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“You didn’t join forces with the thieves.”
“Perhaps I wanted the wealth for myself,” he suggested.
“Then I would be dead by now.”
He stepped closer to her. “What if I wanted something else from you?”
Her soft voice turned as hard as solid stone. “Kiss me or touch me, and you’ll die.”
“What if I don’t believe the tale of adeath bride?”
“If you know that I am one,” she said, “then you truly would be a fool to take the chance.”
Her eyes turned a deeper shade of purple and filled with such heavy sorrow that Reeve couldn’t help himself. He reached out and was about to touch her when she stumbled back, in a rush to avoid him.
He drew his hand away. “You are not my bride, so therefore I have nothing to fear.”
“There is more to the tale than you know.”
Her blunt tone warned she would say no more, but that wasn’t what stopped him from satisfying his curiosity. It was the utter despair so visible in the slump of her shoulders, the slight drop of her head, but mostly the way she hugged herself, her arms tight around her middle.
How long had it been since someone had embraced her?
He knew she wouldn’t let him near her, so he offered comfort the only way he could. “How can I help you?”
“I don’t wish to bring death to any more men.”
Reeve wondered just how many times she had been a widow.
“I wish to find a safe place where I may live in peace and harm none. In return for helping me find this haven, I will give you my substantial bride price.”
He certainly had no intentions of leaving her on her own. He also couldn’t help but think how her offer would benefit his mission. His three brothers, not by blood, though as close as if they were, would surely agree. They had been working hard in gathering forces to help bring the true king to the throne when the time was right. This offer could help bring that to fruition.
“Agreed,” he said firmly.
“I’ll have your word on it as a Highlander warrior.”
He saw no reason not to give his word since he intended to see her safe. “You have my word.”
“Let me gather a few of my things, and we can be on our way,” she said.
“First, call me curious, but I would like to know your name and the name of your intended,” he said.
“Does it matter?” she asked, a bit startled.
“Well, I could call you lass, bonnie, darling,” he shrugged. “Take your pick.”
“Tara,” she said quickly. “My name is Tara. As for my intended, I prefer not to share his name. I wish only to slip away into oblivion and let everyone assume what they may.”
“More than likely they will assume you dead, your bride price stolen.”
“That would be best ... for all.”
Reeve could not imagine slipping away from his family, leaving them to believe him dead. Besides, if there was no body to be found, his parents and his brothers Duncan, Trey, and Bryce would search until they found him and then bury him on MacAlpin soil where he belonged. Was there no one who loved her enough to make certain of her fate? Or would her family be relieved that they were finally rid of her?
He watched her gather a few of her belongings and some clothing, rolling them up in a dark green wool blanket and tying it with gold cord that she stripped from one of the garments she was leaving behind.
He was surprised that no servant maid had been sent along with her. That she worked without complaint and not asked for help made him wonder if she was accustomed to tending to herself.
