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Isla’s heart pounded in her chest, the sound so loud it echoed in her ears She clung to Lachlan’s hand as they pushed through bracken, the fern fronds brushing against her cape as they skirted stealthily around the perimeter of the field

She gripped his hand tighter Fear for the cattle and her safety had no bearing on the need to reined they were running away, far away fro or anyone that would seek to keep them apart There would be a small cabin, a cosy, isolated place where they could hide froht she would lie enveloped in his ar her safe, keeping her warm

But it was a foolish dream

Sunrise would bring the realisation that she was no longer hu her life with Lachlan had vanished the ht in her throat Gulping down breaths was the only way to keep calm and quiet

“We’re nearly there I expect once he has carried out his evil deed, he will reenter the forest the salanced down at her, his brows drawn together “If you’re struggling to keep up I can carry you”

“No” Her heart fluttered at the prospect Once, he had chased her along the banks of the burn, scooped her up into his muscular arms and twirled round and round until they were both dizzy She had squealed and laughed until her sides ached It was the day she lost her heart and soul to hi strides”

“Will it be easier if I let go of your hand?”

“No” She wanted to hold on to hier The opportunity would never present itself again Soon, he would leave for Edinburgh She suspected he would leave for good “Your fir”

He nodded, unaware of how she longed to rest her head against his bare chest, oblivious to the way her body cried out to be near him

Lachlan stopped and bent his head “We aze travelled over her face “I want you to re untoward happen, I want you to run holas”

Panic flared

He was strong, robust, a perfect speci? “Do not do anything foolish, soret”

He used the tips of his fingers to trace a line along her jaw “I a foolish I have co dear toI have learnt to live with”

He did not wait for her to pass comment and without another word turned andhis back to stoop forward, he crept out into the open air Isla clung to a tree trunk as she watched his measured movements The hair at her nape prickled to attention; the rew hard as she waited for him to confront the scoundrel

In the dark, it was difficult to distinguish one black shadow from another Lachlan had blown out the candle in her la it All she could do was attempt to use the predatory skills that were a consequence of her blood affliction Could she pick up traces of the villain’s thoughts in order to establish es to Lachlan?