Air thu, mo gràdh.
Mi seasamh làidir.
Excerpts
Her Highland DestinyChapter One
Scotland – Urquhart Castle – Present day
“Everyone walk this way, please,” the guide said as she herded the group of tourists off the bus. “This way, please.”
Kenna MacKellar grabbed her Nikon D40 off the seat and hung it around her neck. She had to admit that she was ready to get out and walk around. Her back felt stiff and sore from all the traveling she’d been doing lately. An old Army injury to her back made it hard to move sometimes.
She had spent the past 20 years focusing on her career as an MP in the United States Army and that had been hard on her body, too. She’d only been injured once in a firefight and felt blessed that God allowed her to live. Her partner hadn’t been so lucky.
Kenna had enjoyed the Army life and was proud to say she retired as a Sergeant Major with 4 tours of duty to
She sighed as her feet touched the ground, and then looked up to see a breathtaking view of the castle ruins and Loch Ness. She raised her camera and began to take pictures. Laughing to herself; wouldn’t it be funny if she caught Nessie in one of her shots!
“Ok, everyone. Before I let you go exploring the castle for yourselves, I need to give you a few guidelines to follow.” Everyone looked towards the guide to listen. “First of all, because the
Smiling, Kenna took off down the path towards the castle in anticipation. Over the past three days, she must have seen a dozen castle ruins, so why was it she felt her heart leap into her throat with this one? She stopped just shy of the gangway crossing to take a picture. Her chest tightened and she felt a rush of adrenalin coming on; the beginnings of a panic attack. She’d not had one of these since that night in
“Come on, soldier, it’s just a bunch of stones for crying out loud,” Kenna scolded herself. Then a little voice inside of her head said, “Yes, but a bunch of stones that the infamous Edward Longshanks and Robert the Bruce treaded upon.”
She opened her eyes and started across the gangway where the original drawbridge had once stood. Halfway across the narrow bridge, she felt it shake and heard horses galloping and screaming towards her. “Out of the way, Lass!” She heard a man’s voice call out as she ran the rest of the way across and moved to the side only to find nothing behind her except an old woman who was moving slower than a seven year itch.
With her heart still racing, she looked around to see if anyone else had heard the horses. Everyone was going about their own business, taking in the castle.
Kenna felt as if she was losing her mind. “Great!” she said to herself. “I survived 20 years of service and now I go crazy!” Convinced it was just belated jet lag, she continued towards the castle.
Kenna entered the main gatehouse and noticed a doorway on the left hand side. Out of curiosity, she walked across the room to open the door. Inside, there was an exhibit of a few artifacts that had been uncovered at the castle and a tiny prison cell with a mannequin that represented a prisoner.
“Why do those mannequins have to look so creepy?” a young teenage girl asked her father. He didn’t have an answer for his daughter so he just smiled at her and said, “So young hooligans like you will behave themselves.”
She nudged his arm and exclaimed, “Oh, Dad!” The two laughed and then moved on. Kenna took a few pictures of the cell. She could swear she heard the whimpering of a female voice from inside. Feeling a cold shiver move down her spine, she, too, moved on; not liking the atmosphere of the room.
Kenna found herself in the middle of what looked to be the great hall. The upper floors and ceilings were now gone and you could see the remains of the fireplaces on each floor. One in particular drew her attention. She knew it wasn’t possible, but she was seeing it as it once was. She blinked her eyes a couple of times, yet it still looked new. This time, she rubbed her eyes and again looked back at the ruin. She really was more tired than she thought. She brought her camera to her eye and clicked.
All of the sudden, she felt the ground shake violently. The winds picked up as thunder and lightning engulfed her. Kenna’s head began to whirl and her stomach churned and she felt as if she was going to vomit. Never before had she felt terror like this. She felt her camera drop away from her hands as her feet left the ground. She let out a blood curdling scream as she felt as if her body were being ripped apart; the winds whipping and swirling around her, tearing her clothing to shreds. The thunder rolled louder and with a final scream, and a harsh blow to the side of her head, all went black. 
Paolo's AngelHe was there…standing before Isabel. She couldn’t move as his hand reached out to caress her cheek. With one fluid motion, his other arm circled her waist and pulled her to him. His seductive brown eyes locked with hers as he slowly brought his mouth to hers. His lips were warm and he tasted sweet. His kiss was so tender. He drew her closer into him.
