Page 91 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
The events of the evening played over and over in her mind—Lily’s kidnapping; Hunter’s furious, grief-stricken eyes as he ran from her. His words had been sharp, cutting deeper than she had thought possible, but they were nothing compared to the crushing guilt consuming her.
Hunter had lost Lily—the only family he had left, the one person he’d built his life around—and it was her fault. She had underestimated the danger, allowed herself to feel safe when she shouldn’t have. Her presence in his life had brought chaos, and now the consequences had spiraled out of control.
A tear slid down her cheek as she looked toward the bed. Her emotions were raw, her mind clouded by regret and helplessness. She nearly missed the envelope lying on the blanket. It hadn’t been there earlier.
Her heart leaped into her throat. She quickly wiped her tears and picked up the envelope with shaking hands. The handwriting on the back was the same one on the previous letter—precise and unyielding. It was the handwriting of the man who’d been tormenting her.
Her fingers trembled as she broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
If you want to save the brat, come to the lake where you gave yourself to another man. Come alone. No tricks, or you’ll never see her again.
The words made her stomach churn. She felt the air leave her lungs as a new wave of guilt washed over her. Lily. This was about Lily.
She had to go. There was no question.
Her fingers tightened around the letter as she paced her room, her mind racing. What other choice did she have? Staying here meant risking Lily’s life. Going to Hunter for help might only make the situation worse. She couldn’t cause him more pain—not after what he’d already suffered.
Erica made her decision. She folded the letter and tucked it into her bodice before throwing on a cloak. Her footsteps were light as she slipped into the hall, careful not to alert anyone.
The castle was quiet, the guards stationed outside and in the main corridors. She avoided them, taking the servants’ staircase down to the rear entrance.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she stepped into the cool night air. The stars were faint against the inky sky, and the wind carried a biting chill that seeped into her bones. She didn’t stop to look back. She couldn’t. She hurried toward the lake.
The moon cast a silvery glow over the water as she reached the clearing. Her breath misted in the cold air as she scanned the area, her nerves taut. For a moment, there was nothing—just the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle lap of the water against the shore. Then, she saw him.
James Morris stepped into the moonlight, a smug smile on his face. Erica’s blood ran cold. Of course, it was him. His obsession with her had always been unsettling, but this… this was monstrous.
“Ye,” she said, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury.
“Ach, Erica,” James drawled, opening his arms wide as if to embrace her. “I kenned ye’d come. Always the noble one, are you nae?”
Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “Where is she? Where’s Lily?”
James tilted his head, feigning innocence. “The child is safe—for now. But that depends on ye.”
“Take me to her,” Erica demanded, her voice firm despite the fear clawing at her chest.
James’s smile widened. “Of course. But first, let’s talk.”
“I dinnae have time for yer games, James!” she snapped. “Take me to Lily, or?—”
“Or what?” he interrupted, his tone mocking. “Ye’ll scream? Fight me? Ye’re in nay position to make demands, me dear.”
Erica’s jaw clenched, but she forced herself to stay calm. “I’m here, am I nae? I came alone, just like ye wanted. Now, take me to her.”
James studied her for a moment before gesturing for her to follow him. “This way.”
The shed was small and dilapidated, its roof sagging under the weight of years. James pushed open the door and stepped inside, motioning for Erica to follow him. Her heart raced as she entered, her eyes immediately searching for Lily.
“Lily!” she cried, her voice breaking as she spotted the girl huddled in the corner.
Lily’s tear-streaked face lit up at the sight of her. “Auntie!” she sobbed, scrambling to her feet.
Erica rushed to her, dropping to her knees and pulling the child in her arms. “I’m here,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m so sorry, me love. I’m here.”
The warmth of Lily’s small body against her own brought a sense of relief, but it was short-lived. She noticed another figure in the corner—a boy around Lily’s age, with striking features that seemed oddly familiar. But before she could dwell on it, James’s voice shattered the moment.
“How touchin’,” he sneered. “But I’m afraid this reunion willnae last.”
