Highlanders Collection. Ann Lethbridge

Alex had redesigned the structure into a true castle.

      Bram shielded his eyes from the morning sunlight, watching his kinsmen and brother Callum as they lifted stones, laying mortar to hold them steady. His mother Grizel was ordering her grandchildren around, using a wet thumb to wipe a smudge from Mairin’s face.

      And though she had never once apologised to any of them, Grizel had made herself useful in the household, assigning tasks to everyone until it ran smoothly. Nairna had found a way to manage his mother, by letting her believe that she had control.

      Despite the way things were improving at Glen Arrin, Bram hadn’t seen any improvement in his younger brother. Ever since Lady Marguerite had left, Callum had grown more morose, the silence continuing. He spent his time either rebuilding the walls of the keep or practising with his bow and arrows. Sometimes he disappeared for days on end.

      Although Bram held out hope that one day his brother would fully heal, he wasn’t certain it would happen. Time would tell.

      In the meantime, he had brought a gift for Nairna back from Scone, one that had been given by the new Scottish king. Robert the Bruce had given many tokens to the chiefs who had offered their support.

      Although Bram had returned last night, he hadn’t had time to give it to Nairna. They’d spent every hour in each other’s arms, until neither had slept well.

      ‘I’ve been looking for you,’ Nairna said, greeting him with a warm smile. Her hair was veiled, and at her side Caen wagged his tail in greeting. ‘I was hoping to ask you about the sheep.’

      Bram kissed her, adjusting the bundle beneath his arms. ‘The sheep?’

      ‘Yes. I’d like to purchase more, to increase our flock.

      I think, with the additional wool, our women could weave cloth to sell. The sheep are mating well, but not quick enough and—’

      ‘Not quick enough?’ A mischievous thought occurred to him, and he teased, ‘Were you wanting me to coach them on how to satisfy their females? Is quicker really better?’

      Shocked, she turned bright red. ‘No, that’s not I meant and you know it.’

      He bit back his amusement. ‘Or perhaps they should be mated more often?’

      Nairna’s blush deepened, and she shook her head in exasperation. ‘Now, stop. You are quite good at satisfying a woman, I’ll be the first to admit. But I don’t think it’s necessary to share that knowledge with the sheep.’

      He laughed and picked her up, moving her around in a circle. ‘I’ll share everything I know with you, Nairna.’

      When he set her down, he handed her the package. ‘I brought you something. It’s a gift from the king.’

      She tore open the package and saw a length of crimson samite and a necklace formed from perfectly shaped pearls. ‘Bram, do you have any idea what these are worth?’ She clasped the package to her as if it were their clan’s salvation. He could read her thoughts, and immediately he stopped them.

      ‘You cannot sell a gift from the king. They are meant for you to wear. Sew a gown from the samite, and when we go to meet with him, you’ll wear the pearls.’

      She held still, not speaking. Bram took the pearls from her and fastened them around her throat. ‘I know you are trying to take care of our clan. But you have nothing of your own.’ He rested his hands upon the matched pearls. ‘Years ago, I gave you pebbles and pretty stones. But these are what I wanted to give to you.’

      She turned to look at him. ‘Bram, I don’t need pearls.’ ‘I want you to wear them for me. I want to see you in the gowns and jewels you deserve.’

      ‘I can’t accept gifts like these. Not when our clan needs so much.’

      ‘You would offend our king if you don’t take them.’ He pulled her into his arms. ‘It’s a mark of your status, as my wife. Give our people a reason to be proud of their lady.’

      ‘I’m not their lady.’

      ‘You are. In every way that Laren cannot be.’ Though she started to argue with him, he cut her off with a kiss. ‘It’s not a criticism of her, only a fact. You enjoy being in charge of the household more than she ever did.’ ‘I suppose.’

      ‘Now, a good wife would offer thanks to her husband for bringing her gifts like these.’ He settled his arm around her waist. ‘Unless you’d rather I spent my time talking to the sheep.’

      She shook her head, sending him a shy smile. ‘Thank you, Bram.’

      He held her in his arms, stroking her hair. ‘Would that I could give you everything of your heart’s desire. One day, perhaps.’

      She lifted her face to his. ‘I already have my heart’s desire, Bram. You’re standing here before me, alive and well.’

      Bram leaned in to rest his cheek against hers. ‘But you want a child, too.’

      A faint smile crossed over her face. ‘There’s hope. It’s too soon to tell, but it’s possible … in winter.’ Her hand went to rest upon her midsection and Bram covered her fingers with his own.

      The light on her face made him kiss her, for he wanted nothing more than to see Nairna happy. He loved her so much, there weren’t words enough to say it. He could only show her, every day, for the rest of their lives.

      And he intended to do just that.

      The Highlander’s Stolen Touch

      Terri Brisbin

       Praise for Terri Brisbin:

      THE MERCENARY’S BRIDE ‘Brisbin’s latest Knights of Brittany book is just as thrilling and passionate as the rest. Brisbin excels at immersing readers in history and bringing her characters to life.’ —RT Book Reviews

      THE CONQUEROR’S LADY ‘Riveting with its rich narrative, pulsing sexual tension and chilling suspense. It’s a tale of a man of passion, action and heat, and the innocent beauty who conquers him body and soul.’ —RT Book Reviews

      SURRENDER TO THE HIGHLANDER ‘Rich in historical detail, laced with the perfect amount of passion, Ms Brisbin continually delivers highly satisfying romances. Don’t miss it.’ —Romance Reviews Today

      TAMING THE HIGHLANDER ‘TAMING THE HIGHLANDER is a lively, frolicking tale of life in the Highlands; truly a must-read.’ —Historical Romance Writers

      THE MAID OF LORNE ‘With her usual superb sense of characterisation and exceptional gift for creating sizzling sexual chemistry, Brisbin fashions a splendidly satisfying medieval historical.’ —Booklist

      There was an instant when he knew he should stop and simply return her to the house, when he knew they should talk more in the cool light of the morn. But that moment passed by so quickly it did not hinder his next action at all. Tavis pulled her back into his arms, tilted her head with his hand and leaned his mouth to hers.

      He kissed her, and all his good intentions to show simple compassion were tossed asunder at the first touch of his mouth on hers.

      He kissed her with all the longing in his body and heart. He kissed her with the respect and liking he felt for her. He kissed her for all the wanting and knowing he could never have her. He kissed her.

      Not as a beginning, as her husband-to-be had, but as an ending—because her place, her life, would be here and not with him.

      About the Author

      TERRI BRISBIN is wife to one, mother of three, and dental hygienist to hundreds when not living the life of a glamorous romance author. She was born, raised, and is still living in the southern New Jersey suburbs. Terri’s love