The Fearless Highlander (Highland Defender Book 1) (33 page)
Read The Fearless Highlander (Highland Defender Book 1) Online
Authors: Amy Jarecki
Mary shook right down to the tips of her toes. Mercy, his back was warmer than a brazier, and the arm clamped around her torso like iron. She chanced a glance at him over her shoulder. “Yes, s-sir.”
Who was this man? And how dare he manhandle her, even if he thought her a lad.
With a rueful chuckle he released his grip. “I suggest you wait until your beard comes in afore you join the wrestling competition.”
“She’s not going to wrestle.” Throwing back his shoulders Rabbie dashed forward and kicked the man in the shin. “Never touch my sister again.”
“Ow.” The man’s jaw dropped. “Sister?” His gaze snapped to Mary’s face. “Bloody, miserable bleating hell. You’d best don a proper gown afore you trick anyone else out of a crown.”
Crossing her arms, Mary scooted away. “As I recall, you were the one who placed the wager.”
“Aye,” said Rabbie. “And I haven’t seen your coin, mister.”
The man looked at Rabbie as if he could shoot daggers through his eyes. With a growl, he dug in his sporran. “Do not tell me your father is John of Castleton?”
Mary’s stomach turned over. Da wouldn’t be happy if he found out she was wearing his trews, let alone placing wagers. But she raised her chin and held out her palm. “What if he is?”
“Good God.” The man slapped the coin in her hand. “I would have thought more from his offspring.”
Please, this cannot be someone important
. “Pray tell, what is your name, Mr.…?”
“MacDonald.” He turned on his square-toed shoe and headed toward the keep.
She smoothed her fingers over the coin while studying his retreating form. Holy Moses, he posed a sight—tall, well-muscled, well-dressed. She bit her bottom lip. Aye, Mr. MacDonald had to be someone important for certain.
He called Da by the familiar
.
With luck, he’d soon forget this morning’s events. Looking to the wispy clouds sailing above, Mary clapped her hands together and prayed it would be so.
Da had never allowed her to attend the games before—and growing up in Castleton on the Isle of Sky didn’t give her much of an opportunity to meet anyone interesting. And goodness, nearly everyone in these parts was named MacDonald. Several of the clans who’d be here for the games were MacDonalds as well…and Camerons, and Grants, and MacDougalls. Her mind boggled. She’d best hurry. Dunscaith Castle kitchens would need oversight for certain—and she didn’t want to be caught by any of the great men due to arrive this afternoon.
***
Marching toward the keep, Sir Donald MacDonald, the Baronet of Sleat clutched his musket under his arm. Bloody oath, the castle looked as if it were crumbling. And he’d just been bested by John of Castleton’s
daughter
? Covered with freckles, a Highlander’s bonnet pulled low over her forehead, the lass looked more masculine than her little brother. Damnation, he kent something was amiss when he wrestled her into his grip. Not only did she smell like a garden of lilacs, she weighed no more than seven stone. ’Tis why he asked his—rather—
her
age.
Don shook his head. He would have bested the wench if he hadn’t been navigating a birlinn through the rough swells of the North Sea since dawn yesterday. He needed a good meal and a healthy tot of whisky to regain his land legs.
Bloody hell, he’d been looking forward to this jaunt to the Highlands? He didn’t need a parcel of children in his way. He had serious matters to discuss with the Defenders—the Jacobite chieftains who had pledged their fealty to
the cause
. Aye, one day they’d see King James returned to the throne and oust the usurper, William of Orange. To add insult, the false king’s wife, posing as Queen Mary II was James very daughter. No greater backstabber hath ever worn a crown.
~End of excerpt from
The Valiant Highlander
Amy Jarecki
:
Coming Soon, Highland Defender Series:
The Highland Duke
The Reckless Highlander
Guardian of Scotland Time Travel Series
Highland Dynasty Series:
Highland Force Series:
Return of the Highland Laird
(A Highland Force Novella)
Pict/Roman Romances:
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In the Kingdom’s Name
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~Thank you!
A descendant of an ancient Lowland clan, Amy adores Scotland. Though she now resides in southwest Utah, she received her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Winning multiple writing awards, she found her niche in the genre of Scottish historical romance. Amy loves hearing from her readers and can be contacted through her website at
www.amyjarecki.com
.
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