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Wicked Highland Ways Page 26


  “It’s none of yer concern,” the MacPherson insisted. He was a large man, with midnight-black hair. Unlike a number of his clansmen, his face was scraped clean. Attached to the side of his bonnet were three feathers, two of them pointing straight up. It was Laird Shamus MacPherson’s son, Bhaic, which accounted for his boldness. He would be the next Laird MacPherson. The feathers confirmed that he was the clan Tanis. It was more than blood that put him in line for the lairdship; the rest of the clan’s leaders had voted him into the position.

  “Join Mistress Ailis in the front pew,” the earl ordered.

  Bhaic smiled, showing off even white teeth, and crossed his arms over his chest. He had his shirtsleeves pulled up, granting her a view of his muscular arms. A touch of heat stroked her cheeks, and she looked back at the earl.

  “Shoot me where I stand,” Bhaic taunted. “If ye’ve got the balls to.”

  “Mind yer mouth, MacPherson, me daughter is present.”

  Bhaic shrugged. “I am nae the fool who brought a woman along.”

  “The Regent is the one who insisted me daughter come along!” her father protested. “For a man who thinks we Highlanders are stuck in the Middle Ages, Lord Morton, ye are the one acting like a savage. I never thought to question the terms of yer message as if ye were some sort of English scum.”

  “I find myself agreeing with Laird Robertson.” Bhaic sat back down in defiance of the earl’s demand. “So now that I am completely disgusted, what do ye want, Regent?”

  “An end to this feud,” the earl informed them.

  A ripple went through the sanctuary, the scuffing of boot heels against the stone floor as the men shifted, the reality of their long feud shaming more of them than would be willing to admit it was so.

  The earl didn’t miss it either.

  “The crown and the king will no longer tolerate unrest in the Highlands,” Morton informed them.

  “What are ye planning to do?” her father demanded. “Kill us all?” He chuckled ominously. “Ye’ll nae be the first nobleman who fails at that task.”

  The abbey was full of laughter, the sound bouncing between the dark stone walls.

  Highland Spitfire

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  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.

  Also by Mary Wine

  Highland Weddings

  Highland Spitfire

  Highland Vixen

  Highland Hellion

  Highland Flame

  Between a Highlander and a Hard Place

  The Sutherlands

  The Highlander’s Prize

  The Trouble with Highlanders

  How to Handle a Highlander

  The Highlander’s Bride Trouble

  Hot Highlanders

  To Conquer a Highlander

  Highland Hellcat

  Highland Heat

  Courtly Love

  A Sword for His Lady

  Steam Guardian

  A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious

  A Captain and a Corset

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