Page 36 of Highlander’s Dangerous Love

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The next morning, Gemma continued on her journey. According to the map, she was not far from the village. Even without the map, she knew she was getting close as she could hear the roar of the river not far from the forest. The landscape shifted ever so slightly as well — the rolling hills grew taller and steeper, which of course, indicated a glen nearby. It was common sense, but she might not have known that if Colin had not taught her these things about the landscape so long ago.

Feeling like it was finally safe enough to come to the main road, Gemma stepped off the cobbled path and onto the muddy streets of the small village in the glen. As she wandered the winding streets, Gemma took in the sights and sounds of the village. She watched as the locals went about their daily routines, greeting each other with a familiar smile and a nod. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meats wafted through the air, making her stomach grumble in hunger. It was a small village, much smaller than the one that the castle governed. But it was charming, and Gemma felt like this would be a pleasant place to live, if she were here under better circumstances.

She wandered around the village until she found what she was looking for — a blacksmith’s shop. When she peered inside, she saw a familiar figure at the forge. Her heart skipped a beat. It was Colin. She moved closer, her heart racing with anticipation.

Colin looked up and saw her. His expression was blank, but Gemma could see the surprise in his eyes. It had been so long since they last saw each other, and Gemma was sure he never expected to see her again. She moved towards him, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Colin,” she said softly. “I wondered if I’d ever see ye again.”

Colin stared at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of disbelief and confusion. It was as if he had seen a ghost. He took a step back, his hand clutching the handle of his hammer.

“Gemma,” he said slowly. “What are ye doin’ here?”

“I came to see you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Colin shook his head, his eyes darting around the shop. He seemed nervous, uneasy. Gemma couldn't understand why. She had always known him to be confident, sure of himself.

“I cannae talk right now,” he said, his voice clipped. “I’m busy.”

“I just need a few minutes," Gemma pleaded. “Please, Colin. I need answers.”

Colin sighed and put down his hammer, turning to face her.

“What d’ye need tae know?”

Gemma took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. She had rehearsed this conversation in her head countless times, but now that she was face to face with Colin, she found herself struggling to find the right words.

“What happened with yer father and the laird?” She asked finally, her voice cracking with emotion.

Colin's face hardened, his jaw clenching.

“I…cannae say.”

“Are ye really tae marry someone else?”

“Gemma, I⁠—”

Her nostrils flared in anger. How could he act so cold now when he had been so sweet and loving to her just months ago? It was absolutely baffling to her.

“Dinnae ‘Gemma’ me. Tell me the truth!”

“I had tae leave,” Colin said, his voice low. “’Twas for the best.”

“The best for whom?” Gemma demanded. “Certainly not for me.”

Colin’s eyes flickered with something she couldn’t quite place. Was it guilt? Regret?

“I’m sorry, Gemma,” he said softly. “I didnae mean tae hurt ye. But please trust me when I say…I cannae tell ye the truth until I have all the answers.”

“Then find the answers with me!” She cried.

“Please!” He hissed, “keep your voice down!”

“I escaped from my parents’ house, under the tunnel. I walked here. I slept in the forest, all tae come here an’ find ye, an’ ye act as if ‘tis a burden!”

She could feel hot, angry tears welling up, and cursed inwardly. She’d wanted to remain stoic and reasonable, but the way he was acting made her feel anything but that way.