Outlaw Ever After
by E. Elizabeth Watson
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Book Blurb:
They took everything. Now he’s come back to claim it—and her—in this broodingly intense and sexy Highlander romance that will delight fans of Karen Marie Moning and Lynsay Sands.
When she was just a lass, Peigi Grant attended a wedding—one that quickly turned into a night of bloodshed and grief. Through it all, there were whispers of the Comyn heir, a boy accused of the crime, who mysteriously disappeared.
Now it’s fourteen years later, and Peigi’s never breathed a word to a soul about that fateful night…or her role in helping the boy escape. But she never would have dared imagine that sweet boy turning into a roguish warrior who could shatter her heart and her reputation.
Alexander is drawn to Peigi by her clear, sweet voice. Her loveliness—along with an uncanny sensation of fate—tempts him to lay down his war scythe forever. But his clan, his lands, and his very birthright were stolen by the Grant clan…and vengeance still calls to him.
They don’t know his true name. But the Grants will come to fear his wrath…even if it destroys the one person who could tame his wild, Highlander heart.
Outlaw Ever After is an intoxicating, enemies-to-lovers romance between two people fated to fall for each other…even if it sets all of Scotland ablaze.
Excerpt:
The entire village roared with laughter at the man in the song’s folly for flirting so shamelessly, the children laughing because the adults were laughing, and a muscled arm swung around her shoulders, pulling her tight between his legs as Alex guffawed.“Such a rogue still got what he deserved.” She giggled, leaning into his embrace.
“A good thing he never met yer brother, songbird,” he jested to more laughter.
She looked back at his bruised face and sewn coat, proof of how close he’d come to that. Yet she saw nothing but affection sparkling in his eyes. He laughed so heartily as if he had not a care, in a world that punished so unfairly.
And she wanted his kiss again. Wanted it so badly. Wanted to believe his declaration that he’d win. Wanted to reverse the wheel of time. She reached up. Cupped his cheek.
His breath hitched against her wrist, as if disbelieving her touch. His gaze holding hers, he turned his lips into her palm and pressed a kiss there.
Song after song, the evening progressed. Her hair was limp from melting flakes, her slippers kicked free and her toes tucked beneath her hem, nestled into the straw. The snow accumulated but the bonfire melted it in its inferno. The songs grew easy. The folk grew merry and danced, ate their bread and drank their ale and chanted Samhain blessings, in preparation for going Souling on the following eve.
“More, mi lady! More!” called villagers.
“Sing the one about the fox and crow!”
“Nay, a good country reel would do!”
They volleyed their choices at her like arrows upon an adversary, as ewers of ale made rounds and splashed into tankards and the folk linked hands around the fire.
“Sing something gentle,” warbled a voice through the commotion.
Joslyn? Why was she here? Peigi looked about and spotted the woman holding a babe on her hip, rubbing its eyes. Joslyn did live in the healer’s hut when not helping at the castle.
One lullaby popped to mind: Alex’s song. The song that had lured him to her.
She strummed a soft chord.
“Lullaby sweet bairn of mine...”
The chatter hushed.
Strummed the next chord.
“Sleeping sweetly in the pine...”
Her cheeks felt hot from the flame. The flute remained silent, and she let herself slip back to that greenwood, let herself think about that summer day when the man at her back had begged her to see him again, had lain in the grass beside her.
That wind whipped again, the bonfire roaring. Her eyes closed as the bone flute finally joined in and fluttered in her ear. Snowflakes twirled through the air like those playful leaves.
“Bright green eyes, rest peacefully...”
She opened her eyes, could see reverence twinkling in Joslyn’s gaze.
“For the world isna what it’s meant to be...”
Alex’s flute trailed away. Only the crackling bonfire, burning low, spoke into the night. She looked up at him— him chewing his cheek, his eyes glistening. His thumb touched her mouth, his fingers slipping into her hair over her ears to cradle her cheek. He studied her lips, uncaring of their audience, and in sooth, she’d become so relaxed, she’d forgotten any discomfort.
The sky dark as pitch was studded with celestial crystals, the clouds having long since moved on.
His lips descended to hers. Brushed like a breeze, always gentle, belying the exuberance with which he seemed to live his life.
And she sank. Into memories. Months of missing him and feeling unworthy crashed over her as a tear slipped down her cheek. It was only lips touching, and yet, she writhed within for more, desperate to feel wanted as a soft growl of desperation reverberated through him, caged in his chest. A taste of what he’d been missing, poured into a simple touch as his breathing came in and out erratically, as if holding everything back...
His forehead again rested to hers, eyes pinched tight in pain. “I need ye,” he gruffed. “Like Pan needs his nymph, like a body needs air, for I’ve been suffocating—”
A whistle whirled. Laughter and clapping erupted.
She yanked back and touched her mouth. Her cheeks were hot. Barely a brush of skin and yet, her lips stung, when her shame receded as Joslyn’s soft smile and misting eyes met hers. Here, among these folk who seemed to accept Alex so, away from the trappings of fanfare and notions of noble honor, she felt...at home. Like this was their wee village on the shore, like she’d once set her heart upon having.
Author Bio:
Award winning and bestselling author E. Elizabeth Watson is convinced life is better with good coffee, chocolate, and a pair of hiking boots. A former archaeologist and biomed research coordinator, Elizabeth spends her days penning heroes ranging from kilted Scottish warriors to Texas cowboys crowned with Stetsons. Whether in kilts or pearl snaps, her heroes wear plaid!
Get swept away to the Highlands of Scotland or the badlands of West Texas in her adventurous tales where love conquers adversity.
She currently lives on a mountainside in West Virginia with her husband, sons, and various pets. Always honored to hear from readers, make sure to follow her on Facebook, Bookbub, TikTok, Goodreads, and Instagram.
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