He yanked off his boots then undressed, looking forward to bathing. In fact, he was just about to lower into the water when Fionna didn’t bother knocking but strode right in only to stop short. Her eyes rounded and swept over him, lingering on his cock before she turned her head.
“Apologies,” she said over her shoulder. “I thought ye’d be in by now.”
Had she really? Because her clanswoman had not been gone all that long.
“’Tis nothing ye havenae seen before,” he reminded, aroused despite himself as he lowered into the water. Having her so close whilst he wore no clothing made him want to toss her on the bed and sample what had been long gone from him.
“’Tis something I didnae want to see again, though,” she muttered, flat-out lying. So said the catch of her breath and the way she peeked when she thought he wasn’t looking.
“Have ye more water for me?” he asked, letting her know he was submerged.
“Aye.” She poured it in, clearly trying to remain focused on his face. “Now, sit forward so I can remove yer bandage.”
He did as asked, noting how her hands trembled ever-so-slightly as she removed it.
“It looks good.” She inspected the scratch, nodding. “After ye wash it, I will apply a poultice and rewrap it.”
“Ye mean after ye wash it,” he said softly. “All of me, for that matter.”
Her gaze snapped to his face and held before she seemed to gather herself. While he thought he had her for a moment, he should have known better.
“Ye’re out of yer bloody mind if ye think that’s happening, MacLauchlin.” She tossed him a cloth. “See to yerself, then I will return and take care of yer wound.”
“I will see to myself.” She would meet him halfway, though. “But ye will stay.”
“’Tis indecent.”
“I think we both know the moment ye intercepted the lass who filled my bath ye didnae care much about decency.” He began washing. “Ye know how people talk. Especially, I imagine, when it comes to the Taylor chieftain seeing to the MacLauchlin laird’s personal needs. And with them undoubtedly knowing about our past.”
“Most dinnae recall such.” Rather than turn away, she leaned against the wall, crossed her arms over her chest, and kept her gaze on him. “’Twas a long time ago, Keenan.”
“Aye, but gossip such as what ye and I shared stays on the tongue for generations,” he assured, because it truly felt like a lifetime ago. Or at least it had until she walked into his castle again. Until he walked into this holding.
“We shared nothing worth gossiping over in the end, though.” Fionna shrugged. “I think mayhap ‘tis just arrogance on yer part.” She shook her head. “The only curiosity ye bring with ye now is the fact ye’re the enemy and holding my brother hostage.”
“But not wee Dougal,” he reminded. “Something it seems yer clan is grateful enough for.” He eyed her, curious how far he could push her. “Or so I assume based on the more than gracious offer I received from the bonny lass who filled my bath.”
Her chin jutted forward a wee bit. “An offer I am sure ye misinterpreted.”
“Nay.” He made a point of thinking about it before he shook his head. “I dinnae think so.”
“Are ye saying my clanswomen are wenches, then?” she bit back, her temper getting the best of her far faster than he anticipated. Which told him she had intercepted the lass, knowing full well such an offer was likely made.
“Nay, not wenches.” He continued washing and nudged her temper along, if for no other reason than to fan the flames of her jealousy. “For I am fairly certain she didnae expect payment for her services.” He winked at her. “Well, anything except a good—”
“Finish washing so I can see to ye.” Her eyebrows slammed together. “I have other things to see to…people to attend to.”
As she no doubt intended, the way she said it made him tense. While it was one thing to taunt her with what he might do with her clanswoman, it was another thing entirely to envision Fionna doing the same with a man. Because there had been plenty of men her age about. Then, of course, the one who rarely left her side.
Tavish.
He knew what Dougal said, but he was just a boy, not savvy to the way men and women worked. And Fionna had hinted last night at just how close she and Tavish really were.
“Aye?” He tried to remain nonchalant when all he could picture was her bedding Tavish. Rage flared that had no place in this situation. In what he must accomplish. Yet, despite his best efforts, he could not leave it alone. “And what people will ye be attending to, Chieftain Taylor?”
“’Tis none of yer concern.” Based on her taunting expression, she knew what kind of effect she was having on him. “It stopped being yer concern a long time ago.”
Had it, then? Aye, he preached to himself.
Yet, he kept pushing.
Highlander’s Pact
Book One
Sky Purington
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing
Date of Publication: July 23, 2020
ASIN: B08B6G2PXZ
Number of pages: 175
Word Count: 48K
Tagline: A scandalous second-chance romance rife with passion, intrigue, and a life-altering secret.
Book Description:
Despondent from years of war, Keenan returns home to find his clan has been reduced not only in numbers from plague, but the family coffers are nearly depleted. Dedicated to restoring his clan pride, Keenan strikes a bargain with his brothers, they will each marry, but not for love, only for the generous dowries their future wives will bring.
Fionna has suffered the consequences of endless wars and plague, leaving her the unlikely laird of Clan Taylor. When her past love summons her to his keep under the threat of killing her clansmen he captured trying to steal horses, she has no choice but to meet him.
