he'd babbled her entire thought process aloud. The entire courtyard had g

, not turning away f

, la

don't think a fall to the groun

ld her tightly. His hands trembled the slightest amount,

placed by that dark scowl again. Did

t," Alan said

she wouldn't say another word, and pre

but her pride wouldn't allow her to throw herself at his feet and beg for mercy. Even if she currently thought it was the best idea. Nay, she'd faced down Duncan Cameron and surviv

wearing Duncan Cameron's colors, and how t

e again as she stepped all over his feet, and then quickly steppe

arder, if that was po

ht find amusing if she weren't bathed in pain and about t

on his boots. They weren't new and shiny like Duncan's,

," she said in an even v

n I seek. And do it now," he

.

and she swallowed back the n

e burst forward, inserting himself between her and his father, and wra

pen to pull him away from her ribs. She would have slithered straigh

up at his father who looked to be battl

, and I promised you'd protect her, Papa. I promi

onishment, his mouth working up and

lass is sorely in need of a bed

he could possibly express, she chanced another look a

ring the colors of a man I loathe more than life, and all

epped back, and this time, Alan accommodated her by movi

his life," Ala

ting for me," C

of her injuries. He looked torn, as if he really wanted to demand that she cooperate, but with both

re her child, she'd demand, just as he had, every detail. And if it were true-and Edward had no reason to lie-that Duncan Cameron was his mortal enemy, she could w

"I did save your son, Laird. I would be most appreciative of what aid you could provide. I

rned his face heavenward as if praying for

rse.

. Then he slowly lowered his head until those

going anyw

her senseless. The little chit had audacity, he'd hand her that. He didn'

erstand it, because Lord, the lass was bonnie, it annoye

ght her eyes. Blue. Not just blue but a brilliant hue that r

span with his hands. Aye, his hands would fit nicely in the curve between her hips and he

ful. And she w

n pain. She ha

surrounded them. She was trying valiantly to hide her disco

ning would

oned toward one of the wome

at Gertie prepares her a plate of food. And for God's sake

orward and each took an arm of t

utioned. "Her injuries