Page 117 of The Highlander's English Bride

Graeme nodded and reached for Sabrina. Instead, she took his arm and began steering him across the room.

He sighed. “Lass, just once do you think you could let me manage the rescuing?”

“Naturally, I would be happy to, if given the chance.”

“Happens she’s right,” Angus said as he followed them to the door. “Not much rescuin’ on yer end.”

“That is not the point, Grandda,” Graeme groused.

“I am sorry to disoblige you, sir,” Sabrina said as he extracted his arm from her surprisingly firm grip and nudged her up the stairs to the street. “But I’m not sure what else I could have done to avoid the situation, other than let you get murdered.”

They stepped out onto the dark street. Graeme held her back for a moment, casting a swift glance in both directions. The north end of the alley, leading further into the tight warren of tenements and closes, was deserted. At the other end waited the Kendrick carriage, with their coachman and groom patiently standing guard.

Nonetheless, Graeme curled a protective arm around Sabrina’s shoulders and pulled her against his side. He would take no chances with her, not until she was safely out of harm’s way.

Which also meant safely out of his life.

And that was for the best. The sweet, wonderful girl was much too good for the likes of him.

She startled a bit before settling under his arm. Oddly enough, and despite the lingering danger, Graeme felt his tense body also begin to settle. It felt right, having her in his arms. The part of him that had always been restless suggested it had found what it needed to be at peace.

Sentimental twaddle.

He picked up the conversation in a quiet voice. “Sabrina, what you did was kind and brave, but also foolhardy. You should have stayed in your box at the theater, and let my brothers manage things.”

“If you ask me,” she said, “the lesson from this evening’s adventures is to stay away from theatrical productions. I swear I am never going to the theater again.”

He gave her an incredulous look. “That’s your lesson from this debacle?”

“I was not the one who was tricked by a small child and kidnapped, after all.”

“Aye, our Graeme was not at his best this evening,” Angus said from behind them.

“Again, not the point, Grandda.”

“Then what is, sir?” Sabrina asked.

He’d rather lost the point, so he simply shut up and marched her to the carriage. Though young Bobby’s eyes went wide when he saw Graeme, the groom quickly let down the steps and opened the door.

“No trouble at this end?” Royal asked, joining them.

“Nae, Mr. Royal,” said Bobby. “Saw a bit of a scurry at the other end of the alley but thought it best to stay here, like ye said.”

“Good man.”

Angus clambered in, then reached down a hand to Sabrina. Royal followed them inside. Graeme again gave a quick but thorough perusal of the surrounding area, but all was quiet.

“All right, let’s be off,” he said, climbing in.

He took the seat next to Royal, across from Sabrina. She was still looking miffed. Well, hurt, actually. He could read her, too, and he saw the hurt in her blue gaze. She’d risked her life for him. However foolish, her actions had been courageous and selfless.

“Sabrina, it practically kills me that you put yourself in harm’s way for me,” he bluntly said.

She blinked. “Was that an apology for biting my head off?”

Graeme sighed. “Probably.”

“And likely the best you’ll get from him, I’m afraid,” Royal said, amused.

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