by Mary Wine
He made it sound like she was to be pitied, and that stirred her temper. Katherine lifted her chin in defiance. “I find my circumstances very well.”
Shamus offered her a grunt of approval. “Aye, that pleases me, and yet ye are, as both me sons have noted, a woman grown now. The Church might overlook a fair number of things when youth is involved. They are not so lenient when it comes to adults.”
Katherine didn’t care for the feeling that a noose was being slipped over her neck. She recalled that feeling from when she was young and living in England. What she detested was the way tears stung her eyes.
She did not cry.
And hadn’t since the day the Earl of Morton had looked at her like a creature to be bartered. She’d realized growing strong was her only way to avoid becoming exactly what he saw her as. She would be more than a thing.
“Well…” Shamus resumed tapping the top of his desk. “I’m glad to see that ye agree with me, lass.”
“You have yet to tell me what you wish of me.”
“Aye.” Shamus made a motion with his hand. “Ye’ll need to keep company with the women. Helen will instruct ye on the running of a house.”
“And ye will keep a skirt on,” Marcus added sternly. “No more kilts.”
She knew that voice. Had trained under it and learned to respect it because Marcus was preparing the youths of the clan for the realities of life, where his training would mean the difference between surviving and an early grave.
Arguing with him felt wrong because he’d given her so many years of joy, and yet she felt cut to the bone by his order. So she lowered herself and left.
She hadn’t been dismissed, but Shamus didn’t call after her. She needed fresh air, feeling like a stone was crushing her chest.
But relief wasn’t hers just yet. Robert appeared next to her, clearly having been waiting for her meeting with the laird to be finished.
“It’s for the best,” Robert began, his soft tone grating against her frayed nerves.
“Don’t you dare speak to me in that fashion.” She turned on him.
His eyes widened.
“Like you do to a child,” Katherine clarified.
Robert stiffened. Somehow, she’d failed to notice his shoulders had widened and his chin was covered in a full growth of hair now.
“I’m no talking to ye like ye’re a child,” Robert said, defending himself. “Just—”
“Like a woman?” she demanded. “Go take the hand of Satan and walk yourself to hell.”
His cheeks darkened. “Ye have to stop talking like that too. Women do nae curse.”
“Easily accomplished,” she informed him. “For I will not be speaking to you anymore.”
She turned to leave, but Robert reached out and caught her wrist. The bit of strength was there, one she knew and detested because it proved that time was going to destroy the life she had thought she’d built.
“Kat,” he said. “Do nae be cross with me. Ye are a woman, and they are right. The bloody Gordons will no’ rape me. Ye need to keep to yer place. Do ye want to be known as a hellion? No man will ever have ye if that happens.”
“And so my entire worth should be measured by what a man wants me?” She scoffed at him. “My prospects for a good match died when I was abducted by the Earl of Morton.”
Robert didn’t disagree. He wanted to, opening his mouth but shutting it when he couldn’t form an argument.
“Keep yer hands off me,” she declared before she twisted and stepped to the side, breaking his grip. “And do not follow me to speak to me alone. It is improper.”
She turned her back on him and found Marcus considering them. She lifted her chin and shot him a hard look.
Wasn’t that what they all wanted? Her acting like a woman?
Well, she’d certainly not be apologizing.
Even though she ached to, for Robert was her only true friend.
And now, she was forbidden that comfort.
Why had Fate cursed her with being a female?
Order Mary Wine’s next book
in the Highland Weddings series
Highland Hellion
On sale June 2017
About the Author
Mary Wine is a multi-published author in romantic suspense, fantasy, and Western romance. Her interest in historical reenactment and costuming also inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance with her popular Highlander series. She lives with her husband and sons in Southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactment.
My Highland Rebel
Highland Trouble
by Amanda Forester
A Conquering Hero
Cormac MacLean would rather read than rampage, but his fearsome warlord father demands that he prove himself in war. Cormac chooses what he thinks is an easy target, only to encounter a fiery Highland lass leading a doomed rebellion and swearing revenge on him.
Meets an Unconquerable Heroine
Jyne Campbell is not about to give up her castle without a fight, even though her forces are far outnumbered. She’s proud and determined, and Cormac can’t help but be impressed by her devious plots to force him to leave. Soon, his allegiances are as confused as his feelings for the fair Jyne—though he may have captured the castle, it is she who captures his heart.
Praise for The Highlander’s Bride:
“Another winner from Forester!” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars
“A super romantic tale…heart, laughter, and adventure.” —Harlequin Junkies
For more Amanda Forester, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Every Time with a Highlander
Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands
by Gwyn Cready
New York Times bestselling author
She Can Work Her Magic on Any Man
In a quest to bring peace to her beloved Scottish borderlands, fortune-teller and spy Undine Douglas agrees to marry a savage English colonel. Desperate to delay the wedding long enough to undermine the army’s plans, Undine casts a spell to summon help and unexpectedly finds herself under the imperious gaze of the handsome and talented Michael Kent, a twenty-first-century British theater director.
But in this Production, He Commands the Action
Though he abandoned acting years ago, Michael will play whatever part it takes to guard Undine’s safety—he’s used to managing London’s egocentric actors and high-handed patrons, after all. But not even Shakespeare could have foreseen the sparks that fly when the colonel’s plans force Undine and Michael into the roles of their lifetimes.
Praise for First Time with a Highlander:
“Another charmer…guaranteed to set off the kind of sexy fireworks Cready’s fans expect.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
For more Gwyn Cready, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
How to Train Your Highlander
Broadswords and Ballrooms
by Christy English
She’s the Hellion of Hyde Park…
Wild Highlander Mary Elizabeth Waters is living on borrowed time. She’s managed to dodge the marriage banns up to now, but even Englishmen can only be put off for so long…and there’s one in particular who has her in his sights.
Harold Percy, Duke of Northumberland, is taken by the beautiful hellion who outrides every man on his estate and dances Scottish reels while the ton looks on in horror. The more he sees Mary, the more he knows he has to have her, tradition and good sense be damned. But what’s a powerful man to do when the Highland spitfire of his dreams has no desire to be tamed…
Praise for How to Wed a Warrior:
“Fans of Grace Burrowes and Amanda Quick should be introduced to English.” —Booklist
“Irresistibly charming.” —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
For more Christy English, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Kill or Be Kilt
Highland Spies Series
by Victoria Roberts
It’s been three years since Lady Elizabeth Walsingham ended her childish crush on Laird Ian Munro, the fierce Highlander who scared everyone but her. She’s a grown woman now, heading to London to find a proper English gentleman. But when the wild Highland laird walks through the door, she’s that breathless youth all over again.
Ian tries hard to avoid the young lass who’s confounded him for years. But now that they’re attending court, he must keep watch on her night and day. Danger is at every turn and advisors to the Crown are being murdered. Ian soon realizes the girl he’s been protecting is a beautiful lady who needs his help, almost as much as he needs her.
Praise for My Highland Spy:
“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.” —Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author
“This book begs to be read and reread.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars
For more Victoria Roberts, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
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