Page 46 of In Bed with a Scot

Isabelle ran down the stairs, through the kitchen, and into the back passage that led to Lorcan’s quarters. She prayed feverishly that none of Bain’s men would see her. Fear clutched her heart, but love drove her forward. She realized that it would have been easier and safer to have Cara deliver the necklace back to her, but Isabelle needed to see Madden, to explain to him why she was asking for it back. She needed him to understand that she still loved him.

When Isabelle reached Lorcan’s room, she stopped, looked both ways up and down the corridor, then raised her hand to knock on the wood. To her relief, Madden answered the door. His eyes widening in surprise, he pulled her inside of the room, closing the door behind him. “Did Keelin tell ye that I wished tae speak with ye? How did ye get past yer guards?” He kissed her, before giving her a chance to answer his questions.

Isabelle smiled against his lips and returned the kiss. “Nae, I have nae spoken with Keelin. Cara helped me tae get past the guards.”

Madden smiled, nodding. “She is a good friend, that one.”

“Aye,” Isabelle agreed.

He smiled down into her face, leaning in for another kiss.

Isabelle laid her hand on his chest, knowing that another kiss might lead to much more. “I need tae speak with ye.”

“As I dae ye.” The serious tone of Madden’s voice made Isabelle pause.

“What did ye wish tae speak with me about?”

“I want tae take ye and Keelin away from here.”

“Where would we go?”

“Hamilton clan lands. Nae one would dare tae come after ye there.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? So soon?”

“Aye, I dinnae trust yer husband. He challenged me tae fight on the training field and warned me tae stay away from ye.”

“Dae ye believe that he kens the truth about us?”

“I dinnae ken fer certain, but I believe that he suspects.”

Isabelle swallowed hard, bile rising in her throat from fear. “He asked about me necklace today. It is why I came. I was going tae ask fer it back so as tae ease his anger.”

Madden’s eyes widened in understanding. “When Bain and I were sparring, his blade ripped my shirt. He saw the necklace! How could I nay think of that?”

“Are ye certain that he saw it?”

“Aye, I am certain. Now his rage makes sense.”

Isabelle sat down on the edge of the bed. Her legs were trembling. “He kens the truth about us?”

Madden shook his head. “There is nae way tae be certain, but it is possible.”

“If he kens the truth, why are we still alive?”

Madden sat down on the bed next to her, taking her into his arms. “I dinnae ken, me love.”

Isabelle lifted her face up to him with tears in her eyes. “I will leave with ye tomorrow, but first, I need tae tell me braither the truth about our parents.”

“What has made ye change yer mind?”

“If we are tae face death upon the morrow, then I wish tae dae so with a clean soul.”

Madden looked into her eyes, love shining from their depths. “Ye are a woman of great courage.”