Page 31 of Seduction in a Kilt

“Aye, it never leaves ye,” she agreed, adding sadly, “’Tis a cruel world at times. But ye and Tadgh have done a good job of raisin’ yersel’s, as ye’ve turned out all right.”

He laughed, and for the first time in weeks, there was no answering pain in

the small of his back.

“So, we have somethin’ in common,” she murmured.

“Aye, it seems so. What about yer braither, Ivy? Tell me, why are ye really

afraid tae go back tae him.”

“I’ve told ye that already.”

“Tell me again.”

She paused for a few moments, clearly thinking. Her hands swooped up his spine, worked on his shoulders some more, then moved slowly down again.

When she finally spoke, it was in a musing sort of voice, as though she was groping for truths she had not spoken before. “I wish I had a braither like Tadhg. Carson? I think there’s somethin’ wrong with him. But I’ve lived with him all me life. I remember little of our parents because I was ten when they were killed and much time has passed. So, he’s the one whose always been in charge.

“I knew from a young age that he hated me. He’d always find any excuse tae bully me, hit me, pinch me, punch me, pull me hair, anythin’ tae make me cry. Then he’d mock me fer that as well. Even when I was small, he’d come intae me room and break me dolls and laugh when I cried. Anything he found out I loved, he’d destroy. He got pleasure from it. The cook gave me a pet rabbit once, but Carson found out about it and killed it. After that, I never had another pet.”

As he listened, Liam’s arousal faded, to be replaced by anger. “What a bastard, tae dae that tae his own wee sister,” he growled.

“There have been many times when he’s said he wished I was dead, that the only use he has for me is tae marry Gael and bring him more power. That’s why I ran in the first place.”

“If ye go back, Ivy, d’ye think he’ll hurt ye?”

She gave a hollow, bitter laugh. “What d’ye think?”