Page 82 of Highlander Lord Of Vengeance

“Did Torrance assume it was you? Is that the true reason he went to war with you?” she asked.

“He assumed we were half-brothers which was why he urged me to take his place so that the Glencairn bloodline would continue to rule the clan. But he told me to find out for sure if it was what his father meant or if his father’s penchant for women produced another son who could be waiting to claim the title to Glencairn.”

“Did Lord Randall give Torrance any indication of where to start his search?

“Nay, though I assume eliminating me was his first choice.”

“Where to after that,” she asked perplexed.

“Healers, midwives was the most logical direction, though it has been so many years I wonder if the woman who knew such information still lives.”

“So, then the Old Woman, might know the identity of the healer who possesses such information and could possibly know who the true heir is to Clan Glencairn.”

“I am assuming so since it is the only lead that I have found thus far. I am assuming whoever wishes me dead is the one who intends to lay claim to Glencairn. But—” He gave her waist a gentle squeeze. “He cannot prove it, so therefore, he has no choice but to see me dead, though he attempts convince others he will be a better, more tolerant leader than Torrance.”

“How can he be a better more tolerant leader if he wishes me, an innocent in all this, dead as well?” Esme said, with a brief shake of her head. “I doubt many would care as long as it brought an end to Torrance’s cruelty.” She sighed softly and laid her head on his shoulder. “I wish we could leave, walk away from it all and have a simple life together.”

“We could have a good life with my clan if this person proves worthy to lead Clan Glencairn and bears no ill will against Clan MacLeish.”

“Those are big ifs, and a man doesn’t always show his true nature right away, especially one who has so much to gain,” she said, a yawn escaping her lips.

“You are tired. We can talk more about this in the morning,” he said, lifting her in his arms as he stood.

“You know we have no choice?” she said softly.

He didn’t respond. He set her on her feet by the bed and began to undress.

Esme hesitated. She shed her garments down to her underdress and got into bed, a chill already rushing through her and another yawn attacking her.

Ryland slipped into bed naked beside her and reached over to tuck her close to his side. No more talk,” he ordered.

Esme yawned again and cuddled snug against him. “You can ignore the obvious all you want. But you know we have no choice… I must go see the Old Woman alone.”

CHAPTER 23

Esme woke the next morning to intimate touches and gentle kisses and, at first, she thought she was dreaming and was extremely pleased to find out she wasn’t. When she opened her eyes, she was startled, and her body grew taut. She had to remind herself that her husband was dead and the man who touched her with such love was Ryland.

“I love you, Esme,” he whispered, and her body relaxed to his touch.

Ryland wanted to linger but he knew someone would arrive and disturb them soon and though it was quicker than he would have liked, it was no less satisfying.

They were barely dressed when a pounding at the door caused Esme to jump in fright.

Ryland’s arm went quickly around her to hug her against him as he called out, “Who disturbs me!”

“It is Brack, my lord. Gavin has escaped.”

Ryland felt his gut twist tight as he reluctantly left his wife’s side to yank open the door.

“What happened?” he demanded, stepping aside for Brack to enter.

Brack strode in, his face taut with fury and frustration. “Two of the guards were temporarily reassigned per your orders. It was supposed to be for no more than a few moments. By the time they returned, Gavin was gone. Vanished without a trace.”

Ryland swore under his breath,his mind already racing. It was a calculated risk he’d taken—one he’d justified in the moment for the chance to learn the truth. But now…

Brack’s sharp gaze shifted past him, to Esme. She stood straight, shoulders drawn back, and her chin slightly tilted.

Brack’s eyes narrowed. “Someone saw her, my lord. Slipping out of the hut just before the guards returned.”

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