This time it was more of a scream. “He would have taken me with him. Leaving my mother with no one after she raised me alone. Selfish bastard. I was glad he left. I wouldn’t have gone with him anyway.”
“I’m sure that was a painful experience for you, but there’s more, isn’t there? Who was he?”
Brynja thought to deny him, but why not be honest? She’d never have the chance to tell anyone else. No one else would care what happened to her. Now that her mother was gone, the only one in her life who cared for her was Hildi, if she ever awakened again. “I can’t tell you,” she whispered. “I don’t know his name.”
“How did he hurt you?”
“He touched me. When we were taken from Tiree to Ulva, the man who abducted us rubbed his hand over all my body. I fought him but he punched me, then punched Hildi. I hate him.”
“Ah, you’re after vengeance then, are you not, lass?”
She nodded.
“Be careful. I hear vengeance can rot your insides. I don’t fault you for it. I would do the same. If you ever decide you’d like some help, I’m happy to be of assistance to you. I’m truly sorry to hear of all you’ve had to deal with. More than you should have.”
Her voice was quiet. “I hate all men.”
“Nay, you don’t, but I can wait for you to figure that out. I’ll be waiting for you, whenever you’re ready.” He leaned over, lifted her chin with his fingers and brushed his lips against hers.
She nearly pulled away, but for some unknown reason, she liked it.
Probably because no matter how she wished to fight it, she liked this man. This man who reminded her of her mother and Hildi’s mom. This man who had gone out of his way to help her.
Help her, not hurt her.
He didn’t say she wasn’t wanted, he didn’t tell her to shut her mouth, he didn’t tell her that because she was a lass that she had no worth, no value.
His lips were soft and warm, enough that she tugged him back for another kiss, and Hagen growled, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close as he angled his mouth over hers. She parted her lips and his tongue met hers. But that scared her. She pushed him away.
“You growled again.”
He chuckled and said, “I did, for a good reason.” Then he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be waiting. Whenever you are ready to accept me in your life, I’ll be there.”
Brynja turned away, heading toward the cottage. She didn’t tell him that she thought the man who’d touched her was theother man in the boat, but she wasn’t certain, so she kept that inside. Well hidden from everyone because she would find revenge for what he did to her and to Hildi.
But most of all, she refused to let Hagen see her tears because they were a sign of weakness.
She was not weak.
Chapter Sixteen
Lia
Lia strolled out of the woods the next morning, looking for two people. This assignment was going to be very different for her. Usually, she was the protector of the bairns, but not this time.
She was the protector of an older man who was tied to many of the bairns she was assigned to watch over. But she had to get things arranged properly or the universe would be a mess. Closing her eyes, she hummed, calling to a certain person who could always hear her, summoning her to Lia’s side.
A wee bit later, Simone came through the trees with Artan. “Good morn to you, Lia. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Good day to both of you. I’m pleased you are here. I could use your help with something.” Lia liked the idea that she could send a message to Simone, and she accepted it without realizing it. It was something guiding angels used often. It came through to Simone as a sudden urge to go somewhere, and she was the type of person who always followed her intuition.
If only more people would do the same.
Artan said, “It is a nice day, Lia. Simone said she had to come here, though she couldn’t tell me why. I think I have an idea what compelled her forward. Do you know?”
Lia smiled and said, “I might. I need your help with something, though I believe Simone will be of more assistance than you, Artan, but I’m glad you came along.”
Simone closed her eyes and whispered, “Lia, please, not my sire again. I couldn’t handle it.”
