Publisher: Champagne Book Group

Something unmistakably lethal shadowed his eyes. Something only a fool would ignore. His austere gaze could turn rock to ash. What the he– was he about?
Alick’s laugh lacked any signs of humor. His eyes never left Darius as he addressed her, “Forgive my brother, m’lady. Dari has been far too long painting the bonny moors of Scotland with enemy blood and forgets his manners in the presence of a lady.”
There was no dismissing the subtle warning underlying his tone, though the smirk that flashed across Darius’ face told her he planned to do just that.
Tegan dare not look directly at Alick for fear he’d read the horrid fascination in her eyes. Surely he couldn’t detest it any more than she. As if she could stop gaping starry-eyed at his wayward brother. If such extraordinary power were within her grasp, it lay dormant beneath a heavy cloak of fear-laced awe.
She did, however, make the mistake of looking at the human magnet and flinched at the violent collision. The knowing leer on his face spoke enough volume to stuff a library from floor to rafters with cynical tomes. He’d seen the lust in her eyes as surely as she’d felt the seed take root and fester in her treacherous bosom.
He was T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

She let out what may have been meant to be a harsh laugh. “I should have taken you up on your offer of whiskey.”
A tense, tight pain lodged in his chest. “It’s an open offer, lass. Take some now.”
She shook her head. “After. Please. The water.”
He secured the basin in her unsteady hands. She poured slowly over the wound. Old blood washed away and new came in its place. She set the water aside then bent her knee. A sharp cry escaped. He pressed the fresh bandages into her hand, and with eyes tightly shut, she began to wrap. Around and around she wrapped until no new blood showed through.
Finally, she tied it off and collapsed back down on the bed. Eventually, a relieved smile blessed her pale, tense features. Streaks from tears ran down her cheeks. When had they fallen? Alax hadn’t seen her shed a one.
She looked like an exhausted angel, one who’d taken a long tumble. He picked up the basin and knife, setting them aside. He reached to get a spare scrap she’d not used.
Her soft hand stopped atop his. “Thank you.”
He froze, not daring to move. “For what?”
She slowly scooted down more until her head touched the pillow. “For helping me.”
He covered her hand with his other. “Lass, an errand boy could have done what I did. ”
She carefully shook her head. “No, only you.”
He watched her eyes begin to close. Her breathing slowed. A worry suddenly shivered through him. He caressed her knuckles then laid that hand on her chest. “Lenna?” Her name rolled off his tongue like song.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Aye?”
Her silky voice was just above a whisper.
Alax cleared his throat. “No matter what you’re running from, you’re safe with me.”
That soft smile started then she gave a slight nod, her eyelids lowering again. Her mouth began moving and he leaned closer to hear her whispered words.
“…live to see the day, a Gunn could be so kind.”
He felt the corners of his mouth turn up. Cheeky lass, even bone weary and half asleep, she sassed.
His lips flattened and he sat back straight. Could that saucy tongue be why she’d been beaten? He knew women could be killed for less. The thought of how she’d gotten her bruises, the marks on her arm ran his blood cold.
He was drawn to wipe loose strands of hair from her face. “You’re safe here, Hellenna inghean William, but who are you hiding from?”

Falsely accused of the Sin of Eve at age twelve, Lady Faith of Hawkhurst hides her beauty beneath a hideous disguise and seeks help from a Highlander passing through her brother’s land. Laird Brendan Sutherland realizes she’s disguised but wants a good look at her, realizing Faith is the woman he promised his best friend’s wife he would marry if he could find her. After a court scandal, King Henry orders them wed, and Faith fears Brendan will never trust her when he learns of her deception; but they have bigger problems with a killer following them home to the Highlands.

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