Page 51 of Claimed by the Clan Chief

“If any more harm had come to you he’d have paid with his life.” He paused and shook his head. “I might still go and finish the job, I’ll sleep better at night.”

“No.” She touched his cheek, water dripping from her hand. “You have served your justice.”

“You mean my revenge.”

“If that’s what you wish to call it.”

“Aye, it is.”

“So now leave it be. Rabbie Finlay is no danger to me. And I’m sure we’ll soon be moving on from Fifths Castle.”

“Aye, ‘tis still necessary for me to travel to Edinburgh. The duke may, if luck is on my side, have extended his stay. Tomorrow we will go together.”

“I’m sorry you had to change your plans for me.”

“Sorry I came to save your life?” He frowned. “Where the else on this earth should I have been at that moment, lass?”

She smiled. “Okay, I ken what you’re saying.”

“Good.” He tipped forward and kissed her. A long lingering kiss that made the horrors of the previous night fade away.

He pulled back. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better. Rested, fed, clean.” She smoothed her hair from her face. “Safe.”

“You’re always safe with me.” He stood and held out a towel. “Let’s get you dry, we have another matter to attend to.”

“We do?”

“Aye.”

“I don’t ken what that is?” Though she hoped it would mean him also getting naked. Some time in the big four-poster bed with her husband would be just the sort of medicine she needed.

She stepped from the water, which cascaded down her body. Glad to be dirt free, she allowed him to wrap the towel tight around her body and hold it there with his arms.

He set his mouth by her ear. “Remember when we were in the glen?”

“I’ll never forget it.”

“Me neither.” He paused. “Do you remember what I said to ye?”

“Which part?”

“I told you to keep your secrets close because that was the only way for you to stay safe from witch hunters.”

She didn’t speak. Instead she remembered the feel of the string around her fingers as she created the ill wish.

“You made it, didn’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The ill wish the villagers spoke of.”

She swallowed, knowing she’d displeased him by creating it. Knowing even at the time what a risk it had been.

“I need you to tell me the truth, my love. This is much more than a pocketed handkerchief.”

She pulled in a deep breath. “Aye, I made it.”

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