Highlander Most Wanted Page 0,76
take that away.”
Genevieve regretted that she’d been so impulsive in urging Taliesan to enter her chamber. Taliesan was a sweet and genuine lass, but right now Genevieve wanted only to be alone and away from Taliesan’s innocent prying.
“I would go to bed now, Taliesan,” Genevieve said quietly.
Taliesan shuffled awkwardly to Genevieve’s side and suddenly Genevieve was enfolded in Taliesan’s arms.
“I did not mean to hurt you.”
Genevieve turned and hugged Taliesan to her. “I know you didn’t. ’Tis my fault for being too sensitive. I’m just weary and nervous over the Montgomerys’ arrival.”
“I will leave you to rest. Would you like me to have food brought up to your chamber on the morrow?”
“ ’Tis kind of you to offer, but I will be fine. I cannot hide in my chamber forever.”
Taliesan withdrew and, offering Genevieve a reassuring smile, limped slowly out the door, shutting it behind her.
Genevieve sagged onto the bed and flopped backward, staring at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift back over the many days spent in Bowen’s company.
They’d been magical. She’d been filled with a longing that instilled an ache deep in her soul.
She didn’t entirely understand it—she didn’t understand Bowen or his seeming interest in her. Had she imagined it? Nay, he couldn’t feign something like that, and what purpose would be served by deceiving her in such a fashion?
He acted as though he genuinely cared, which puzzled her because, given the sins she’d committed against his clan, he should be angry. He should want vengeance. Or, at least, for her to pay for those sins.
And there was the fact that she was no great beauty and Bowen was so beautiful to look at that it hurt.
She was damaged. The whore of another. She wore his stamp of possession on her cheek, and that would never change. Every time Bowen looked upon her scar he’d be reminded that another man had possessed her.
A sense of futility filled her heart until she could no longer bear the weight of it.
What would happen to her now that Bowen’s brother had arrived? Would she be punished? Would she be sent away?
So many questions that she didn’t have answers for. And she wasn’t sure she was brave enough to demand them from Bowen or his brother, the laird.
If she was truthful, she’d admit that she wished with all her heart to go back in time and relive the past days over and over.
She was struck by the fact that, for the first time in a year, she’d been … happy. It was astounding, but it was true. She’d been content. She’d smiled. She’d laughed. And she’d been happy.
How long had it been since she’d enjoyed a moment in time? Precious minutes filled with contentment?
Not since she’d left the bosom of her family had she considered herself happy.
A warm tear leaked from the corner of her eye and trailed down her cheek.
Happiness seemed impossible. A lifetime ago. Something she’d thought never to experience again.
But, just for a moment, Bowen had given her that, only for her to have it cruelly snatched away by the encroachment of reality.
CHAPTER 30
“Graeme!” Bowen called as he strode across the courtyard to greet his brother.
Graeme turned from where he stood with Teague and Brodie, his eyebrows furrowed as he took in Bowen’s appearance. As Bowen neared, Graeme pulled him into a hearty embrace and slapped him on the back.
“You look hale and hearty,” Graeme observed. “From the report I received, I expected you to be abed convalescing.”
Bowen smiled. “ ’Twas greatly exaggerated, my injury. ’Twas naught but a scratch.”
“That scratch required extensive stitching,” Teague drawled.
Graeme’s gaze sharpened. “Is this true?”
Bowen shrugged. “I am well. ’Tis all that matters.”
“Aye,” Graeme agreed. “Indeed, ’tis all that matters.”
“How fares Eveline?” Bowen asked. “And Rorie? Did you leave them at the keep?”
Graeme shook his head. “Rorie stayed behind. She was distraught over missing her reading lessons. But I bore Eveline to her family at Armstrong Keep. I worry that she is not over the upset caused by her abduction.”
“I just hope you brought us food,” Teague grumbled. “I’m nigh to starving!”
“I would know all that has occurred here,” Graeme said, ignoring Teague’s outburst.
Bowen flinched inwardly, knowing that he would have to tell Graeme about Genevieve and the part she played in Eveline’s abduction. ’Twas a task he didn’t relish. The last thing he wanted was to be the one responsible for having more anger directed at the lass.
Already he was determined that, even though he had