The troubled look in her eyes suggested that she didn’t know the answer. When he removed the cloak she’d given him his hand brushed against hers. Her lips parted and he wanted to kneel at her feet, like the goddess she was.
Callum didn’t want her pity. Though his body and voice might be broken, he wouldn’t allow her to believe that he was less than a man. His hands threaded with hers, cold skin merging with warm.
He brought her fingers to his ragged cheeks, absorbing the warmth. A few strands of her golden hair slipped from her veil, resting against her throat. And when he brought her hand to his lips she inhaled a gasp.
He released her instantly, expecting her to pull back in disgust. Instead, her eyes were shining with unshed tears, her fingers remaining upon his face.
‘I won’t forget you,’ she vowed, pulling her cloak around her shoulders. Then she picked up her skirts and disappeared into the night.
In the shadows, Callum caught a movement and turned his head. The Earl was standing there, watching.
And fury burned within his eyes.
AUTHOR NOTE
When I wrote the first book in my MacKinloch Clan series—CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR—I was intrigued by the characters Callum and Marguerite. Their situation reminded me of the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. As a broken hero who cannot speak Callum worships Marguerite … and yet he believes he can never win the heart of a duke’s daughter. Marguerite is deeply sympathetic to Callum’s plight, but as she loses her heart to him she has the challenge of standing up to her father and casting off the duties that bind her.
This book was quite difficult to write, especially since the hero cannot speak. It presented unique dialogue scenes, but I tried to give a strong sense of the emotions and words Callum wanted to convey. I hope you’ll enjoy this third book in the MacKinloch Clan series—if this is the first book you’ve tried, there are several other connected stories.
CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR is the first book, which tells the reunion story of escaped prisoner-of-war Bram and his childhood sweetheart Nairna. SEDUCED BY HER HIGHLAND WARRIOR is about the estranged marriage between clan chief Alex and his wife Laren, a stained glass artist. Finally, CRAVING THE HIGHLANDER’S TOUCH is a novella that gives Lady Alys of Harkirk her own chance at happiness with Finian MacLachor, a man seeking redemption.
Will Dougal MacKinloch ever get a story of his own? Time will tell …
You’re welcome to visit my website at www.michellewillingham.com for excerpts and behind-the-scenes details about my books. I love to hear from readers, and you may e-mail me at [email protected] or write via PO Box 2242 Poquoson, VA 23662, USA.
About the Author
MICHELLE WILLINGHAM grew up living in places all over the world, including Germany, England and Thailand. When her parents hauled her to antiques shows in manor houses and castles Michelle entertained herself by making up stories and pondering whether she could afford a broadsword with her allowance. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, with a degree in English, and received her master’s degree in Education from George Mason University. Currently she teaches American History and English. She lives in southeastern Virginia with her husband and children. She still doesn’t have her broadsword.
Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com, or e-mail her at [email protected]
Previous novels by this author:
HER IRISH WARRIOR
Available in Mills & Boon® Historical Undone! eBooks: THE VIKING’S FORBIDDEN LOVE-SLAVE THE WARRIOR’S FORBIDDEN VIRGIN AN ACCIDENTAL SEDUCTION
And in Mills & Boon® Historical eBooks: LIONHEART’S BRIDE (part of Royal Weddings Through the Ages)
Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
Tempted by
the Highland
Warrior
Michelle Willingham
In memory of Rafiq Salim Soufan,
with special thoughts for his wife Fatin
and their children.
Chapter One
Scotland—1305
The sound of a man screaming awakened her from sleep.
Marguerite de Montpierre jerked upright, clutching the coverlet as she stared at her maid Trinette. ‘What was that?’
Trinette shook her head, her eyes wide with fear. ‘I don’t know. But we should stay here, where it’s safe.’
Marguerite moved to the tower window, staring outside at the darkened moonlit sky. The man’s screams had fallen into silence now. Already, she sensed what that meant.
Stay here, her mind ordered. Don’t interfere. What could she do, after all? She was only a maid of eight and ten. Both her father and Lord Cairnross would be furious if she went out alone.
But if someone needed help, what right did she have to remain in her chamber? Fear shouldn’t overshadow the need for mercy.
‘I’m going to find out what it was,’ she informed her maid. ‘You can stay here if you want.’
‘My lady, non. Your father would not allow this.’
No, he wouldn’t. In her mind, she could imagine her father’s commanding voice, ordering her to remain in her bed. She took a breath,