Page 75 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds
D hit her again, and that was all the motivation he needed. He dropped his sword because this battle needed to be physical, personal, not at the end of his sword. Sloan raced directly at him, grabbing him by the throat, his fist striking him hard in theface before the brute could even lift his sword. Sloan threw him on the ground and straddled him, pummeling the man’s face, shouting loud enough for the entire isle to hear him.
“Never touch her. Never, ever touch her.”
It was Thane and Alaric who took him by the shoulders and pulled him back while Connor set his sword at the man’s throat to keep him in place, the villain now covered in blood.
Sloan heaved and said, “Let me go. I’ll kill him.” But then he looked up at Eva as Eli released her bindings. Once Eva was free, Sloan held out his arms, and she fell into his embrace. He held her close, inhaled her sweetness, and swore he never wished to let her go.
Connor said, “You have first rights, Rankin. I just wanted her free before you finish him.”
Sloan kissed Eva’s forehead and said, “Nay, I don’t have first rights. She does.” With tears in his eyes, he stepped back, wiped his hands on his trews, and lifted her chin, her eyes misting as much as his were. “Your choice, love.” He took the axe out of his belt and handed it to her.
Eva thought for a moment and nodded to him.
Eli said, “May we have a word, Sloan? I know what she needs. Eva, if you please?”
She nodded. “Aye.”
Eli pulled her back, and the two whispered a distance away.
Sloan had to turn away from the man on the ground, his whimpering changing to his usually bold threats. “I have other men here who will be looking for you. Then I’ll teach you and that bitch who’s the strongest.”
Eva called Sloan over where she stood, so he approached while Eli waved to her husband. “Come, Alaric, help me tie this slimy piece of shite to this pole so he gets what he deserves.”
D said, “Another bitch. I’ll take care of you too once my friends save me.”
Eli said, “Where the hell are they now, fool?” Then she pulled her fist back and struck him in his nose, an odd crack ringing out.
Sloan turned back to Eva, still at the back of the clearing, and said, “I’ll help you in any way I can, Eva.”
“Sloan, did you read my lips?”
He looked at her and moved back to her spot, wanting this to be as private as possible, given the circumstance. His gaze drank in everything about her, shocked that she was still able to stand tall after all she’d been through. He took a moment to tuck a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “I did, but I must ask you. Is it true in your heart or do you think it might be due to all we’ve been through together?”
“Nay, it’s because of you, Sloan. Your heart, your quick mind, your tenderness, your devotion. All of it is special, and I’m so fortunate that you love me. I love you with all my heart, Sloan Rankin, and I am grateful for all that you are and that you chose me to love.”
He didn’t try to stop the tears from falling, but he swiped them away once Eli called out, “He’s ready when you are, Eva.”
Eva took Sloan’s hand and placed him next to her, then lifted her axe over her head, but then lowered it. “Eli, wipe the blood from his eyes. I want to make sure he can see me.”
She lifted the axe and fired it, hitting the exact spot she’d planned.
Eli rejoiced. “Grandmama would be so proud.”
Eva strode forward, taking Sloan’s hand in hers. Her victim lived, but was bent over in pain, gagging. She said, “I needed to make sure you’ll never hurt another lass.”
She walked away, stopping to kiss Sloan on the way out, and Sloan had never been happier.
Life was wonderful.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Eva
The group traveled back to the opposite side of the isle the next day, one group heading to Duart Castle and the other toward Dun Ara Castle. Connor, Alasdair, and Thane had come along in case there was any truth to Sylvi’s prediction.
“Do you wish to stop and see your mother, lass?”
“Nay, Tamsin gave me enough clothes, and I’m sure Lennox is on your land. I wish to be there for you if there is an attack.” Then she patted the bag tied to her saddle. “I have my axes.”
