Page 70 of Scotch & Dreams

Lachlan was thrown off by the question but found himself saying, “Aye.”

“Lucky lassie. I’m sure she’ll love them.” The cashier handed him the paper bag.

"Och, right. Good. Thank ye," he said awkwardly, giving her a little nod as he headed back out to his car. His mind lingered on thewifecomment. It wasn’t the first time he’d told a white lie about being married to the lass. The first time being when he’d gone to see her at the hospital. He mindlessly toyed with the idea of Violet being his wife, waking up to her in the mornings, going to bed with her every night. His cock stirred, and he chided himself for the crazy thought. And yet, oddly enough, it didn’t feel crazy at all.

It was seven p.m. by the time he pulled up in front of Violet’s cottage. All looked quiet. As he knocked on her front door, his heart quickened. He was surprised that even now, his body reacted to the thought of seeing her. It was a weird phenomenon that he seemed to have no control over whatsoever. He knocked a second time and heard some movement inside. The door opened just enough for Violet to show her face. He knew she wasn't well, but he was still surprised when he saw her heavy, red-rimmed eyes squinting at him. Her pert little nose looked as if she'd been standing in the cold all day. Despite being obviously ill, he still found her to be the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on.

“Lachlan? What are you doing here?” She sounded all stuffed up.

“Och, lass, I heard ye were under the weather. I thought I’d come by and bring some provisions.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh,” she said, as if she didn't know what to say at all. "I— You… You didn't have to.”

“I ken. I wanted to.”

Her forehead creased with an uncertainty that he wanted to kiss away. She let the door open further, and Lachlan realized just how unwell she was. Even though she wore a puffy, oversized pale yellow bathrobe, she shivered with cold and looked about ready to collapse.

“Come on, V. Let’s get ye back to bed.” For a moment, he thought she was going to turn him away.

Her hand gripped the door, but then she let it go. He closed the door behind him, and Violet was already padding toward the bedroom.

“Sorry, I think I do need to lie back down,” she called, with a scratchy voice.

Lachlan followed closely behind. Violet gingerly got onto her bed, as if everything hurt, and then maneuvered carefully under the covers. Her eyes were closed, and she was still shivering. He reached over and laid the back of his hand on her forehead. It was hot, too hot.

“Did ye take any medicine, lass?”

“I don’t have any. I’ll have to pick something up tomorrow maybe,” she croaked.

“Where’s the tartan I left for ye? That wool will help to warm ye better than your duvet.” He looked around the room.

“Uh, it’s in the closet there.”

Lachlan found it still in the bag in her closet, which seemed odd, but now was not the time to question her. He retrieved it and lay it over her.

“Thanks, by the way. For the tartan and the flowers.” She took a laboured breath. “They’re lovely,” she said weakly, eyes still closed.

“It’s no worry, lass.” He didn’t care about any of that right now. He was more concerned about Violet. Lachlan headed to the kitchen, found a glass, filled it up with water, and brought it back to the bedroom with a tablet to help bring down her fever. “Here, love, take this,” he said.

Violet cracked open one eye and cooed. “You brought me drugs.” She sighed as if he were an angel, and he almost laughed. She seemed more excited for the meds than the flowers and tartan he'd given her. She took the pill and swallowed it with a sip of water and lay back down. Her breathing was laboured, but she appeared to be resting.

Lachlan hoped the medicine would kick in soon. He swept a strand of hair off her forehead and stood watching her, wishing he could do more to help her feel better. He looked around the room. Piles of tissues lay on the floor beside the bed and a few on the bed. He found a rubbish bin and put them all in it.Poor lass.

He went back to the kitchen to put the broth in the fridge. He pulled the other medicine and grapefruits out of the bag and put them neatly on the counter. He also pulled out the books and smiled to himself. She could maybe enjoy reading them later. He walked back to the bedroom where Violet now slept soundly. He put his hand on her forehead and ran it down gently over her face. She already seemed to have cooled a bit, and he felt some tension let go in his shoulders.

Striding to the nearby chair by the window, he looked out. Quite lovely, the view of the rolling green hills and sea in the distance. He could see why she chose this cottage.

Lachlan dropped down into the chair, settling in as he stretched his long legs out in front of him and crossed them at the ankles. Not exactly how he imagined being in her bedroom would be. Nonetheless, he was glad to be here with her. Glad hecouldbe here for her. Not that he wanted Violet sick, but he took great comfort in taking care of her. Protecting her.

He recalled that primal oath that had come to him when he'd made love to her.Mine. As silly as it seemed by the light of day, the truth was, he felt it in the marrow of his bones. He'd do anything for this lass. She slept soundly now, and he felt a peace come over him. Lachlan watched her for a time and then opened the book in his hand.Why not?He thought to himself and began reading.

Chapter 41

The Light of Day

Violetawokestillratherill, but it felt like she’d turned the corner. Thankfully, her fever had broken. The room was dark. She wanted to get another pill to help her feel better and get back to sleep. She flicked on her night light and saw a glass of water and another pill sitting beside it. She smiled—Lachlan. Feeling a bit warm, she slid off her fuzzy robe and discarded it to the end of the bed, then she popped a pill with a sip of water and switched the light back off. When she awoke next, her bedroom was dimly lit.Must be a cloudy day, she thought to herself.

The sound of wind and rain confirmed her suspicions as she lay there on her back. Then she tensed, realizing she could hear something else. She got very still and strained to listen. It sounded like heavy breathing. Panic rippled through her.

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