Ensnared Desire Read online

  Ensnared Desire

  (A Dark Highlanders Novel)

  Book One

  By

  Felicity Brandon

  Copyright © 2021 by Felicity Brandon

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: [email protected]

  This book is entirely a work of fiction.

  The author does not condone, nor endorse any of the acts in this book.

  First edition January 2022

  Cover design by Raven Designs.

  Editing by Personal Touch Editing.

  Download your FREE Felicity book here.

  https://felicitybrandonauthor.com/

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Page

  Ensnared Desire (Dark Highlanders, #1)

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Forbidden Desire | (A Dark Highlanders Novel)

  Chapter One

  Sign up for Felicity Brandon's Mailing List

  Further Reading: Her Dark Protector

  Also By Felicity Brandon

  Sign up for my newsletter and receive FREE sexy reads here!

  https://felicitybrandonwrites.com/newsletter/

  “Sweet the snaring is; but this is sweeter still, to be ensnared.”

  Heinrich Heine.

  Prologue

  Rasmie

  Standing astride the rocks, I gazed out at the ferocious waves. Wild and untamed, the sea had been my mistress since I was a boy, but these days, I needed something more than her growled caress. I used to have it all, a soft, pliant woman who yielded to my command, but I lost her. The pain of that grief clawed at my insides, forcing my gaze back to land.

  My island stretched on for miles, unforgiving rocks yielding to rich forests and habitation. Its strength and rugged beauty fueled me when my wife disappeared. Unspoiled and untouched, the island’s splendor was raw, but it moved me, and I knew categorically, like my father before me, I would give my life to protect her.

  Maybe one day, I would find another woman I could say the same about, one worthy of my devotion. Only the gods knew for sure.

  “Maighstir.”

  I turned at my brother’s voice, irritated to have been disturbed, yet relieved to find Jeemie climbing toward me.

  “De th ‘ann?”

  Blowing out a breath, I fought for composure. Being in charge meant showing leadership, even when my heart was breaking. It meant being strong, even when I was drowning in sadness.

  “I’m sorry.” I used the modern tongue, conscious if my people were to thrive, the old and the new must marry. “What is it?”

  “Maighstir.” Jeemie paused as if readying himself. Though in truth, I knew already what he had to report, what they always reported.

  “We have scoured the shoreline, and there’s no trace of her.” Jeemie’s brow furrowed. “Not even a trace of a shipwreck...” His words trailed away, lost to the breeze whipping past the headland. “I’m sorry.”

  “It is not your fault.”

  I glanced away, ignoring the tears burning my eyes. Vaila had been gone a while. Several full moons had passed, yet still, I insisted on this ritual, making my men walk the periphery of the island week after week in search of a sign—any sign—my pregnant wife was still alive.

  “Leig dhuinn till!” I shouted the order to those men assembled. “Let us return home.”

  “Are you sure, brother?” Jeemie countered, his brow creasing. “I could double back on the southern shore. We might have missed something.”

  “We haven’t missed anything.”

  As the words escaped my mouth, the thought cemented. We had searched and searched. Whatever had happened to Vaila, we had not missed it. She was gone, and however much it hurt, she was not coming back.

  “It’s time to move on.”

  “Maighstir.” Jeemie shook his head, his dark blond hair catching in the wind as he fell to one knee. “I cannot imagine the pain of losing not only your beloved lady but your unborn son. I...” He hesitated, pulling in a breath. “I would do anything to relieve you of such a burden.”

  “I know you would.”

  Reaching for Jeemie, I patted his arm. Jeemie was younger than me in years, but he carried a wise head on his shoulders, and I appreciated his show of support. He was wiser than our sibling, Alban.

  “Each burden makes us braver. Each wound rebuilds us stronger. She would not have wanted me to mourn her for all eternity.”

  Once more, I glanced out at the merciless sea, knowing in my heart that was where she had gone. There was nowhere else. If she’d fallen foul of man or beast, we would have found her. Would have been able to lay her to rest with our ancestors. The sea had taken Vaila, her relentless waves snatching away my wife as many a jealous mistress had dreamed of doing before her.

  “I shall lead the men back, Maighstir.” Jeemie rose, waiting for my approval. “If you need some more time to reflect.”

  “No.” My tone was resolute. “My grieving is done, and I shall lead the men.”

  “As you wish, Maighstir.”

  Striding past him, I made my way down the rocks to meet the throng.

  “Maighstir.”

  They lowered their heads in deference as I paced past, each aware of their place on the island. I was the leader, and they were my men. I owed them a debt. I had been painfully absent of late, but that was going to change.

  The past was the past, and there was nothing for it. I could no more change its realities than I could tame my wild lover beyond the shore. The only thing I could influence was the future. Making my way into the trees, my jaw tightened. Whatever I did from now on was for the good of my people.

  Chapter One

  Desiree

  “You’ll love it!” Charlie beamed from the other side of the table.