Isabel’s body trembled as she pressed against this man who held her in this intimate embrace. She could feel his heart beating beneath his lightweight shirt.
His tongue played and explored her and his scent was intoxicating. Everything that he was doing enveloped her very soul.
The hand holding her face slowly moved down her neck to her breast, lightly grazing her. Gently, he took her in his hand.
Isabel cried out for more of what this beautiful man was doing; her legs weak with desire.
Sensing what she needed, he picked her up and carried her to the bed.
His mouth left her long enough to say in a deep husky voice, “Cosi bella… mia angelo… mia amore. Lei me e’ ritornare."
Isabel’s eyes flew open as she shot straight up on the bed! The room was full of long shadows. What in the world, she asked herself! How long had I been asleep? Who was the man who invaded my dream?
“So beautiful…my angel…my love. You have returned to me.” He had whispered those very words right before she woke up.
Her body trembled and her heart raced! Isabel fled to the bathroom to grab a cool washcloth to press against her face. How a dream could do such things to her? Never before had she had such a vivid dream! She leaned down to bury her face in the soft cold fabric, trying to regain control of her senses. She looked up from the sink to view herself in the mirror. Her lips were swollen from being kissed! She ran her fingers across them. They we so sensitive! How could that be? No one was in the room with her! It was just a dream! The man who kissed her was nothing more than a dream!
Ghosts of the Past Lachlan goes to look for Neilina on horseback. He finds her at the old pavilion.
“We really need to stop meeting like this Lachlan Gunn. People are going to start talking.” Neilina teased.
“People are already talking, Neilina Keith.” He replied, continuing the formality in an annoyed tone as he dismounted and grabbed a leather bag.
“And what are they saying?” she asked while taking note of how incredibly sexy he looked on horseback.
“They’re talkin’ about an old feud between our two clans.” He replied as he handed her the bag.
“The feud is long dead with them. What would that have to do with me now?” she asked.
“Ya’ve been away from Scotland too long Neilina Keith if ya’re askin me that. Ya should ken that clan feuds never die. They only simmer until the right time to turn up the heat.”
“It’s not our fault what happened between the clans once upon a time.” Neilina said as Lachlan placed his jacket around her shoulders. Then he knelt in front of her and looked deep in her eyes.
“It does matter, Lina. At least it does to the people of Stonehaven and the clans. It should matter to ya’.”
“And does it matter to you, Lachlan? Is that why you’re here? Are you going to rescue me or is it time to turn up the heat?”
He didn’t move. They were locked in a gaze; studying each other. Then he leaned in and gently placed a kiss on her lips. So soft, so warm. “Lina.” He breathed then drew her into his arms, pulling her off the bench to lie on the ground with him. His kiss deepened as he covered her body with his.
Was the ground cold? She couldn’t tell. She was on fire. Oh, this man felt good! He knew exactly what he was doing. He knew exactly were to kiss her…to touch her. He tugged on her shirt to lift it up, exposing her skin to his touch. His hands slowly caressing her bare skin, finding her breast. With a low growl, he released her mouth and gazed down at her breast. His eyes were heavy with desire. He lowered his head to take one breast in that glorious mouth of his. This was nearly Nelina’s undoing. His tongue circled the tight nipple and his teeth gently tugged.
“Lachlan, please.” She pleaded with him.
Raising up to look into her eyes again, “Please what, Lina?” he purred. “Please stop?” his mouth returned to her nipple. “Not a chance.” He began unbuttoning her jeans. “Please, more?” His hand sliding down to find the dark curls that hid what he wanted so much to taste. Smiling at feeling how wet she was for him, “Definitely more, my bonnie lass.” He reclaimed her mouth with his as his fingers played with the hard nub sending shockwaves through her body. His mouth devoured her cries, feeding on them. Then he slid one finger deep into her. Oh, how warm and wet she was for him.
The rain masked the sounds of the two intruders.
“Och the rain sure provides a settin’, huh Lachlan Gunn?” The older woman said and her walking companion giggled as they kept walking up the hill.
Lachlan quickly covered Neilina with his jacket to shield her.
Neilina was mortified! She pushed Lachlan off of her and moved to sit back on the bench. “Caught in the act as if we were teenagers!” She said as she put herself back together. “If the town wasn’t talking before, they sure will be now!” She tossed the jacket back to Lachlan.
