Page 119 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"When?"

"While you were asleep the other night."

She lowered her chin. The memory of how happy she'd been when he gave her the ring pricked her eyes with tears. "Why do you care? Do you want it back?"

"Nay." He nudged her chin up and observed her with a pained expression. "I figured you'd sold it to a pawnbroker ages ago."

She shook her head, well aware she should insist he take it back, but she couldn't. 'Twas the last thing of his she could hold on to. "I took it off so no one would see it when I wore this gown."

"Why wear it?" His tone darkened. "You were the one who demolished everything between us."

His words lashing at her, she drew back, and his hands dropped away, leaving her chilled.

"You well ken why, damn it," she grated out. "Must you keep forcing me to say it when you do not feel the same?"

The way he looked at her... his obsidian eyes glinting with soul-deep torment. Agony.

"I am sorry for what I did," she whispered, her eyes stinging. "Deeply sorry." She bit her lip so hard she feared she would draw blood.

He pressed his eyes closed and hung his head. "Why did you not simply tell me about her threats?" he rasped.

"She said she would kill you if I told you."

He blew out a breath, then stared at the ceiling. "I would've preferred death to what you did."

She shook her head, her throat so tight she couldn't speak for a moment.

"Besides, she hasn't killed me yet," he muttered.

Elsea swallowed hard and inhaled. "Because I stayed away from you."

He shrugged. "'Twas only a nightmare. When you woke up, you should've known."

Elsea's chest burned. "You've never had a nightmare like this," she said forcefully between clenched teeth. "She took me to that battlefield where her son was killed. She stopped time, forced me to keep my eyes open, and she... cut your throat. Your blood—" Elsea's throat closed off as she traveled back there in her mind, and she near crumpled to the floor. "Your blood gushed everywhere. She forced me to witness it over and over. She stabbed you. 'Twas more real than life."

Brodie's dark gaze searched hers, and he appeared to be listening. Was his expression doubting or compassionate? Tears blurred her vision so much she couldn't tell.

She swallowed hard, wiping the moisture away with shaking fingers. "She changed into a bat and flew out the window. She could've reached you far faster than I could. It would've taken me days to come here or go to Caithmore. I had no idea where you were."

"I'll kill her for torturing you like that," he growled.

Elsea held her breath, afraid to hope. Did he believe her? At last?

"And for forcing you to torture me," he continued. "For you could nay have hurt me worse if you'd run me through with a sword."

She didn't know what else to say. She didn't know how to make it right. "I broke my own heart, too. Hurt me if you think 'twould make you feel better. Have your revenge."

"Nay, lass," he said softly. "I would never wish to inflict that kind of pain on you. 'Twould kill me to do so."

She straightened her shoulders. "Well, I would do anything to protect you. I value your life over my own."

"Nay, do not say that," he gritted.

"'Tis true," she said firmly. "Can you forgive me, at least, so you can have peace? You don't have to like me. You can simply feel indifferent. I'll go home, and you never have to see me again."

"Humph," he grunted, still glaring at her.

Did he want to see her again? Nay, of course not. He needed to let go of the past and the rage so he could heal. She wished his curse would vanish, too, but that would be expecting too much.