Page 30 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“Very well.” With a nod, he took his bedroll from the items on the pegs and stretched it out in front of the door. “You and Gwennie are safe here. No one will get past me, I swear it.”

He wished her a goodnight as he would come to do for weeks to come. He thought she’d get over her fear and bid him to sleep in another room. But almost a month later, he was still spending the night with them in his room.

It meant he was sleeping on the floor. But their shared evening meals had extended to include all their meals, as well as the time around those meals. In fact, the only time they weren’t together was when he was with his men for drills.

To anyone else, they might’ve seemed like a normal family, but behind closed doors he was still giving her plenty of space.

He knew Evelyn cared only for her child and had no room in her heart for anyone else. Once she was certain Gwennie was no longer in danger, she wouldn’t need him anymore. He was merely a temporary sentry.

He’d do best to protect his heart from expecting anything more.

Chapter Fourteen

Evelyn felt like a butterfly stuck inside its own chrysalis. Yes, she was safe inside, but with each day, she felt more compelled to break free and fly.

She knew her strange feeling had everything to do with sharing a room with Liam over the last month. He’d been nothing but the proper gentleman, seeing to her and Gwennie’s needs, never asking for anything in return, even though she was sure he had needs as well.

She’d seen how he ached in the mornings when he woke, and the way his thin blanket tented over his erection. Yet, he never complained or pushed for anything from her.

The night she’d offered herself, he’d turned her away, and that had been the last time anything of that nature had been addressed. It was exactly what she should want out of this situation. However, she felt a strange frustration that wouldn’t go away. She wanted his lips on hers as much as she didn’t, and was shocked to acknowledge such a thing. She didn’t trust men. She didn’t enjoy sexual relations with them.

But a kiss. A kiss from Liam rather intrigued her.

“Are we to expect a blond babe anytime soon?” Kenna asked while they were in the solar after breakfast. She and Gwennie had made a habit of joining the group each day so Gwennie could play with the other children. Evelyn didn’t mind chatting with the sisters. Kenna and Mari had become good friends, but she didn’t like being asked personal questions like this one.

“Kenna, you know better than to ask something so impertinent.”

Kenna rolled her eyes at her older sister and turned back to Evelyn, obviously still waiting for a reply.

“No. We are not expecting.”

Kenna frowned. “I’m sorry. Perhaps next month.”

Would the woman continue to ask each month? Evelyn looked closely at her and determined she probably would. Best to deal with it straightaway.

“There will be no children.”

“Surely, it’s too soon to know that for sure.”

“I know it for sure.” Evelyn could feel the heat spreading from her cheeks to her neck.

Kenna opened her mouth, but Mari interrupted. “It is not our business, and we will not ask prying questions. Please know if you ever have any questions, we’d welcome them and do our best to help. It’s not easy starting a relationship with a man. And I’m sure it’s even more difficult for someone who’s gone through what you have. You and Liam need only do what’s best for you and Liam.”

Kenna let out a sigh. “My sister is right. Forgive me for meddling.”

Evelyn was relieved when the conversation turned to sewing new dresses for Lizzy and Gwennie. But later, without warning, Evelyn said, “I’ve not kissed Liam.”

Both women seemed surprised. Whether because of what she said or that she’d blurted it out after Mari had suggested a rose fabric for Gwennie’s dress, Evelyn wasn’t certain.

Kenna cleared her throat. “Do ye mean you’ve not kissed him down there?”

“Down there?” she asked not sure what the woman meant.

“Kenna!” Mari turned as red as Evelyn felt. “Ignore her. I take it to mean you’ve not been intimate at all. Not even a kiss.”

“Yes. You see, I didn’t think I’d ever welcome such a thing, but now I find myself curious.”

“Curious is good,” Kenna said with a wide smile.