Like Historical Romance set in Scotland? Another Chapter Teaser

Highland Games have Given me another ... What do Pirates Have to do With it?

Like Historical Romance set in Scotland? Another Chapter Teaser

PG Excerpt: TheRogue’s Ring

Whereis it? Cat murmured, cursing under her breath as she soughtthe rest of the stranger’s gold coins. The sleeping draft would not last long.Long enough, she prayed, so she could make her way back home before he woke.

Whenshe couldn’t reach into the bulky overcoat and satchel he slept upon, she dugher fingers into his jacket’s inside pocket.

Success!

Removingher fingers, three more gold coins appeared. As she slipped them down herbodice, two silver eyes glared up at her.

“Whatare you doing?” The stranger sat up, grabbed both of her wrists, and pulled herinto his lap.

“Why,nothing. Ye fell asleep and I dinna’ wish to wake ye. I worried that ye hadstopped breathing, ’tis all. ’Twould never do to have a guest of the inn cometo any harm. Are ye well?”

Heblinked, then lowered his gaze to the tops of her breasts. She could feel theheat stirring from his attention. Was her flesh growing pink with guilt?

Hadhe seen her hide the coins? Did he realize how much time had passed since shehad offered him drugged wine? He ought to be fast asleep, but he blinked again,then growled.

“Please.I must be on my way home.” If she did not leave now, Devlin might slap her onceagain, or throw her to his men. His threats had grown worse and more depraved.Her plans to escape his influence required money. The three coins she’d stolenfrom the Englishman would help her achieve her goal.

Hestared back at her face, then released one hand and turned her head sideways. “Didsomeone hit you?”

Hiswarm fingers gently stroked her scar and the newer bruise she had to assume hadturned purple. “Aye. ’Tis a consequence of working in such a place. Manytravelers curse the weather yet take out their frustrations on whomever straysclose. I shall survive.”

“Likethe brute who grabbed you by the hair tonight? You seemed to know him, but astranger would do worse? You need a protector.”

Whenshe attempted a small smile, he released his hold on her chin. In an instant,his free hand strayed down her bodice and gripped the coins.

“Nay!”she cried, to no avail.

“Athief? Strange, since I believe I compensated you more than enough inside.” Hepushed her away.

Stumblingbackward, she hit the wall, then returned to his side with her fists defiantlyon her hips. She could only glare down at him. She was not leaving withoutthose coins. Her future depended on acquiring the means to live elsewhere andfree from her brother’s abuse. Those coins could get her and Blake hundreds ofmiles from him and his pirate crew.

Hestaggered to his feet. Surprise filled his handsome face at his loss ofequilibrium. He tunneled his fingers through his dark hair. Several strands ofsilver glimmered at his temples, nearly matching the glaring silver of his eyes.Surprised to face eyes the same color as her son’s, she gasped.