Highland Arrangement - Highland Menage Romance

By Kyra Johnston

Caitrin Graeme always expected she would be married, but she thought she would have some choice in her suitor. When her father reveals that he plans to marry her off to Kendrick Ross, a man she's never met, her closest friend Duncan Blair is less than pleased with the arrangement. At Laird Graeme's request, he accompanies Caitrin to Balnagown Castle. On the trail they meet a small band of Ross men, their leader a man called Hugh, to escort them the rest of the way to the castle. At first glance Hugh seems nothing more than a simple soldier, but when they arrive at the castle he reveals himself as Caitrin's intended, Kendrick himself. 

When it comes time for the bedding, Caitrin discovers that Kendrick has unique tastes in the bedroom, ones that extend not just to Caitrin, but to Duncan as well. 

To the horror of her people, Lachlan accepts. 

A Standalone Short Story with No Cliffhanger! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Special Highland Romance Club
• Release date: Nov 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386936411

Book preview

Highland Arrangement

Chapter 1

Scotland, 1376

A n arranged marriage ? Tha's preposterous.

T’ ye, perhaps. You get t' choose yer bride. I have no such say.

Duncan Blair sighed and shoved a hand through his chestnut hair, then planted both of them on his hips. Half a second later one hand found the hilt of his broadsword. It rattled gently in its scabbard as he loosened it.

Have they told ye who to? he asked, sparing Caitrin Graeme a frustrated glance.

Nay, Caitrin replied, now stop yer fidgetin', 'tis making me anxious.

Ye should be anxious, Duncan said. He began to pace back and forth across the room as he'd been a minute past when Caitrin had first delivered the news, doing his best to wear a hole in the thick carpet that covered the stretch of stone from Caitrin's bed to the hearth. Caitrin herself sat on the window seat, watching her friend's agitation growing.

Ye knew this day would come, Dun, she said, absently fixing her skirts. 'Tis a woman's lot in this life, and I'm near past marrying age.

I'd rather ye be a spinster than married off t' some man ye dinnae ken.

My family would never allow it, Caitrin replied. They would sooner commit me t’ a convent than let me choose my husband. My sister's five years my junior and already she's two bairns with a third on th' way.

Why do they need ye then? Duncan asked with an angry gesture to drive his question home. Caitrin sighed and stood and put a gentle hand on his strong arm, putting his pacing to an end, and pressing the other to his broad chest.

We're friends, aye? she asked.

Duncan frowned at her, confusion in his blue eyes. Aye.

Then I need ye t' support me in this, Caitrin said, no’ throwing a fit like a wee bairn.

Duncan's frown deepened, an almost sulky look fixed on his face. I dinnae like it.

It doesnae matter whether ye like it or not, Caitrin said. 'Tis the way it has t' be. I have no brothers, ye know this. I need ye to fill the roles they would have taken up.

Meaning? Duncan asked.

Meaning I need ye t' do as I ask, and right now I need ye t' stop yer pacing before I lose my mind.

Duncan huffed and shrugged off her touch, but to his credit he stopped his fidgeting, crossing to the bench and leaning forward to look out the narrow slit that acted as the only window into Caitrin's chamber. His broad shoulders were bunched in anger, and everything about his posture screamed frustration, but Caitrin had faith that he could come through for her. He always had. If only she could marry him instead.

When will ye know? he asked quietly.

I dinnae know, Caitrin replied. All communications between her father and whatever family she was marrying into had been kept from her. For months Laird Graeme had been arranging everything behind Caitrin's back, and only now that the deal had been sealed had she been told. She should