Taken by the Border Rebel

Taken by the Border Rebel
Blythe Gifford

TORMENTED BY HER INNOCENCE As leader of his clan, Black Rob Brunson has earned every dark syllable of his name. But, having taken hostage his enemy’s daughter in a fierce act of rebellion, he is tormented by feelings of guilt and torn apart with the growing need to protect her – and seduce her!Stella Storwick feels Rob’s disdain from the first. Then slowly she starts to see behind his eyes to a man in turmoil. Something he has no words for, something that can only be captured in a heart-wrenching kiss… The Brunson Clan The family who will kneel to no one…

‘Why don’t you marry a husband who’ll keep you from roaming the Borders alone?’

Flour still clung to her apron, and he couldn’t help but think she looked ridiculous instead of haughty.

‘I will,’ she said finally. ‘Soon. Someone worthy. Special.’

Special. She said the word as if to insult him. ‘Who is special enough for you?’ The words curdled on his tongue. Why even ask? He didn’t care. Not really.

‘No one you would know. No one the least bit like you.’ She turned away, as if she could choose to end the conversation.

Suddenly he wanted to know who would possess this infuriating woman. ‘He interests me if he will ride to rescue you.’

She looked back at him, eyes wide. He was not skilled with women, but this one was hiding something.

‘Then you will have to wonder at it, won’t you?’

And he did wonder. She was more than of an age to marry, and more than passable to look on. Why was she not yet wed?

And as he looked at her he was also wondering why he had ever thought taking Stella Storwick was a good idea.

About the Author

After many years in public relations, advertising and marketing, BLYTHE GIFFORD started writing seriously after a corporate layoff. Ten years and one layoff later, she became an overnight success when she sold her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist manuscript to Harlequin Mills & Boon. She has since written medieval romances featuring characters born on the wrong side of the royal blanket. Now she’s exploring the turbulent Scottish Borders. The Chicago Tribune has called her work ‘the perfect balance between history and romance’. She lives and works along Chicago’s lakefront, and juggles writing with a consulting career.

She loves to have visitors at www.blythegifford.com and www.pinterest.com/BlytheGifford, ‘thumbs-up’ at www.facebook.com/BlytheGifford, and ‘tweets’ at www.twitter.com/BlytheGifford

Previous novels by the same author:

THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN

THE HARLOT’S DAUGHTER

INNOCENCE UNVEILED

IN THE MASTER’S BED

HIS BORDER BRIDE

RETURN OF THE BORDER WARRIOR* (#ulink_f80a19d7-82aa-50ce-b097-89559fd04b58)

CAPTIVE OF THE BORDER LORD* (#ulink_f80a19d7-82aa-50ce-b097-89559fd04b58)

* (#ulink_72e6fa9d-012a-5916-9598-1a0ee61872ef)The Brunson Clan

Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks?Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

AUTHOR NOTE

Black Rob Brunson, oldest son and head of the family, brooded silently at me as I wrote the first two books about The Brunson Clan. I began his story with trepidation, not sure I knew what was behind his scowl.

At least I had spent two books with him. Of Stella, I knew no more than Rob did. She was an enemy. And a temptation.

But, ah, the joy of discovery! Is that not the best part of falling in love?

Taken by the Border Rebel

Blythe Gifford

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

To all those who face the tyranny of expectations.

Robin, in thanks for many kindnesses

and the occasional kick in the pants.

And in memory of Marley,

a bloodhound much loved by his family,

who helped me understand the character of sleuth-dog Belde.

Left on the field by the rest of his clan

Abandoned for dead was the first Brunson man

Left for dead and found alive

A brown-eyed Viking from the sea

He lived to found a dynasty.

Silent as moonrise, sure as the stars,

Strong as the wind that sweeps Carter’s Bar

Sure-footed and stubborn, ne’re danton nor dun’

That’s what they say of the band Brunson

Every Brunson leader since the first knew his beginnings.

Knew that the blood that coursed through his veins was shared with the First Brunson, a man so strong he refused to die.

That was the strength this clan demanded.