Page 119 of The Highlander Who Protected Me

“That’s for next time.”

“Something to look forward to, then.”

She ignored his sarcasm and rested her hand on his blanket-swaddled foot. How did one even approach such a terrible subject? But it had to be done if they were ever to have the marriage she longed for. Royal needed to know she truly wished to ease the pain that plagued him, both in body and mind.

“What is it, Ainsley?” he quietly asked.

“Angus told me about your little nephew.”

Even through the layers of bedclothes, she felt his body go tense.

“If I’d known, I never would have chosen that spot.” She gently rubbed his foot, trying to convey her sadness for him.

Royal’s strong features fell into brooding lines. “I’ve been by that place a hundred times since it happened. I won’t say it’s not still painful, but it was stupid of me to overreact the way I did.”

“Of course, it will always hold tragic memories for you. Then to see me sprawled in the grass, it’s no wonder you thought the worst.”

“You weren’t sprawled. You were flat on your back, straight as a board with your hands tucked up under your chin.” He gave his head a little shake, as if trying to clear the painful memory. “In fact, you looked like a . . .”

“A corpse? I’m sure, because I tend to sleep like that. It can be very disconcerting for hapless bystanders. There was a maid in my father’s household who refused to come into my room to light the fire in the morning. She said I gave her the frights.” She tapped his foot. “So, forewarned is forearmed, husband.”

He gave her a faint smile. “Thank you, wife.”

For a few charged seconds, they held each other’s gazes. Then Ainsley looked away, her newly discovered feelings making her shy. She wanted to tell him but lacked the courage to face it head on, at least for now.

Besides, he probably wouldn’t believe her.Hello, I’ve just discovered that I’m madly in love with you.It sounded ridiculous, even to her ears.

“What did Angus tell you about Cam?” Royal finally asked.

She met his somber gaze. “He told me what happened at the river that day, and how it tore your family apart. He also said you saved Kade, and that you, more than anyone, helped Lord Arnprior and the family through that terrible period.”

He waved an irritated hand. “I’m no hero, Ainsley. We were all just hanging on by our fingernails.”

“Angus certainly seems to think you’re a hero.”

“Och, he’s a silly old man.” His brogue was low and rough.

“He’s a silly old man who loves you and is worried about you. I hope you’ll let him apologize tomorrow. He was quite downcast when you wouldn’t let him in the room.”

“He gets fashed whenever my leg is bothering me. It’s not good for him.”

“Do you know what I think?”

“I’m sure I will momentarily.”

“Behave, Royal Kendrick, or you’ll be sorry.” She jabbed his good leg. “What I think is that you don’t like people fussing over you. It doesn’t fit with your image as a mighty Highlander who can wrestle a wild boar to the ground and hold off a ruthless band of brigands, all whilst playing the bagpipes.”

“That’s ridiculous. I never learned to play the bagpipes.”

“Don’t try to distract me with humor. You hate it when people try to help you. Admit it.”

“I admit nothing,” he said firmly. “What other whiskers did Angus tell you about me?”

“He told me a little bit about Waterloo.” She went back to gently rubbing his foot. “He said you’d been abandoned on the battlefield. I’m not entirely sure what he meant by that, but it sounded absolutely horrific.”

Her husband growled. “I am going to throttle that old man as soon as I’m out of this bed.”

“Why shouldn’t he tell me what happened? I’m your wife.”

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