Page 32 of Bewitching her Highland Savior

“Russell McAlpine,” Liam corrected him.

Macleod paused; staring at him through narrowed eyes for a moment. “Right. Well… yer reputation precedes ye, but it doesnae do ye any justice. Ye really are a big lad.”

“What can I say?” Liam asked. “I always finished me meals as a bairn.”

Macleod let out a roaring laugh – slapping Liam’s shoulder amiably. Liam could see the faint but noticeable scar that ran across his right eye up close. His eyes were so dark he couldn't see the pupils, but they shone brightly in the sunlight filtering through the windows, just like his mop of brown hair.

“I dinnae suppose that ye were plannin’ on leavin’ immediately, were ye?” Macleod asked; sounding the part of a gracious host. “Ye must be tired after such a journey. Ye’re welcome to rest here.”

“I think it would be better if we left,” Liam said; without missing a beat. He glanced at Muriel but even then, he saw no reaction from her. “We have a long road ahead of us.”

“Then at least stay tonight,” Macleod said. “We’ll have a feast; ye can rest for the night and then ye can be on yer way.”

Liam didn't want to stay any longer than necessary, but when Lucas nudged him with his elbow, he realized that refusing would be impolite, and there was no reason for him to incite conflict between them or the clans.

“Verra weel,” he said. “We’ll stay tonight.”

“Excellent!” Macleod said. “I’ll have the servants show ye to yer chambers.”

Macleod walked away without another word or even a glance at Muriel, who stood there awkwardly, as if she didn't know what to do. Liam took a step toward her but then stopped himself and turned to Lucas instead.

“We leave at first light.”

What he didn’t say was, I wish we didnae stay at all.

* * *

Muriel hadn't talked to Liam in days. It was strange to go from being constantly around him, always knowing he was there to listen to her, to being unable to say even a simple good morning. Even as they drove to Lewis, it was all she could think about. She had thought that there was no prospect more terrifying than being taken there not long ago but now she approached the situation with a clear head. Once again, escape was out of the question. So she'd get to Lewis and she'd either be happy or not.

It was as simple as that.

What she had never considered was that Laird Macleod could be so dismissive. He introduced himself and even kissed her knuckles at first, but she was quickly forgotten as he turned around and left after his conversation with Liam.

Muriel didn’t know what to do. Did he expect her to follow him? Was she dismissed for a while until he wanted to see her? Neither prospect seemed appealing. She wasn’t simply going to be available when he wanted her to be and invisible the rest of the time.

Although it could suit me. If he doesnae keep a close eye on me…

Perhaps she would have more freedom than she had anticipated. Love was no longer important to her. She'd allowed herself to feel something for Liam, and it had ended abruptly and in a bad way. Love was something to be avoided at all costs. What she wanted was having a life, a few friends to spend it with, and some peace and quiet. She didn't want a man following her around.

Especially not a man like Macleod. He was handsome, she supposed. She could see the appeal. But whatever charm he exuded seemed forced and the first impression he had made on her was not a particularly good one.

Muriel didn't have much to do after everyone was shown to their chambers. They'd arrived in Lewis early and there was still plenty of time before dinner. After bathing the filth of the trip off her and getting dressed in a fresh dress – the color a deep green that reminded her of Liam's eyes – she began wandering around the castle grounds, trying to familiarize herself with the area. After all, if she were to stay there for the rest of her life, she would need to know where everything was.

As she walked through the castle, she passed by several different closed doors but didn’t feel comfortable about opening any of them. Even after years of being there, she wondered if the place would ever feel like home. Would she ever feel like she was part of the clan, as Amelia had made her feel in just a few days?

Only when she reached the kitchens did she stop – hearing what sounded like the sniffles of a girl or a young woman. She peered through the door, her curiosity getting the better of her. All she saw were two maids, one comforting the other as she cried. Fat tears spilled down her face and there was a red, angry palm print on her cheek.

“Hush noo,” one of them told the other. “The others will hear ye.”

“So what if they do? Have they nae been through the same thing?”

“Precisely. Come... I’ll make sure that ye dinnae have to see the laird for a few days.”

Muriel drew in a sharp breath but didn’t stay around to hear anything more, fearing that the women had heard her. She rushed outside, almost running into one of the Macleod men and ignored him when he asked her if she was alright.

Did he do somethin’ to her?

That had been her biggest nightmare coming to Lewis. She could handle a man who didn’t love her and she would never have to worry about a man who did love her, anyway. What she couldn’t handle was an evil, ruthless man who hurt those around him.

Her father, for all his flaws, had never struck her or any of the maids. He had certainly been cruel to her mother, taking her as his captive, but she had sworn to Muriel that he had never raised a hand to her, even when they argued.

Had it been Laird Macleod who had struck the maid? It had certainly sounded that way. And would he strike her as well when she displeased him?

She had little doubt about it. If he was cruel to his servants then what stopped him from being cruel to his own wife?

Should I tell someone? Should I speak to Liam?

But, even if she told Liam, what could he do? He'd made it clear that he wouldn't do anything to endanger his clan, and Muriel, more importantly, didn't want him to take that risk. She couldn’t utter a word to him about it.

All I can do is wait.

She would bide her time and see what Macleod was like for herself. If he turned out to be a cruel man then she would have to deal with it once the time came, one way or another.

It was a good thing Liam had taught her how to use a knife.