Tempted by a Highland Moon: A Work in Progress

After three books in The Highland Moon Series, Duncan is finally getting his story! I had hoped to have "Tempted by a Highland Moon" completed before Christmas, but alas, 'tis no' meant to be!  But here's a taste of what you have to look forward to.

Kila had just finished washing her face, when her step-mother stormed into the bedchamber.

"You are in need of a new gown for the Earl's ceilidh, and there is a most reputable dressmaker in Port-na-craig." She placed several coins on the table. "See if she has a ready-made gown to your liking."

Inwardly, Kila groaned. "I have many beautiful gowns from which to choose. I'm in need of no more."

 Verona's jaw muscles tightened, as they always did when Kila argued with her. "I'll not have you embarrassing me in one of those drab things of yours. Now hurry, before you miss the mid-day meal." She turned on her heel and exited the room.

Kila looked at Wyn and blew out a long breath. Accompanied by Wyn and Fergus, she left The Blackbird Inn and stepped into the narrow street across from the dressmaker's tiny shop.

A man on horseback suddenly appeared from out of nowhere and bore down upon her. Behind her, the maid screamed, but before Kila could be trampled to death, a pair of strong arms pulled her out of harm's way and against a chest of stone.

"I'll fetch Lady Murray, m'lady," sobbed Wyn, before disappearing inside the inn.

Fergus stood nearby, his usual red face void of all color. "I dinnae see him, m'lady, until he were nigh upon ye."

"Are you well, lass? asked the Highlander who had rescued her.

"Aye," she nodded, noting how devastatingly handsome he was.

He frowned. "Are you certain?" Concern was clear in his voice.

She nodded.

"The fool," he growled, shaking his head. "How could he have no' seen you?  'Twas as if he was bent on running you down."

Her knees suddenly felt weak, and she swayed on her feet.

The Highlander must have realized her predicament, for he lifted her into his arms as if she weighed no more than a feather.

She should insist he put her down immediately, but it felt so wonderful being held in his strong arms."Might I ken your name?"

He grinned, and her heart lurched against her chest. "Duncan, Duncan MacDonnel. And your own, lass?"

"Kila Murray—Lady Kila Murray."

"Glad to be of service, Lady Kila Murray," he said with a devilish grin and a slight tilt of his head. "It appears you're staying at The Blackbird Inn as well."

"Aye, along with my step-mother and a small party."

"Then I'll see you to your bedchamber." With Fergus following close behind, Duncan pushed open the door and carried her inside, then headed for the stairs, but was interrupted by the nearby screeching of her step-mother.

"Put my step-daughter down immediately," she ordered the Highlander.

Duncan made no move to follow the woman's demand. "The lass was nigh on trampled to death, and is yet unsteady on her feet. I plan to see her to her bedchamber."

"What the man says is true, m'lady." Fergus offered. "Seen it m'self."

"Nonsense," she snorted, ignoring the guard. "Put her down, or else I'll have her taken from you."

Duncan clenched his teeth to keep from telling the blasted female to go to the devil.

Kila gently placed her hand on his arm. "Please, I dinnae wish to cause you any trouble."

He looked into her amber eyes, noting the tiny flecks of gold, and gently set her on her feet. "Then I bid you good day, my lady."

She smiled. "Much thanks."

He nodded, then headed upstairs to his bedchamber. He stretched out on the bed and crossed his arms. He would like to have spent more time with the bonnie lass, but her infernal step-mother had put a stop to that.

Obviously, the woman was unaware of how close Kila had come to being trampled to death, or else she certainly would have shown more concern for her step-daughter's welfare.

 To be honest, the whole ordeal puzzled him. The rider would have had to be blind not to have seen the lass standing there in the open. He frowned, as an icy finger trailed up his spine. Aye, something was amiss.

I hope you enjoyed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gwyn

Book Four: "Tempted by a Highland Moon"

I'd like to tell you a bit about the fourth book in my Highland Moon Series,"Tempted by a Highland Moon." Those of you who have already read the first three books have more than likely guessed that this one is Duncan's story. Since the book is a work in progress, I don't yet have a cover, but I can certainly tell you a few things about him.
Duncan MacDonell is quite a handsome Highlander, with dark brown hair, and compelling brown eyes. He is taller than most men, and he loves to eat, but carries nothing on his muscular frame but solid muscle. And as his best friends, Kade, Galen, and Cin will tell you, they can always count on Duncan in a fight.
Kalie, the beautiful dark-haired heroine, and Duncan, meet when he saves her from being trampled by a horse and rider. Later he is asked by the earl, his sister's husband, to escort her into the Highlands to the castle of her betrothed. Along the way, an intense attraction developes between the two that neither of them can deny.
Here is an excerpt from "Tempted by a Highland Moon:"

Kalie smiled. "Once again you have come to my aid. Much thanks."

Duncan's heart danced in his chest, as he busied himself with the saddle. "You are most welcome, my lady. Come, we must go." He lifted her onto the horse, the heat of her skin burning his hands through the thin smock. He blew out a breath, then swung up behind her, wrapping his plaid about them both.

After a few minutes, her shivering ceased, and she settled back against his chest, deep in slumber. Her womanly hips pressed between his thighs were causing Duncan a great deal of discomfort. He groaned, then shifted her in his arms. No use. He would just have to bear it.

Kalie opened her eyes and blinked. Duncan's arm was wrapped about her waist, and the appealing warmth of his muscular body clung to her like a thick blanket. She should let him ken she was awake, but then he would release her, and she didnae wish him to. Not yet. She breathed in his male scent, listened to the beat of his heart, the song he was softly humming,  realizing she would never want any man but him. But that could never be, for she was already betrothed. She swallowed back her emotion, and blinked away her tears

I hope you enjoyed hearing about Duncan's and Kalie's story!

Gwyn