THE LAIRD’S DARK OBSESSION - Prologue - Kira’s walk to the stables

Jul 31, 2026

A historical romance prologue introduces Kira’s arrival at the Barclay Keep, where bright seasons and cheerful servants contrast sharply with her former life under gray rules and fearful scorn. Rory Barclay, youthful in spirit despite his age, greets her with playful charm, affection, and intimate gestures. Their conversation turns to Kira’s hesitant acceptance of becoming Lady Barclay, while unresolved fears about Kira’s father and the Clan Galbraith accident shape the promise of safety and desire.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages210

Reading Time5 h 23 min

AccessFree to download

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Afterword

THE LAIRD’S DARK OBSESSION ANN MARIE SCOTT [Oceanof PDF](Oceanof PDF.com)[.](Oceanof PDF.com)[co](Oceanof PDF.com)[m](Oceanof PDF.com) CONTENTS Get a Free Book Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Epilogue Afterword Your Next Read Claimed by the Obsessed Laird: Prologue Claimed by the Obsessed Laird: Chapter 1 Also by Ann Marie Scott A Free Gift for You [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) GET A FREE BOOK As a thank-you for reading, I want to send you a free book—a full-length novel, Submitting to the Wild Highlander, yours to keep. Tap here to get your free book. [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) PROLOGUE Has life always been so beautiful? K ira wondered to herself as she made the leisurely walk to the stables. Life at the Barclay Keep seemed so different from the world of gray, strict rules, and fearful sneers that she was accustomed to. Even the staff of Rory Barclay smiled and laughed all day as they joyfully went about their tasks. And while she had only been there for less than a fortnight, it felt like the land itself was blessed by God. It had been sunny every day since her arrival, and spring was in full bloom, scents of new blossoms filling the air, and the wind made music of rustling the new, green leaves on every tree. The grass truly was greener on the other side. Rory was waiting for her just outside the stables, a boyish grin on his face as he spotted her. Rory was ten years her senior, but she would never know other than the couple of fine lines around his dark blue eyes and a couple of gray hairs appearing in his thick raven mane. He was a good Laird, loved by his people and cherished by his family, but he was young at heart. More often than not, one could find him wandering about, getting into some high jinx, telling a terrible joke, or simply daydreaming on a hillside. Life will be good for me here. He is a gentle and kind man. What else could I ever ask for? “My dear wife,” Rory greeted as she neared. “Goodness, ye get more beautiful by the day.” Without giving her a moment to respond, Rory took her hand and held it above her head, twirling her before pulling her into his side. Kira giggled lightly and tucked a white-blonde hair behind her ear. “I’ve nae been here long, M’Laird. And I am nae yer wife yet,” she pointed out. “And yet yer beauty grows exponentially. Truly, a marvel to have such growth in such a short amount of time. I may have to keep a closer eye on ye, in fear that greater minds will snatch ye for scientific study.” Kira smiled and it was genuine. Rory would have never been her first choice in husband, only one held that place in her heart, but he truly was charming. And by the day, she found herself starting to accept with less hesitance that she was going to have a good life there as Lady Barclay. “Be careful with yer words, My Laird. I might get accustomed to such sweet words,” she retorted, the smile still on her lips. His dark blues shimmered in her direction.“Then I shall double my efforts to make ye adjust to them with even more haste.” Rory took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips and placed a delicate kiss on the back of her palm and as he did so, Kira searched herself internally. Did he fill her with fire? Was there even a spark? Perhaps that was for the best, as the flames of desire had only scorched her in the past. Instead of looking for those flames, she should look for Rory’s affection to be cooling waters that felt as familiar as the brooks of her homeland and as welcoming as the rain in summer. As he pulled back, he added,“I am so grateful that yer faither accepted my proposal for yer hand. I cannae help but wonder why he accepted mine, of all offers.” Kira’s smile falt

FAQs

Kira’s life at the Barclay Keep feels how different from her past?

Kira notes that the keep’s world is brighter and warmer than her previous experience, with cheerful staff and an atmosphere that feels blessed rather than fearful.

Who is Rory Barclay and how does he relate to Kira?

Rory is the young-at-heart laird of Barclay Keep, who greets Kira with playful affection and speaks to her as his future wife, guiding their conversation with charm.

Why does Kira’s father agree to Rory’s proposal?

Kira explains that after the Clan Galbraith accident her father has become paranoid, and he believes placing Kira with a trusted ally is safer than leaving her amid perceived chaos.

Jul 31, 2026

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