Page 28 of A Virgin for the Highland Beast
The danger that lurked in the shadows was too great, and the stakes were too high.
His past was a minefield, and he feared that letting anyone close would only lead them to danger. And he couldn’t bear the thought of her, the one who didn’t fear him, being collateral damage because he dared to care.
He released a heavy sigh, and the steam from the bath fogged up the cold stone walls of his chambers as an icy fear gnawed at his heart.
11
Could I fall in love with Laird MacRoss? With Hunter?
The thought was new and unexpected, making her cheeks flush. She had not had the chance to explore the notion until now. And the very thought of it brought forth a foreign feeling, something she hadn’t allowed herself to consider amidst the chaos of recent events. The concept stirred up feelings of excitement and uncertainty within her, leaving her to ponder this newfound possibility.
He’s handsome but distant. Hot and cold. One minute I find meself captivated by him, and within a heartbeat, he’s icy.
Emma was yearning for a deeper connection, a sincere understanding of who Hunter truly was beneath the mask. She was drawn to uncover the mysteries that lay beneath his charming and affable exterior and wondered what it would take to penetrate his hardened veneer and expose the vulnerabilities he cleverly disguised.
But what if he doesnae care about me? What if that’s what fate wants from us, to live together yet apart? He vowed to help us, to protect us. Should that nae be enough?
Her heart hungered for the unspoken truths and buried secrets that made him who he was. She craved to see the raw, unfiltered version of Hunter and explore his strengths, his weaknesses, his fears, and his dreams. Sure there was more to him than what he showed her.
But Emma couldn’t help but wonder why she was so drawn to him. Was it merely the fact she needed a savior and he was there, offering his hand to her?
She let out a mournful sigh. To her, love wasn’t merely about the rosy blushes and fluttering heartbeats. It was about embracing the flaws, standing by each other in hard times, and finding happiness in shared moments.
Yet, she found herself unable to confess these complex emotions to her sisters.
“I dinnae ken,” she finally answered. Although it was true, she knew deep down it was only a half-truth to shield her sisters from her turbulent thoughts. “He’ll protect us, and that’s all we can ask for.”
“What about love, though?” Lydia exclaimed. “Ye’re givin’ up love if ye marry him.”
“We dinnae ken that,” Nora chimed in as she continued to rub Emma’s back. “In time, I’m sure the Laird’s affections for Emma will change.”
“Nora’s right,” Lydia stated in a soothing tone, as if becoming the voice of reason. “Or have ye forgotten Maither’s story on how she and Faither came to love each other? They were enemies well before they became partners. Seems to me like the apple hasnae fallen far from the tree in that regard.”
“Like I said, I dinnae ken how I feel about the Laird. All I ken is that a choice needed to be made, and I made it,” Emma said. “Whatever lies ahead now is a complete mystery.”
Yet, within her, the questions swirled, and her curiosity was piqued as she dared to let herself dream of a future with Hunter.
“Well, either way, he’d better keep his word, Emma, unless he wants an arrow between the eyes. And I’ll do it, make nay mistake about that,” Isobel declared, her voice filled with determination.
All eyes shifted to Isobel, who was still standing like a sentinel near the window.
Emma shared a look with Nora, and before anyone could say another word, the room burst into laughter, the tension in the air lessening considerably.
“It’s nay wonder ye’re nae married yet,” Nora said.
“Ye’re one to talk. I thought the eldest was supposed to be the first,” Isobel retorted. “Where’s yer husband, then?”
“Ye ken why Nora isnae married,” Emma said as she glanced at Nora with sympathy and understanding.
It wasn’t that her sister wasn’t stunning and wiser than the lot of them, but Nora’s destiny lay within her skills.
“So, she has a callin’ and I dinnae, is that it?” Isobel asked, her tone frigid and defensive.
“We all have a role to play,” Emma said. “And only the Lord kens where each of ye will go from here. As for me, marryin’ Laird MacRoss will give ye all the freedom to take yer paths when ye’re so inclined to do so.”
“If ye ask me,” Nora said, rising from the bed. “It’s been a rather busy day, and I think we all should retire for the evenin’.”
“Nora has a point,” Lydia said with a yawn. “I never expected to wake up this mornin’ and find meself without a home or a clan.”
