Page 36 of His Forgotten Highland Bride

“Let’s get you back to the castle, and I’ll help you. You need to rest and give your leg time to heal properly.”

He stopped then, and she thought the pain had made it impossible for him to walk. She turned to come back to him.

“I’m sorry for barging in like I did. I feel rather foolish.”

“You’re sorry for barging in but not for doubting me,” she said, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Aye.” He looked up at the sky as if it held all the answers. “Where I was, I saw many lonely people take comfort with those other than their husbands or wives. Ye didn’t know me well when I left you, so I can’t expect loyalty from such a brief association. You probably hated me for leaving, and that anger might have chased ye into another’s arms.” He opened his mouth as if he would share something else but stopped himself.

She kept silent at that. In truth, she had considered taking a lover on the nights when she was so lonely or times when she hated him for the pain he’d caused, but she never acted on it, and not just because she hadn’t found a partner for such a tryst.

He rubbed his chin, looking uncomfortable. “I’m saying, I wouldn’t be surprised to find you sought comfort in another man’s arms.”

“If I tell you I didn’t lie with another man, will ye believe me?” She met his gaze, testing him.

He peered back at her, considering. They must have stood there a full minute while he took her measure before finally, he nodded. “Time will tell. You and I have plenty of that.”

“Listen, husband, I have only shared my body with you.”

He swallowed and nodded, though he didn’t look convinced. She wanted to point out that if he’d been worried about her fidelity, he might have stayed to see she didn’t stray himself, but the past was done. There was no changing it now. He didn’t trust her, and she was so angry that she didn’t think she cared.

She let out a breath and continued on their way. She moved to put an arm under his to help support him as they made their way to the castle.

“I don’t need help walking.”

“Fine,” she answered, but her arm didn’t budge, even when he made a noise of irritation.

“You’re too small. I’ll crush ye with my weight.”

He was too big for her to offer much assistance, but she’d manage if it took some pain out of his eyes. She hated to see anyone struggling.

“I’m much stronger than I look.”

He mumbled something that sounded like, “I don’t doubt it.”

He remained quiet except for a few curses as they slowly entered the hall and up the stairs to their chamber. He practically fell upon the bed while she went to light a fire despite the warm day. She would take care of her husband whether he wished it or not. She wouldn’t see him suffer when she could do something to relieve the pain. Smelly or not.

Healing his leg could also be a step toward healing them. He’d been right when he’d said they had plenty of time before them. She would spend the rest of her days with this man who thought her disloyal.

Heaven help her.