Page 45 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

Her shoulders slumped. “I meant that I shouldn’t have involved you in my troubles. You don’t deserve this, Liam. It was a mistake to run away with you and bring my father’s wrath to your gate.”

He let that settle around him for a moment before he cleared his throat and went on.

“Your father will give up when he realizes he will only lose more men by trying to take you or Gwennie against your will. But until we’re certain, I ask you to stay within the walls of the castle for your protection. Your father has already ordered them to kidnap Gwennie, and his man was going to take ye last night. Let’s not allow another opportunity.”

“Aye. I don’t venture far from the castle anyway. In truth, I’m afraid of wandering about alone. As you know, it didn’t do well for me the last time.”

“I like to think you’re safe here on our clan lands, but I know what happened to you here. And I’ll not make promises I have no ability to keep.”

“I understand.”

“Do you?” he asked. “The other women don’t listen well when it comes to their protection. They don’t like to be ordered about by their husbands, and I can tell you from experience, when they get of the mind to disobey, it’s near impossible to guard them. Slippery as eels the lot of them.”

She smiled and rested her hand on his shoulder. “I promise to be less of a challenge.”

“I canna think of losing ye,” he said with more sincerity than he’d wanted to reveal.

“I will be a good wife and stay in the keep as you’ve asked.”

“Thank you.” He wanted to suggest they seal their promises with a kiss, but he bit the words down.

He’d be patient and wait for her. It felt as if he’d been waiting for her all his life.

…

It had been days since that horrid night when the Stewart came bearing her father’s message, and Liam had not done more than kiss her before they went to sleep each night. Evelyn might have worried he was no longer interested in her in that way if she hadn’t felt the evidence of his interest pressed against her each morning when she woke in his arms.

After spending much of that morning in the kitchen listening to Kenna and the other women speak of their relations with their husbands, Evelyn felt hot and eager to see Liam again. She’d spotted him at the noon meal, but he’d turned and rushed away without saying much.

“Look at them playing,” Mari said, her gaze on Lizzy and Gwennie laughing with her collection of rabbits. They’d moved to the solar in the afternoon to work on their sewing. “They get along so well. Would it be all right if Gwennie stayed with us tonight?”

“Oh. I…” She didn’t want to offend the woman, but she didn’t want her daughter out of her sight for that long. “It’s just that it’s not been so long that I’ve had her with me.”

“I understand, but she will be safe. And a newly married couple should have some time alone.”

Ev swallowed and nodded. At first, she had used Gwennie cowardly as a shield to keep her husband’s affections at bay. Liam had been more than patient with her. He’d not once complained and hadn’t pressed for more.

She both appreciated and was frustrated by his unyielding patience. She thought it would be better to have done with it. Then it wouldn’t be such a huge thing between them.

It wasn’t that she was afraid of him, for she knew well in her heart he would never abuse her. What she feared was that she’d be unable to lie with him without thinking of them. Liam didn’t deserve that. But she didn’t know if she would be strong enough to keep the nightmares from ruining what was growing between them.

She was the first to their room that evening. When he arrived, she was already dressed for bed with her hair braided over her shoulder.

He looked to the small bed as he hung his sword on the peg in the wall.

“Where’s Gwennie?” he asked, fear clear in his blue eyes.

“Mari invited her to stay the night with Lizzy.”

“She did?” He bit his bottom lip. “I see.” With his gaze on her he tilted his head. “You allowed it?”

“I did, but to tell the truth, I’ve been struggling with not having her here. I know she’s safe with Mari and Cam, but it worries me when she’s not with me.”

“Then I will go get her right now. I’ll not have you fretting.” He took up his weapons belt again, prepared to leave. For her.

“No, wait. Please. One of the reasons I allowed it was I thought it would be good for us to be alone tonight.” Her voice wavered and she cleared her throat to cover her nervousness.

“You thought it was good? Or was it Mari or Kenna?” He lifted his brow, clearly suspecting the truth.