Page 386 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“And after his death?”

“Edwin was away when Richard died. By the time he received word, Richard was long buried, and

I had gone.”

“Is that when you fled to Montrose Abbey?”

Victoria regarded him. “I retired to Richard’s country estates after his death.”

“You did not see Hockley at all?” Iain asked.

“He returned when he received word that Lord

Grayton wished my hand in marriage.”

Iain bolted upright. “What—who is Lord

Grayton?”

“No one.”

Iain’s mouth thinned. “How many others are there?”

“Others?”

“Aye, other men.”

Victoria stiffened. “I do not comprehend your meaning.”

Iain swung his legs over the edge of the bed and took a candle from the box of unlit tapers and held the tip to the flame of the guttering candle. “I am wondering how many more men will come calling for you.”

“How many more—” Fury shot to the surface. “Well, Lord Keeper” —Iain’s head jerked in her direction— “if you like, in the morning, I shall create a list for you. But I warn you, it will take the better part of the day.” Victoria snapped her fingers. “I must remember to add your name to the list.”

“Christ!” Iain slammed the new candle into the holder and threw himself onto her. “There will be no lists,” he growled with a fierceness that startled her.

“And no additions to any imaginary list.”