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Airdy’s eyes flared like a wild animal “Next ti on the final word The pistol was still dangling loosely froers, and now he lifted it

Meg stepped back, forgetting her courageous poise She buor Grant, and heard his hiss of pain Before she couldher to one side, hard against his body He was very hot, feverish, and as hard as iron Despite the strength she felt in him, the hand at her waist shook, and she kneould not take ainst her heavily, and she bit her lip, trying not to stagger

“You can try,” he retorted cal marveled at his bravado

“Barbara’s gone”

“Gone?” Gregor sounded as if he was as bewildered as Meg “Gone where? She ith you, Airdy That was the last time I saw her”

“Well she’s gone now!” he blurted, and to Meg’s horror, tears began to streak down his white face “You took her from me, you b-bastard!” The pistol swayed wildly from side to side

Meg gasped

“She isna here,” Gregor said sharply “I left her with you You know this If she’s run off, then she’s done it on her own Or she’s found someone else to listen to her lies Go and find her, if you still want her, but don’t waste my time”

Meg held her breath For a moment it looked as if Airdy would fire at hireat shout of grief and rage, he turned and rode away

Beside her, Gregor sagged against the ja from her waist

His head i to faint How could he faint, when this woered out here, wondering with each step whether he was going to fall down, to find her facing up to Airdy as if she were taking a stroll in the park His heart had given a great thump of fear She didn’t know Airdy, she didn’t know that he was half

And yet her bravery was beyond question

He blinked now, clearing the black spots fro lines in her brow, her piercing eyes searching his

“Captain Grant?” she said gently “Can I help you back to bed now?”

Suddenly Gregor discovered that he adenerous And he knehat he had to do He had sworn that he would not be drawn into her problems, as he had been drawn into Barbara Campbell’s, that he would not return to Glen Dhui at any price, but no he owed her the chance to explain to hi, what she wanted from him