Isla pivoted to Grayburn.
For his part, the duke stared over her shoulder, not meeting her gaze.
“Gray.” Isla’s mouth drew into a thin line.
Tavish knew that tone. It was the one that presaged a thorough tongue-lashing.
The duke’s left eye twitched. “Isla.”
“What happened to my letters?”
“I certainly do not know—”
“You ordered McPherson to intercept my messages to Tavish.” Not a question.
“I refuse to dignify that accusation with a re—”
“How idiotic could you be?!” Isla threw up her hands. “Did you think you could just not deliver my letters to myhusband—and heismy husband, no matter your meddling in our marriage—in an attempt to drive a wedge between Tavish and myself?”
“Isla, again, you are becoming hysterical—”
“I am not the delusional one here, Gray! After everything I said to you last night, you truly thought Tavish and I would abandon our love over a misunderstanding?” Isla rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Gray. Your hatred blinds you to reality.”
Tavish’s heart soared at his bonnie wife’s spirited defense of their love.
Grayburn, however, appeared a thundercloud, dark and ominous and ready to burst.
32
Isla glared at her brother.
Gray glared right back. “You will rue the day you allied yourself with a Balfour. And when you come crawling back, begging once again for my help, you will find a deaf ear.”
“Piers, we are at an end, you and I. I would have loved you to my grave, Brother. I would have been the most doting of sisters. Butyouare the one who has chosen hatred over love.” She hurled her words at him. “Love cannot thrive without nourishment, and I’m tired of starving. Instead, I choose to give my love to those who will treasure it. So yes, I will happily spend my life at Tavish Balfour’s side.”
Isla shook her head at Gray before crossing to Tavish.
Just the sight of her husband . . .
She skipped the last few steps, throwing herself in his arms. He gathered her close, strong hands banding around her chest.
“Are ye well, love?” he whispered against her hair. “I’ve been half out of my mind with worry.”
“I am well, darling.” She cupped his beloved face. “I finished packing my things this morning. I am ready to leave. That was the gist of my lost letters. Just that I needed to say my goodbyes and secure my personal effects. Oh, and I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
She pressed a soft kiss to his lips. The affection flaring in his eyes said he wanted more than a mere kiss, but he was trying to behave himself.
How she loved this man.
Matthias cleared his throat.
Gray growled.
Right.
Her brothers and Colonel Archer were in the room.
