Page 218 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“I do know ye are no’ the kind of man to allow anyone to harm a woman,” she said.

Odd that he should be so gentle with her, and such a ruthless killer at the same time. She had known other warriors. Few men survived who had not killed in their lifetime. But St. Claire killed as easily as most men breathed. Yet she saw no cruelty in him. Not even brutality. He killed...efficiently—and without emotion. Was that how he made love? She startled at the thought and snapped her head up to meet his gaze. He stared down at her expectantly.

“I can do nothing more than ask your forgiveness,” she said.

His expression softened. “You need not ask forgiveness. You are allowed doubts.”

Hers had been more than a doubt, but she was grateful for his kindness. “I have no’ seen Ralf and Ingram today. Have they left?”

He nodded. “I sent them back to Stonehaven to continue the search for my brother.”

They were halfway across the bailey when a woman and three men rode through the gates.

“Elizabeth,” Rhoslyn murmured.

“Do you not wish to see her?” St. Claire asked.

Rhoslyn released a breath. “She is a childhood friend.”

He chuckled. “She is a rival, then?”

“Nay. She is a friend.” Rhoslyn said no more and felt his eyes on her, the question still hanging in the air. “I had better greet her,” she said.

“We might as well greet her together.”

She started to disagree, then realized a husband and wife greeting guests was natural. Her stomach began to churn. Husband and wife. Their marriage still seemed like a dream. St. Claire, however, was no dream. He was a flesh and blood man walking alongside her.

They reached Elizabeth as one of her escorts helped her to the ground.

“Rhoslyn.” Elizabeth embraced her and gave her a squeeze. She pulled back, brows drawn. “I heard what happened. Are ye all right? Andreana, she is unharmed? And Lady Isobel, she was with you, as well. What of her?”

“We are all well,” Rhoslyn replied.

Elizabeth turned toward St. Claire. “Sir Talbot, you look well. I assume you were not hurt, either?”

“Nothing serious, my lady.”

“I am relieved. May my escorts rest in the great hall while Rhoslyn and I visit?”

“Of course.” St. Claire nodded to a waiting groom. The men handed the reins to the boy, then followed St. Claire as he escorted Rhoslyn and Elizabeth to the great hall.

“Have you any idea who attacked you, Sir Talbot?” Elizabeth asked.

“I suspect my brother,” he replied.

“I assume you are searching for him?” she said. St. Claire nodded, and she added, “Perhaps you should speak with my father. He knows the countryside well, and I know he would be glad to aid in your search. Your brother must be nearby if he planned the attack.”

“I would be glad of your father’s help, my lady.”

They reached the postern door and St. Claire opened the door, letting the ladies enter first. He followed the women, with Elizabeth’s men trailing.

“We will go to the bower,” Rhoslyn said.

“I will have Mistress Muira bring food and drink,” St. Claire said, and Rhoslyn breathed a silent sigh of relief when he headed for the kitchen.

She led Elizabeth up one flight of stairs to the bower. She closed the door and went to add wood to the hearth’s smoldering embers.

When she sat down beside Elizabeth on the bench in front of the fire, Elizabeth said, “How are you really, Rhoslyn? Your eyes look drawn.”