  “Will I?” I shook my head. “A week stuck on some godforsaken rock in the middle of nowhere doesn’t sound like my idea of fun.”

  “You’re so overdramatic.” He rolled his eyes, sending blond hair tumbling into his face.

  Not for the first time, I wondered at how handsome he was, how into me he was, and tried to decide why I wasn’t interested. Charlie was young, fit, and gorgeous—I should be crazy about him—but somehow, he didn’t do it for me. It was as demoralizing as it was ridiculous.

  “We’ll have a blast. All that fresh air and those craggy shorelines. Think of the exploring we can do, the things we’ll see, and it’s totally unique, Des. Hardly anyone goes there.”

  He was so animated, but the idea of an uninhabited isolated island stirred little within me except
hunger and concerns about how I’d style my hair.

  “Can’t we just head to the beach like everyone else?” I shrugged. Charlie was always so worried about being an individual, but I was happy to play along with the crowd.

  “Oh, come on!” He grinned, shaking his head as he lifted his milkshake to his lips. “The beach? Seriously? We can do better than that, and anyway, the summer will be over. The beach will be deserted.”

  My lips twitched at the irony of his point. Surely the island he suggested would also be empty, but I didn’t argue. Charlie and I had been friends for years, but in the last few, it had become clear his feelings ran deeper than mine. Still, he was a gentleman. He’d never tried anything amorous, and if I was honest, I really liked him. He knew me better than anyone else.

  “Maybe.” I blew out a breath as I conceded, watching as he fist-pumped the air.

  “Yes!” Putting down his glass, he smiled. “I knew I could persuade you.”

  “I didn’t say I was sold on the idea,” I protested, but even I knew that was rubbish. Charlie would already be planning our route and packing our gear, for God’s sake. There would be no stopping him now.

  “Sure, sure.” He laughed, his sky-blue eyes shining.

  “I mean it,” I insisted. “Some of us have to work as well as play, Charlie. I don’t have the whole year to mess around, and I want some downtime.”

  “This will be your downtime,” he promised. “This is the chance we both need to unwind amid true unspoiled beauty.” Reaching across the table, he patted my hand. “I swear, Des, you won’t regret it.”

  Three months later.

  “ARE YOU SURE THIS IS the right place?”

  I glanced around, ignoring the spike of anxiety twisting in my belly. Approaching the tiny quayside and staring out at the rough sea, I was already way out of my comfort zone, and we hadn’t even got to the island he was so excited about yet.

  “Yes.” Charlie sounded exasperated as he signaled toward the flimsy-looking boat supposed to carry us to the next rock. “There’s our ferry.”

  “Great,” I mumbled, though the reply was lost to the sea breeze.

  “Stop worrying,” he added, turning to offer me his hand as I stepped onto the dilapidated decking. “Everything is going to plan.”

  “Hmmm,” I groaned. The problem was, I hadn’t exactly been on board with the so-called plan. My and Charlie’s ideas of a relaxing break were not the same thing. While I visualized a week in the sunshine with a good book, he was determined to find barely chartered islands and conquer them.

  “We’ve already taken two ferries.” If you could call them that. The ramshackle sea vessels we’d boarded were far from reassuring, and the next one looked even worse. “Aren’t we there yet?”

  “Look, we’ve been through this.”

  I could tell he was losing his patience, but then, so was I. A day of traveling, plus flight time, meant I was exhausted, and all I had to look forward to were my shiny new tent and sleeping bag.

  “Please, stop complaining.”

  “Okay.” I snatched my hand away, folding my arms across my chest. “I’m sorry.”

  He turned with a sigh, heading toward the ancient-looking man unraveling rope by the boat.

  “Hi there.” Charlie grinned, turning on his usual charm. “Can we take a ride with you?”

  The white-haired guy glanced up as Charlie neared, his gaze narrowing. “Halo, balach beag.”

  “Er...” Charlie glanced back at me with an inane smile. “I’m sorry, I thought you’d speak English. We wanted a ride. On. Your. Boat.”

  I shook my head as he used the most ignorant trick in the book. Arms aloft and speaking more slowly, Charlie was practically yelling at the old guy.

  “Aye, I speak English,” the stranger replied, though something about his sneer was unsettling. “No need to shout at me, boy.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Charlie laughed, oblivious to any offense he’d caused. As per usual. “So, can you take us?”

  The sailor’s gaze slid from Charlie to me, his lips curling in the most insidious way. Suddenly, I wanted off the quayside, off this rock, and back in my nice, comfortable bed.

  “Aye.” He smiled, revealing a row of crooked teeth. “Come aboard.”

  Charlie turned back to me, his gaze sparkling. See, his eyes conveyed. I told you. I told you there was nothing to worry about. I told you everything would be fine.

  Letting out a breath, I couldn’t say I agreed. Something about this place was unsettling, and though I couldn’t put my finger on it, I trusted my instincts. Inching forward, I waited as Charlie boarded the dubious vessel, the wind almost whipping me into the waves.