There she discovers a man much changed, heartless and bitter. Especially when he demands that Fionna help him get engaged to her best friend!
Unable to deny him, Fionna plays along, waiting for the right moment to strike, save her clansmen, and celebrate teaching Keenan the hardest lesson of his life.
But not everything is what it seems, and Keenan and Fionna discover that distance and time cannot change what their hearts truly want—each other.
Highlander’s Pact
- Book 1 – Scoundrel’s Vengeance
- Book 2 – Scoundrel’s Fortune
- Book 3 – Scoundrel’s Redemption

Sky Purington is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Purington married her hero, has an amazing son who inspires her daily and two ultra-lovable husky shepherd mixes. Passionate for variety, Sky’s vivid imagination spans several romance genres, including historical, time travel, paranormal, and fantasy. Expect steamy stories teeming with protective alpha heroes and strong-minded heroines.
Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up with Sky’s latest news and releases? Either visit Sky’s website, www.SkyPurington.com, join her quarterly newsletter (https://bit.ly/2Mw0yyO), or sign up for personalized text message alerts. Text ‘skypurington’ (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121 or visit Sky’s sign-up page (https://mobile-text-alerts.com/subscribe/skypurington). Texts will ONLY be sent when there is a new book release. Readers can easily opt out at any time.
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$10 Amazon Gift Card

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Mya Murphy
July 30, 2020 at 8:21 pm
The cover is absolutely drool-worthy!
Sarah L
July 30, 2020 at 8:21 pm
Do you listen to music when you write?
Betty Curran
July 30, 2020 at 4:35 pm
I really enjoyed the blurb. Can’t wait to read this.
Sandy Klocinski
July 30, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Book scoundrels are awesome! Spicy cover. Thanks for the opportunity to win
Debbi Wellenstein
July 30, 2020 at 5:47 am
The cover is VERY nice!
Hesper Fry
July 29, 2020 at 8:16 pm
The cover looks really good. I would like to read this book!.
andie
July 29, 2020 at 1:14 pm
What a real warrior looks like…nice cover.
Jodi Hunter
July 29, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Love the cover.
Debbi Wellenstein
July 29, 2020 at 10:50 am
Thanks again for the opportunity!
Victoria Scott
July 29, 2020 at 8:22 am
Looks so good! Love the cover!
Sarah L
July 28, 2020 at 11:46 pm
Looks like an interesting book.
Thanks for the contest.
Debbi Wellenstein
July 28, 2020 at 10:43 am
Based on the description, this looks like a really good book.
Daniel M
July 27, 2020 at 12:08 pm
sounds like a fun one
Sandy Klocinski
July 27, 2020 at 7:05 am
Books about scoundrels are awesome! The cover is very titillating. Thanks for the opportunity to win
Edye
July 27, 2020 at 6:25 am
sounds so good!
Piroska
July 26, 2020 at 9:45 pm
It sounds like an exciting book. Great cover!
wendy hutton
July 26, 2020 at 5:07 pm
thanks this sounds like a great book
Mya Murphy
July 26, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Wow.. This books sounds super good..and sexxxxy cover!! ?
Mary Kirkland
July 26, 2020 at 1:27 pm
That was a fun excerpt. Sounds like it would be a good book.
Sandy Klocinski
July 26, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Thanks for the opportunity to win! What could be better than s scandalous second-chance romance? I want to read more
Jeanna Massman
July 25, 2020 at 1:11 am
Thanks for the giveaway. I like the cover.
shelly peterson
July 24, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Sounds like a good read.
Sunnymay
July 24, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Second Chance romance can be sweet indeed. The journey there with this couple is a fiery mix of tow stubborn people trying to get over the past.
BookLady
July 24, 2020 at 7:37 pm
What an exciting book! Great excerpt. I’d love to read more.
Caryl Kane
July 24, 2020 at 6:31 pm
Swoony cover! Sounds like a must read.
Carol Luciano
July 24, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Ohh, I love Sky’s Highlanders. This is my next read . Scot amen scoundrels are awesome because underneath they are the best scoundrels with their loyalty, compassion & protection. Until someone hurts there own.
Lynn Brown
July 24, 2020 at 1:37 pm
It sounds good. Nice cover. Thanks for the chance. I like a good historical romance.
Sky Purington
July 24, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Thanks so much for featuring Scoundrel’s Vengeance! 🙂
Cheers,
Sky
Angela
July 24, 2020 at 7:51 pm
It’s my pleasure! Have a wonderful weekend.
Susan Smith
July 24, 2020 at 8:19 am
Sounds great! Hot cover.
Sky Purington
July 24, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Thanks, Susan! 🙂
sherry fundin
July 24, 2020 at 8:11 am
who doesn’t like a good book scoundrel?
sherry @ <a href=”http://www.fundinmental.com/”> fundinmental</a>
Sky Purington
July 24, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Right, Sherry! Couldn’t agree more. 🙂