Page 58 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“What if he’s so lost to his anger, he does the unexpected?”

He let out a breath and took her hand. “Ev, when we were in the stable and you were on your knees before me, begging me to take you— Ow, woman.”

“That tale grows more ridiculous every time you tell it.”

“Aye.” He winced as he rubbed his arm where she’d smacked him. “That’s how men tell stories. No one wants to hear the telling the same way over and over, you must… liven it up a bit each time.”

“Liven it up? I believe you mean exaggerate beyond recollection.”

“Yes. Just that.” He laughed.

“Why don’t you ever say what really happened?” she whispered against his lips. “That as soon as I suggested we marry you grabbed me up and dragged me off to the first clergyman you could find.”

He laughed and kissed her, a soft lingering kiss that had her leaning closer so it wouldn’t end. But he pulled away and looked into her eyes, his earlier joking gone.

“I was not a complete fool when we agreed to marry, Ev. Yes, my heart was ahead of my mind on the matter, but I did have time to think as we raced toward the clergyman.” His lips pulled up a bit, but his face went back to seriousness. “I knew your father would be displeased that I took ye. And if he didn’t come after me to tie a rope around my neck, he’d certainly curse me the rest of his days.” He shook his head. “But I wanted only you as my wife. I decided I was willing to endure the curses, and as long as I had you at my side it didn’t matter much where we lived. If it were to become unsafe here, we’ll ride to Baehaven and if he follows us there, we’ll get on a ship to England. I’ll find work and we’ll make a home there.”

She gasped. “But this is your home.” It was Gwennie’s and her home now as well.

“My home is with you. Besides,” he sat up and smiled again, “if your father was able to make out my scribbling enough to read my letter, he’ll see how unwilling I am to part with you and be scared off any plans to attack.”

She smiled and allowed him to soothe her. While the idea of running didn’t set well, it was at least a plan that wouldn’t endanger the rest of the clan.

And perhaps he was right. Maybe his words had been enough to make her father give up.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Liam followed Lach and Cam to the study as he planned out what he would say. He now regretted not having told them of the earlier attempt to get Evelyn to return to the Stewarts. The man Liam had buried in the woods.

“My wife is concerned her father may not stand down. We should discuss what will happen if he decides to attack,” Liam said as soon as the door closed behind him.

“We sent six of his men to the devil already. I would say he knows we’re not likely to give her up without a battle,” Lach said as he took his seat. Cam flopped down in the other seat as Liam stood at attention.

“Seven, my lord,” he corrected.

“For Christ’s sake, sit the hell down and stop calling me my lord.”

Liam did as he was ordered. “Seven,” he repeated and shifted slightly.

“Seven?” Cam said. “I thought there were only six who attempted to take Gwennie.”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“So, six soldiers dead.” Cam tilted his head in confusion.

“Yes. Six attempted to take Gwennie. And another one a few weeks ago who came on his own and tried to take Evelyn.”

“One a few weeks ago?” Lach repeated. “And what happened to him?”

“Buried. I sent his horse back with a letter.”

“A letter to the Stewart laird from you?” Lach’s voice had become louder.

“Aye.” Liam considered making an excuse. In the end he knew it wouldn’t matter. It was best to get on with it. “When he touched my wife, I reacted. There was no help for the man then. He was dead. I dealt with him. I should have reported it to you straightaway.”

“Ye know well what you should have done, which makes it even worse you didn’t do it.”

Liam didn’t respond. There was nothing to say. He deserved the laird’s disapproval.