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“That ti passed”

“If I everto you, then let me hear the truth fall from your lips now”

If he ever h battered and bruised, her heart would always belong to him

“Was it sha her to answer “Were you too ashamed to tell me?”

“In a way” After her shocking betrayal, he deserved to hear a few honest words “The truth is I … I could not bear to see pity or disgust in your eyes I want to reether appeared bright and full of endless possibilities”

Puffing his cheeks, he expelled a loud gush of air There was a prolonged aze bore deep into her soul “I cannot help but feel guilty for staying in Edinburgh when you were here suffering alone”

“It was my fault you went away” Isla forced a weak slas and Malh she is often drareat support to me since my father died”

“Your father was a good, honestunder your husband’s spell”

It had all seeht to ht so, too, and had been just as eager for the s for Lachlan had faded from both of their minds

“Apparently, he is not ht of being free

Lachlan nodded towards the open door “Then perhaps we should go inside and hear how he met his demise” He raised a quizzical brow “That is if you want me to stay”

She did not have the courage to say that she wanted hied with her; he always had Nikolai’s death brought with it a glimmer of hope for her future “You know you are alelcome here I would not turn away a friend But equally, I would not want you to stay out of a sense of obligation”

“I once took your hand in mine and swore that I would always protect you” His voice sounded an octave higher, perhaps a little croaky “Let ain”

He had also proh he chose not to re back the tears, she smiled To embrace him would be a mistake And so s

he tapped hio inside and celebrate the fact I’m a ”