Page 177 of Wicked Highland Heroes

St. Claire shook his head. “She was found unconscious. I assume her would-be killer was interrupted before he could finish the job.”

Tears stung the corners of Rhoslyn’s eyes. She took a long, slow drink of wine in an effort to gain control. “Muira took me under her wing when I married Alec,” she finally said. “Taught me about herbs, how to manage a kitchen.” Her voice hitched. “She was more mother than housekeeper. I thank God he spared her.” But could she forgive Him for taking the other two lives? Even as the thought formed she knew it wasn’t God’s doing, but her own. She had neglected her duty and left herself and those who depended on her vulnerable. Forgive me, she mentally prayed.

“She said my brother arrived not long after I left,” St. Claire said.

Rhoslyn nodded. “No more than two hours later.”

“That is early to receive visitors.”

“He was your brother and I had a guard. I had no idea I had anything to fear.”

St. Claire nodded. “Still, I would prefer that you not entertain in the early hours of the morning.”

Ire flared. “We are no’ truly wed and already ye are giving orders.”

His expression remained calm. “I do not think it is too much to ask that a wife allow her husband to protect her.”

Her heart began to beat fast. What she would have given for his protection when Dayton yanked up her skirt. The shock and anger on St. Claire’s face when he saw her tied to the bed came to mind and the urge to cry nearly overwhelmed her.

She dropped her gaze. “I am sorry.”

“You are not to blame.”

She jerked her gaze back to him. “But you just said I should no’ entertain at night.”

“That does not mean you are at fault. I should have left you better protected.”

“Or not gone at all?” she asked

A hint of a smile played at the edges of his full mouth. “You would not have forgiven me if I did not help your grandfather.”

“That is true,” she admitted. “How is he? You didna’ tell him everything?”

St. Claire shook his head. “He is well, and sleeping here at the inn. You can see him in the morning.”

Anxiety knotted her stomach. Could she face him so soon after what had happened? Another thought struck and her insides began to tremble. “What of your brother?”

The humor on St. Claire’s face vanished and his mouth thinned to a hard line. “We did not find him.”

She drew a sharp breath.

St. Claire met her gaze. “He will never again harm you.”

Rhoslyn nodded.

“I swear, Rhoslyn, I will find and kill him.”

“He is your brother.”

“You are my wife.”

She studied him. “Why would you kill your brother for a woman you do no’ know, much less care for?”

“I will do that and more, my lady.”

Her breath caught at sight of the intense light in his eyes. She was afraid to ask what the ‘more’ included.

“What happened with Aodh?” she asked.