Betrayed by her brother's lies, Catriona MacKenzie is banished from her Edinburgh home to her godmother's remote manor in the Highlands. While her father ponders her fate, Catriona's insatiable curiosity leads her straight into trouble--and into the arms of a notorious Highlander.
Five years after an ill-fated Jacobite rebellion, Rory Cameron works as a smuggler to raise money for the cause--until Catriona uncovers a plot against him and exposes his activities. Now Rory is faced with a decision that could save their lives or destroy them both.
Excerpt:
Yes, she’d just have to convince Auntie Meg—and Rory Cameron—that she simply had to stay.
Her mind made up, she rose and wrapped a thick blanket around her shoulders. As her bare feet touched the wooden floor, she hissed at the chill. With no maid to call upon, she left her room and went downstairs in search of the kitchen. The thought of a warming cup of tea raised her spirits. Then she’d continue to set her plan into motion.
She pushed the kitchen door open and stopped short. Standing by the mullioned window, in front of a large bowl overflowing with water, was Rory Cameron. He turned as he heard the door. Catriona caught her breath, and grabbed the handle, letting go of the blanket.
Water dripped over his head and down his torso, trickling in small rivulets over his kilt held by a broad belt with a round silver buckle in a Pagan design of interlacing swirls. The light curls of hair on his tanned chest glistened with moisture. His shoulder-length hair was unbound, falling softly over taut muscle. A dry smile told her she was staring at him. Again.
She swallowed hard. “I...” She stuttered. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Cameron.” She averted her gaze to her feet. “I was just looking for a pot of tea. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
The insufferable man laughed as he grabbed a piece of cloth and began to pat himself dry. “I don’t think you did.” He shook his head, sending strands flying before rubbing it vigorously. “And it’s Rory, remember?” He grinned. Catriona stood rooted to the spot. Words failed her. Her mouth went dry.
“But tell me...” He went on. “Do you always venture into the kitchen so early? If so, you’d better get dressed next time.”
Transfixed by his mocking gaze, her cheeks heated as she became aware of her own state of undress. What an impression was she giving him with her hair falling loosely over her shoulders, and the blanket barely covering her modesty?
Oh, dear God, the blanket!
Cathie Dunn lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two cats. She writes historical fiction and romantic mystery. A hobby historian, she loves researching her favourite eras - medieval and Jacobite Scotland, England under the Normans and Tudors. Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Highland Arms is available as an ebook from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon UK, Amazon US and other ebook outlets.
"Cathie Dunn’s descriptions of the magnificent, unpredictable Scottish Highlands and Catriona’s sense of belonging there is remarkable." -- Long and Short Reviews
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