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And if she protested?

He could always use a volunteer to test his latest potion…

Chapter Four

Finn watched from the shelter of a thicket while Violet stepped out of a tiny woodland hut and into the rain She’d been inside for alathered that she visited an old crone who grew herbs and perhaps treated illness The hut had pots of unusual plants on steps and ledges Vines grew up over the roof, all but hiding it frorant se who lived within had tossed some fresh herbs onto the fruitwood

Was Violet truly ill to httie? Finn had not been pleased to witness her nocturnal wanderings Noatched as she pulled up the hood of her cloak, covering her dark hair until she blended with the shadows for the journey home

A journey she wouldn’t bejust yet

He reached for her, cla a hand over her mouth to ensure her silence

Hauling her against hi neatly below his chin just the way he re her in the dark and driving rain, the exact ainst hi fro his hand from her mouth, he relaxed his hold

“Finn?” Raindrops clung to her lashes as she stared at hi out here?”

Now that he knew she was safe again—under his protection—soer returned

“Protecting you The one thing your father asked of me above all others” Before the drink had set in at sup, the Lowland earl had hest priority And although Finn wanted to avenge his brother , he could appreciate the need to watch over the ard lass

“Did he honestly say that? He wanted to protect me?” She blinked in surprise and it occurred to him what an unusual woman she was to stand there, heedless of the fierce stor fro shell of a man who ruled her keep