"I have no notion as of yet, unless…." Gavin narrowed his eyes as if coming to a bizarre realization.
"Unless what?"
"She's figured out we're planning to wed and rid this clan of her evil influence."
"Did someone from here tell her, or is she a mind reader?"
"Some say she has the sight. You've heard of second sight."
Dani nodded, experiencing a paranormal mind warp. Because, to her way of thinking, ESP was more plausible than time travel.
"Or she could've used her scrying stone. Since she's so concerned, that must mean when we marry, I will be free of her spell." In the dim candlelight, Gavin's blue eyes lit with eagerness and hope. The expression on his gorgeous face captured her heart and delighted her soul. It would be so easy to fall for him right now.
Determined to maintain her rationality and not be hypnotized by him, she turned her attention to Crocker as he stirred various ingredients in a bowl.
"What is that?" she asked him.
"'Tis flour and crushed linseed. I'll mix it with the herbs for the poultice."
"Okay." Hoping he knew what he was doing, she dropped into a chair near the fire to watch. Exhaustion and overwhelm affected her too much to consider the sudden surge of feelings for Gavin she'd experienced moments ago. Maybe she had Stockholm syndrome. Her brain refused to function like normal. Jetlag on steroids.
Although tension and anxiety crowded in on her, she yawned, and her eyes drifted closed. She hadn't slept for more than an hour or two in the dungeon. After forcing her eyes open, she found Gavin watching her.
"You need sleep. Come, lass." He held his hand down to her. Such a welcoming and comforting gesture.
But she couldn't fall under the spell of her captor. Did he hold her hostage, or could she leave at any time? Not that she would physically walk away from this castle and through the Highlands only to be struck down by one of Wilona's minions.
The only way she could leave here was via time travel.
She glanced up into Gavin's captivating dark blue eyes. "I'll be fine."
With firm insistence, he motioned with his head toward the doorway. "Nay arguing. 'Tis for your own good."
"All right." She placed her hand in his, enjoying his warmth and the tingles unfurling over her skin. Exhaustion weighed her down, and she would relish a long night of sleep.
With a jolt of guilt, she glanced at the priest. "Will he be all right?"
"I believe so. Will you pray for him?"
"Yes. I hope you will too."
"I would like to, but I'm nay certain the Almighty wishes to hear from me."
"You're not evil, Gavin."
"I never intended to be." He led her from the room and up the stone staircase. "Earlier, I had Crocker prepare a bedchamber for you close to mine. I'll show you where 'tis."
"Thank you." Relieved he wouldn't force her to sleep in his bed before she was ready, she smiled. She treasured and respected him for allowing her to choose if and when she joined him there. Though he tempted her, she needed to remain logical.
When they emerged on the second floor, he pointed straight ahead. "There's a garderobe at the end of the corridor. You ken what 'tis for."
Like the one in the dungeon, she figured. "A makeshift bathroom."
"Nay, you cannot bathe in there. 'Tis a privy… for relieving yourself."
She rolled her eyes. "I get it, your lairdship."
"Call me Gavin," he muttered, then opened a door. "The sheets have been changed."
