Page 58 of The Highlander's Auctioned Bride
I will find whoever is responsible for this and I will destroy them.
CHAPTER 21
James laybeside Maisie in his bed stroking her hair and feeling her warmth. The soothing beat of her heart was a comfort to him after the turmoil of the previous evening.
The healer had prescribed a good deal of rest and had bandaged the wound. James had not left Maisie’s side since, and he was surprised to find that he had no wish to.
Usually, he would be eager to get to his duties, his overflowing desk laden with requests and letters from his clan, but in the quiet of the room, it felt like it was just him and Maisie. For an unexpected moment, he didn’t wish to be anywhere else.
His peace was quickly shattered, however, by a loud rapping at the door. Maisie shifted in her sleep with a moan, and he gave a low curse as he gently pulled himself from her body and walked to the door.
He opened the door to Bram Wallace’s expectant gaze.
“Yes?” he said, leaving the room and pulling the door to behind him so they didn’t disturb her.
“Me laird, is all well with Lady MacLennan?”
“She is doin’ better, thank ye, Bram. What news?”
Maisie stirred, turning over in the bed, missing the heat of James’s body.
Her leg was hurting damnably, and she could feel it throbbing beneath the bandage even now. She was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open, but she listened closely as James raised his voice outside the door.
“I am nae interested in clan affairs just now. What news of me wife’s attacker?”
Maisie strained to hear, it sounded like Bram’s voice outside as he spluttered in reply. He clearly had not anticipated thatJames MacLennanwould turn down a chance to hear about clan business.
“Me laird, I know not?—”
“Someone tried to kill my wife not twelve hours ago. An attack we have nae explanation and nae justification for. Unless this business concerns her, I dinnae wish to hear it. The councilcan decide what to dae about everythin’ else until the killer is brought to justice. If ye dinnae bring me news of this by tonight, I shall start takin’ heads.”
Maisie felt a smile spread over her face at those words. James was finally choosing her over his clan. Even if it was only due to the attack, she was grateful that he cared enough to stay with her and demand the man was caught.
She shivered as she recalled the calculating stare on his face as he held up the bow. His hand had not shaken, his aim had been sure. If she had not turned just at that second—if Lily had not reacted on instinct—she might be dead now.
Who would do this?
She lay back down on the bed as she heard James’s soft footfalls return behind her. The bed dipped as he climbed onto the mattress, putting his arm around her carefully and mindful of her leg.
“Are ye in pain?” he asked.
“Nae,” she lied. “What did Bram want?”
“It doesnae matter. I am here with ye and that’s where I’ll stay.”
With those words warming her heart, she closed her eyes and settled down for some much-needed sleep.
Maisie woke alone.
She sat up in bed, alarmed at finding James gone. She looked about the room and then saw she had been mistaken. He was sitting at the desk at the side of the room contemplating her chess board with interest.
She smiled at his perplexed expression as he moved a piece, clearly not realizing she was awake.
“Who is winnin’?” she asked, and he was by her side in moments.
“Are ye all right?”
“Yes,” she said, happy that he was still with her. “Me leg hurts a little but nae too much.”
