“Well, the curse did say someone was going to die,” Ian said, and Quinn smacked his arm.
“If I hear the word curse mentioned one more time, I think I’m going to scream.”
Collin squeezed her hand, pulled her down, and kissed her lips. “I needed that.”
“He’s fine,” Ian said and headed for the door. “Quinn, call me if you need anything. I’ll convert you to red if it’s the last thing I do.”
“The hell you will,” Collin argued, making Ian chuckle.
Quinn moved to the other side of the bed and crawled up against Collin, as he wrapped his good arm around her. She looked up at him. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
“I’m gladyou’reokay.” He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair while she fell fast asleep.
Collin walkedinto the castle and was greeted by his staff. Each looked happy for his arrival, but none more so than Mavis, whose arm was in a sling. He crossed the room to her, lifted her good hand andkissed it. “We’re both casualties of the curse.”
“I cannae cook, but I can supervise.”
Margarete headed for Collin, but Quinn quickly stepped in her way. “He’s off-limits, and he needs his rest.”
“You cannae talk to me that way.”
“I just did, honey, so go back to playing with the furnishings because you won’t be playing with him.”
Collin wrapped his arm around Quinn’s waist and kissed her neck. “Your claws are showing, luv. Why donae you take me upstairs and make good on the promise you made before the dance?”
She glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “I would, but I don’t have my dagger.”
“We’ll make do.” Collin took her hand and led her through the crowd and to the stairs. He had a date with this gorgeous woman and his bed. He wouldn’t ravish her right away, but he could hold her in his arms while she got a decent night’s sleep, and that was exactly what he did.
Collin woke before Quinn the next morning, partly because of the pain in his arm and partly because she was in his arms. Her time in Scotland was dwindling, and the thought made his heart ache. She had a life before him, one she’d be returning to. The curse had played out, well except the fire but with Ramsey nolonger in the picture, the curse was all but over. A nobleman had indeed fallen, not only from stature but also from the side of a cliff to his death.
How had Collin been so blind not to realize what was happening?
“You’re thinking too loud,” Quinn mumbled, moving to rest her cheek on her hand.
“Sorry.” Collin pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “I need to go down to my office and try to figure out what happened and take inventory of the missing items.”
“I’m sorry your friend was a lowlife, sniveling thief.”
Collin stroked her red silky hair. “It’s no’ your fault. You probably saved the castle and me from ruin.”
“I save you; you save me. That’s how we work.” She grinned and slid out of the bed. “Is it safe for me to leave the castle?”
“Aye.” Collin reached for her, and she scooted out of reach. “I need some more things from town and want to check in on Johnny. My sisters are going to want an update. I’m surprised they haven’t shown up yet.”
“Keep Angus with you, just in case.”
She slipped into her jeans and fastened her bra before climbing back onto the bed, giving Collin a taste of her creamy flesh. “I’ll be fine.”
He cupped her cheek. “See that you are.”
“I’ll be back before you miss me.” She got off the bed and slipped on her shirt.
“No’ possible.” He smiled up at her, and she frowned.
She stood at the end of the bed and whipped her hair up into a ponytail. “Collin Menzie. I love you. I didn’t plan it and have no idea what to do about it, but I said it, so yeah.”
She nodded, spun on her heels and left, leaving Collin speechless. The lass had stolen his breath, and then just disappeared in typical Quinn fashion. He rested his hands beneath his head as he repeated her words in his mind. She loved him. Surely he could convince her to stay.
