Page 21 of B is for Beast of Dean

When we finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Heath kept his hands on my face.

"There's something you should know," he said. "I can't stay here much longer. I've been planning to leave for the Scottish Highlands. There's a village called Kinloch Rannoch where I have... connections. The people are kind and wouldn't ask too many questions about a woman traveling with her reclusive husband."

"Husband?" I raised an eyebrow.

Heath ducked his head. "If you're willing. It would be safer. Easier."

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "When do we leave?"

"Now, if you're ready. We can be miles away before anyone notices you're missing."

Heath glanced toward the corner of the cottage, where I noticed for the first time a leather pack sitting ready by the door. "I've been preparing to leave," he admitted quietly. "I thought... after the other day, I assumed I'd be going alone."

The sight of that pack, already prepared for a solitary journey, made my chest ache.

"You won't be alone," I said firmly. "Not anymore."

Heath's expression softened. "The village I mentioned is about a week's journey north. We'll need to travel at night and stay hidden during the day. Are you certain you're ready for that?"

I looked around the cottage one last time, memorizing the place. Then I picked up my valise and moved toward the door.

"I'm ready," I said.

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