Page 13 of His Secret Highland Bride

Shane’s fingers gripped into a fist. He would break Randall MacPherson for touching her rough. He opened his mouth to speak the threat, but another thought made his words catch in his throat. He swallowed before managing the quiet words. “Was it just a beating, or did he…” Shane swallowed, unable to say or even think the worst.

“As you’ll recall, I asked ye to step outside.”

He understood now. With a quick bow, he rushed out of the cabin. Tre looked to him and back to Lindsay for a moment before following him outside as if somehow knowing he needed her company more than it would benefit Lindsay. “Thanks, lass,” he said while sitting on the edge of the porch. He was surprised when the dog came to sit close to his side. “She’ll be fine. My aunt will see to it.”

But as he said it, he couldn’t be certain it was the truth. He was sitting out in the dark so his aunt could inspect the damage done to this strong, sweet woman. He’d seen what happened to women who had been violated in that way. The fear that never left their eyes.

Restless energy and anger had Shane standing and pacing on the path in front of the cottage. Tre kept up with him. He knew if he went to face Randall, he would end the man. He recalled the rage he’d launched on the French soldiers after he’d found Maria. Instead of risking such a massacre, he stayed where he was. It was more important to be there for Lindsay than to sate his anger.

A few minutes later, his aunt came out. A nod of her head communicated he could return inside.

“She’s not been touched,” his aunt confirmed.

Shane nearly fell to his knees in relief. She was not his, but still, he never wanted her to suffer such a thing.

“I don’t think her ribs are broken, just badly bruised. It looked to be a boot print.”

They shared a frown before she went on.

“She has a knot on her head that most likely put her into this sleep. She shouldn’t be moved. She needs to rest and will wake up when she can. I got some willow bark tea into her and left some on the table for you to give to her when she needs it for the pain.”

Tre hopped on the bed again and snuggled in at Lindsay’s hip.

“It looks like you have someone to help tend to her.”

Shane patted the mutt on the head. “Aye. Thank ye, aunt.”

She nodded.

“I’ll see you home.”

His aunt crossed her arms as her brows raised. He was foolish to think he could take her home without answering any of her many questions. This was the price he’d pay for her help. He glanced at the woman in his bed and took a settling breath.

“From the looks of this cottage, I’d gather you’ve been here for at least a week.”

He blinked. “Are ye asking me a question or speaking your observations?”

She laughed. “Very well. How long have ye been home?”

“You had it right. It’s been almost a week.”

“And no one at the castle knows.”

“Ye know well what awaits me at Cluny. I’m to be named laird and married off. Is it so much to want a reprieve from that? To want a bit of peace after being away at war for years?” He’d not tell his aunt of all he lost in France. He couldn’t talk about it.

“Nay. It’s not. I understand.”

“You do?” He tilted his head and narrowed his gaze. “And you’ll not speak of my being here?”

She shook her head. “It’s not my business. Besides, who would I tell? Deirdre?” She made an incredulous noise and a face to go with it. “We don’t sit for chats, she and I.”

That was certainly true. The women hadn’t been friends. Aunt Bess was Shane’s mother’s sister. As such, she didn’t care for the way Deirdre tossed away his mother’s things to make room for her more expensive tastes. Deirdre insisted on fancy gowns and jewels. She dressed more like a queen than the lady of the keep. She acted as a queen as well. Expected everyone to bow to her wishes.

“Thank ye for keeping my secret.”

She waved a hand. “As I said, it’s not my business. But know ye can’t hide away here forever. Eventually, everyone must step into the role they’re meant for.”

“I know. I want a little more time.” It would never be enough time.