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“Douglas frets over nothing” The lie fell easily from her lips But then what use did she have for money? If she had to feed naturally, so be it Indeed, many people committed abhorrent acts to survive Nikolai had supped froht had returned to her suddenly two years ago — although hunger had not been his motive

“Douglas is a proud man He would not have approached me had your situation not been dire”

Her situation was dire; disaster had struck, but ther

e wasn’t a da anyone could do about it She rubbed her hip, suddenly conscious of the branding mark scorched into her skin The devil truly had marked her as his own

“I’ll not keep you any longer” She stood in a bid to banish all thoughts of hi The more time she spent in his co the truth “You are not responsible for ht to another h and find a wife of your own” She tried not to wince at the harsh edge to her tone Her words would be enough to rouse his teht, perhaps never to return

He jumped to his feet, stepped closer until she could s to his skin Her knees almost buckled She squared her shoulders and stared deeply into his piercing blue eyes, expecting him to offer a rebuke

“I’ve never seen you look so scared” His husky whisper was like a flame to her icy coed your heart, and yet you gave it to another I believed your lies then But I do not believe them now”

Isla closed her eyes briefly, shocked to find the deep ache in her chest could still pain her so easily after all this tiht think or how you may have interpreted ht I am scared”

She was scared of living alone with her terrifying affliction She was scared of being an outcast ast her own people Most of all, she feared Lachlan’s desire to et her Selfishly, she wanted him to love her forever In truth, she wished she did know of an ancient spell or potion capable of turning back ti in Lachlan’s arms rather than a lifetime with any other man

“Then let ers reached out to touch her cheek “Let me share the burden”

Isla held her breath If he touched her, she would not have the strength to protest

The sound of their laboured breathing perers were close, so close she could feel the heat radiating froy that contained the essence of his life force

Malmuirie's distant screech captured their attention Disappointment flooded her chest as he lowered his hand, the sensation far more profound than she had expected

The door flew open Herhis best to hold her back

“We’re all dooed woy for her unwelcorasped Isla’s hands and shook them as she spoke “It is terrible They’ll not rest until they drive us all out They think it was you They think you’re the Devil’s disciple”