  “Be careful, lass.” The old sailor chuckled as I righted myself. “Else you’ll become the sea’s bride.” He leered at me.

  Charlie thrust out a hand, and grasping it, I climbed up beside him.

  “Thanks,” I murmured, glancing around for somewhere to sit, but the boat was tiny and even moored, it was being tossed around the waves like a bath toy. I didn’t like our chances of making it to Charlie’s damn island. “How long is the journey?” I directed the question at the sailor, but whether it was the strength of the wind or just discourtesy, he ignored me.

  “How far to the next island?” Charlie tried in a more assertive tone.

  The old guy glanced at Charlie in the same unhurried way he’d welcomed him. “Tis as long as it takes.”

  “Perfect,” I mouthed when Charlie glanced back at me.

  Brow raising, he looked as if he was about to burst out laughing, but I didn’t share his amusement. So far, this trip had been nothing but tiring, and I failed to see the funny side.

  “Cheer up,” he encouraged, huddling beside me as the old guy busied himself with the anchor. “We’ll be there soon.”

  “Then what?” I asked, peering up at him.

  “Then we’ll have an adventure.” Smiling, he reached for the side of my face and tugged my woolly hat down over my ears. “Just you and me.”

  Chapter Two

  Desiree

  IT WAS WORSE THAN I thought. Even after we’d disembarked the ferry crossing from hell, including cleaning up the vomit I’d deposited on deck and hit terra firma, the clouds had gathered, emptying a well of heavy bleak rain on our heads as we headed for the only available cover—a wooded area a mile or so from the craggy shore. I glanced back as the canopy of trees provided shelter, glimpsing the alleged ferry disappearing on the horizon.

  “For God’s sake.” My teeth chattered as I huddled in my raincoat beside a huge tree trunk. The rickety boat had afforded me the opportunity to change into it before we left. “This is miserable.”

  “An island this far north is bound to get frequent showers.” Charlie shrugged as though the geography lesson would improve my mood. “Let’s hope it passes over.”

  “What do we do in the meantime?” I asked, scanning the ground for anywhere that looked even vaguely suitable to pitch our tents. The ground was damp and dirty, punctured by the roots of the ancient trees now offering respite from the rain. I didn’t want to ask how we’d ever get back to the prior island again. The thought of having to return on the old sailor’s boat was even worse than contemplating camping here.

  “Why don’t we head deeper into the forest?” he suggested. “It’ll be by far the driest place, and maybe we’ll find a cute little clearing. We can start a small fire and toast some marshmallows.”

  I wanted to roll my eyes at his enthusiasm, but as ever, Charlie’s eagerness was infectious—it was the reason I was here. “Okay.”

  I didn’t have any better ideas, and avoiding the roots littering the forest floor, I followed after him. It didn’t take long for the backpack crammed with my gear to seem like a bad idea. The thing weighed a ton, and there was no one to lug it around but me. Sighing, I trudged on, unsure how long we’d been walking but already weary. My new boots had seemed like a good idea before we left, but now I wished I’d chosen my fa
ithful old pair. They were worn, but at least they didn’t give me blisters...

  “Come on!” Peering over his shoulder, Charlie encouraged me.

  “I’m sure the ground is getting steeper,” I complained, struggling to keep up with him.

  “It is,” he agreed when I finally neared him. “There’s some kind of hill in the middle of the island.” Pausing, he reached into his pack and took a sip of his water bottle. Thrusting it forward, he offered it to me. “Want some?”

  “No, thanks.” Water was the last thing I wanted right now. I’d have taken an aged whiskey, though. Then I might finally have warmed up. “What do you mean, a hill?” I hadn’t been able to make out much of the island as we approached. The impending inclement weather surrounded it in a swirl of mist, making decent analysis impossible, but I didn’t like the sound of such mountainous terrain.

  “I mean a hill.” He laughed as if anything about this was hilarious. “Islands often have elevations like this.”

  I blew out a breath. “Are you trying to tell me there’s a bloody mountain here, and we’re climbing it?”

  “No, Des!” He snorted at my indignation. “Not a mountain, only a hill, and there’s bound to be somewhere up the top. We can settle for the night, plus the views will be spectacular once the weather clears.”

  “Right,” I grumbled, moving past him. “That’s just what I was thinking. Spectacular views...”

  “Oh, stop complaining,” he chided, lifting his hand toward the canopy of trees. “Listen, the rain is slowing. The sun will be out again in no time. What more do you want?” Turning on his heel, he marched off again, not waiting for my reply.

  “A nice warm bed,” I suggested to the back of his head. “Or how about at least some dry ground to camp on?”

  A sound in the trees diverted my focus. Peering into the foliage, I thought I saw a figure disappear. Brows knitting, I inched in that direction, but frustratingly, I found nothing. Probably only an animal. Though the idea there were animals large enough to garner my attention did little to assuage my anxiety.