My Heart Stood Still by Lynn Kurland (best book club books of all time .TXT) 📕

flippant but sensing true relief behind them, he clenched his fists, forcing his temper to further recede.

“I could ne’er be so angry wi’ ye,” he assured her.

She huffed a single laugh. “I think we both know that’s not true. What happened?”

“The bluidy king of England happened.” He retrieved the parchment from the floor and held it out to her. “He’s making sure the Hielanders pay for their attempt tae dethrone him.”

She fumbled through the elaborate language in the first few lines of the proclamation. She remembered something about this, if only vaguely. He was right. It was a payback of sorts.

“…it should not be lawful for any person or persons, except such persons as are therein mentioned and described, within the shire of Dunbartain, on the north side of the water of Leven, Stirling on the north side of the river of Forth, Perth, Kincardin, Aberdeen, Inverness, Nairn, Cromarty, Argyle, Forfar, Bamff, Sutherland, Caithness, Elgine and Ross, to have in his or their custody, use, or bear, broad sword or target, poignard, whinger, or durk, side pistol, gun, or other warlike weapon, otherwise than in the said act…” She glanced up from the page. “They’re sure covering their bases.”

“The bluidy butcher, Cumberland, is behind this tae be sure. Ol’ George would ne’er think of it on his own,” he said. “He’s outlawed nae only the carrying of arms but speaking Gaelic as well as wearing the tartan and playing bagpipes. I shouldnae be surprised that it has come tae this, I suppose. The years of my life cannae exceed the number of those marked by this never-ending feud between Stuart and Hanover. Religious nonsense. As if it has any place in the operation of government.”

There it was again. The link between Culloden and religion. While she’d known the clash between religious faiths played a strong role in British history, she’d never heard so much emphasis placed on it. Could the history books have had it wrong all along?

Keir was still fuming. “Oh, for the days when the Tudors thrived and the Stuarts had only Scotland on their hands. When we were left in peace from it all. I’ll ne’er ken a day of it in my life, I’m sure. And now this? Read on, lass, he’s meaning tae strip the Highland lairds who stood in support of Prince Charlie of their lands and titles. As if a laird is but a title bestowed on a man. ‘Tis a responsibility that cannae be swept away wi’ the stroke of a bluidy pen.”

She could see the fury, the violence surging in him once more. “It’ll be okay, Keir.”

“’Tis nae okay, lass,” he shot back. “He wants tae do away wi’ the clan system as if our way of life means nothing.”

“But he can’t.” She hurried to his side, stroking his arm comfortingly. “It won’t work, I promise you. Before too long these laws will be lifted. The customs of the Highlanders will live on long after it.”

Subdued by her words, he stared down at her in disbelief. “Aye?”

“Yes,” she assured him. “By my time, the world will be in love with all things Highlander. Your kilts, your brogues. Your games. All the ladies will sigh over the sheer number of Highland warriors portrayed in books. I know, because I was one of them. It’s been the thrill of my life seeing it all in person.”

“Has it now?” His fingertips traced a line across her jaw, the heat of anger in his eyes receding in favor of a new warmth.

It had, she realized. No achievement in her life had ever brought her such joy. Just as nothing had ever made her realize how empty her personal life was despite her full academic career.

She was going to miss all of this when it was gone.

He would never know how much.

“Yes, it has.”

A slow smile lifted the corner of his lips. He caught a lock of her hair and twirled it absently around his finger. “Do ye care tae elaborate on what exactly ye’ve found so thrilling?” He bent, kissing her mouth lightly.

“I don’t know.” Warmth flooded her cheeks. “You elaborate far better than I can.”

“Ah, should I tell ye then of the thrills I’ve discovered?” he whispered close to her ear. His fingers brushed through her hair. “Just those of the past day… and night might bring more than a sweet blush tae yer cheeks, mo ghrá.”

He murmured a few details. Heat flooded her whole face and down her neck as well. Even the tops of her breasts flushed with color before he was finished.

“You have quite a way with words,” she admitted breathlessly, too aware of how close he was. How heat radiated off of him. How the room suddenly seemed like a sauna.

“Mmm, I’ve a few thoughts on the night ahead, too, if ye’d care tae hear them.”

Could she stand it, Al wondered? Already she was achy, weak in the knees, and feeling a strong urge to go back to bed.

With him.

Despite her worries upon waking, Keir seemed to have a fair amount of lust for her still unspent in him, too.

“Does it involve a bed?”

His roguish grin set her heart racing. “Nary a one.”

Slipping an arm around her waist, he drew her closer. Burying his face in the curve of her shoulder, he nipped lightly. Chafing the tender skin with the rough growth of his beard.

His hands skimmed up her ribs until he was almost cradling her breasts.

Almost.

Bending his knees, he rocked his hips into her, creating a delicious friction on her thighs until he was almost pressed against her aching core.

Almost.

“Och, lass, I could take ye right here.”

“What’s stopping you? No one’s watching,” she whispered in his ear, nipping at his earlobe.

“Is this the same lass who claimed tae be so shy?” he asked in a husky chuckle. “The same lass who denied being bold or audacious? Propositioning me now?”

She certainly didn’t feel like the same woman. That Al would never have dared to act this way. He