“Aye.” Kennan slapped his shoulder. “Good day. I’ve promised my sister a warm meal and I’m no’ about to keep her waiting.”
Robert gave a stiff nod, then tipped his bonnet to the lady. “Miss Janet.”
Her eyes narrowed as she pursed her lips. Good thing, too. She might as well know now there was no love lost between their clans. Robert didn’t care if she was the bonniest lass in the Highlands. She could keep her haughty airs and her beauty and marry a scoundrel to whom she was suited.
About the Author
Award-winning and Amazon All-Star author, Amy Jarecki likes to grab life, latch on, and reach for the stars. She’s married to a mountain-biking pharmacist and has put four kids through college. She studies karate, ballet, yoga, and often you’ll find her hiking Utah’s Santa Clara Hills. Reinventing herself a number of times, Amy sang and danced with the Follies, was a ballet dancer, a plant manager, and an accountant for Arnott’s Biscuits in Australia. After earning her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, she dove into the world of Scottish historical romance and hasn’t returned. Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books at amyjarecki.com.
Also by Amy Jarecki
Lords of the Highlands series
The Highland Duke
The Highland Commander
The Highland Guardian
PRAISE FOR AMY JARECKI
THE HIGHLAND GUARDIAN
“Magnetic, sexy romance is at the heart of this novel, made complete with a cast of richly depicted characters, authentic historical detail, and a fast-moving plot.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A true gem when it comes to compelling, dynamic characters.…With clever, enchanting writing, elements of life-or-death danger and a romance that takes both Reid and Audrey completely by surprise, The Highland Guardian is an historical romance so on point it’ll leave readers awestruck.”
—BookPage
THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER
“Readers craving history entwined with their romance (a la Outlander) will find everything they desire in Jarecki’s latest. Scottish romance fans rejoice.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Sizzles with romance…Jarecki brings the novel to life with vivid historical detail.”
—Publishers Weekly
THE HIGHLAND DUKE
“Readers will admire plucky Akira, who, despite her poverty, is fiercely independent and is determined to be no man’s mistress. The romance is scintillating and moving, enhanced by fast-paced suspense.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This story was so much more than a romance, it was full of intrigue, excitement and drama…a fantastic read that I fully recommend.”
—Buried Under Romance
Fall in Love with Forever Romance
TRUE-BLUE COWBOY
By Sara Richardson
Everly Brooks is finally living her dream. There’s just one problem: her new landlord. Mateo Torres is a handsome-as-hell bronc rider who oozes charm, melts hearts—and plans to kick Everly off the farm. But, when he comes to Everly with a deal she can’t refuse, staying away from Mateo is not as easy as it seems.
DARKEST NIGHT
By Megan Erickson
Bodyguard Jock Bosh has one job: Keep Fiona Madden safe. But with the attraction sizzling white-hot between them, that means keeping Fiona safe from him, too. When her enemies make their move and put Fiona and Jock in the line of fire, these two realize that there’s more at stake than just their lives—they’re risking their hearts, too.
THE HIGHLAND CHIEFTAIN
By Amy Jarecki
After being jilted by her betrothed, Lady Mairi MacKenzie is humiliated and heartbroken—but she’s not desperate. As the daughter of an earl, she won’t give her hand to just anyone, and she isn’t swayed by a last-minute proposal from Laird Duncan MacRae. Dunn may be a battle-hardened clansman, but he’s always had a soft spot for Mairi. To win her heart, though, he will have to show her the tenderness in his own.
HEAD OVER HEELS
By Jill Shalvis
Can this free-spirited rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? It seems Chloe can’t take a misstep without sinfully sexy Sawyer hot on her heels. But, with that rugged swagger and enigmatic smile, a girl can’t help but beg to be handcuffed…Don’t miss Head Over Heels from the New York Times bestselling Lucky Harbor series, now featuring the bonus story Merry Christmas, Baby!
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