Page 124 of The Highlander's Auctioned Virgin
Anna shifted her weight, one hand gently cradling her belly. “I daenae want to presume,” she started, her voice soft. “But it felt right. To paint ye as I saw ye.”
Gordon said nothing; he only watched Ciaran with that same calm that made him feel he could not hide even if he tried. He could hear Gordon’s words even in his stance.
He could not let Elinor go. Not now. Not ever.
He swallowed, the realization sinking into him. “I have to go to her.”
He could not believe he had let his pride and past get in the way of his future. He saw it clearly now, especially in the portrait. He always belonged with Elinor and would do everything he could to ensure it remained that way. Even if she wanted children, he would want them with her.
Anna blinked. “Ye daenae ken where she is.”
He turned away from the painting and faced her squarely. “I will find her.” The determination in his voice was palpable. “I always find her.”
Anna’s lips curled into a gentle smile, and she folded her arms over her chest. “Because ye’re her Hound.”
He went still for a moment. The word did not land as it used to. Then, he nodded slowly and gave them both a grateful look.
They moved out of the way, and he made for the door. His path had never been clearer than it was at that moment.
When he reached the door, he heard Gordon’s voice. It was almost a whisper. One he was certain the man did not think he would be able to hear.
“Why in God’s name would ye call him that?” Gordon muttered fiercely. “Calling a grown man—alaird,nonetheless—her Hound?”
Anna sounded unconcerned. “I daenae ken. It only felt right at the moment.”
Gordon let out a long sigh. “Good Lord, Anna.”
Ciaran stepped into the hall, meaning to close the door behind him, but then he heard Anna’s voice once more.
“‘Tis just like how ye’re me Devil.”
Gordon exhaled sharply. “God help me. Ye’re lucky ye’re so adorable.”
“I ken,” Anna said, a hint of a smile lacing her voice. “‘Tis why ye love me.”
Then, Ciaran heard the soft press of lips and shut the door behind him, leaving them to it. He had to find his wife, after all.
