Page 101 of Desire of a Highlander

Bryce gazed towards the far bank where Ronan stood amongst the refugees, staring across the bridge at her.

Bryce sighed. “I’ve responsibilities ye canna begin to understand. Ye paint a compelling utopia where somehow my brother and I have resolved our differences and can all live happily ever after. But the real world isnae like that. And I canna risk the lives of my people on the word of a lass I’ve known for five minutes. I’m sorry.”

The words were like a cold knife sliding into her stomach. She cast around desperately for an argument, some carefully crafted logic that would sway him. But she’d used it all up and could think of nothing else that might reach him.

“It has been an...interesting discussion,” Bryce said “But my answer remains the same.”

A guard approached. “I’ll have ye escorted back to the bridge.”

Elodie stared at Bryce. She’d been so certain she’d found the answer. So certain. But swaying a Highland lord to let go of a festering enmity against his brother was not the same as swaying nervy stakeholders or squabbling contractors. Not the same at all. Feeling oddly numb inside, she turned and followed the guard towards the bridge. She’d come agonizingly close. Close enough to make Bryce hesitate but not close enough to change his mind.

And now everyone she cared about would pay the price.

Chapter 22

Ronan stood at the edge of the river, his eyes fixed on the bridge, scarcely blinking for fear he might miss the first glimpse of Elodie. The Campbell guards remained where they had been, motionless silhouettes against the lowering sun.

She had disappeared into Bryce’s camp what felt like an age ago and as soon as he’d realized what she’d done, every instinct in him screamed to go after her. They still did. Only Faye’s hand on one arm and Eamon’s on the other stopped him from going after her.

What was Bryce doing? Questioning her? Threatening her? Would he try and use her to force his hand?

His fists clenched. If his brother harmed so much as a hair on her head...

Skye suddenly barked and Ronan turned as a lone figure stepped onto the far end of the bridge. Elodie. Relief struck him so powerfully his knees almost gave way.

Without thinking, he broke into a run and met her halfway along the span. She looked up at him with something like despair in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Then she threw herself into his arms. She clung to him tightly, her face buried against his shoulder. He felt her shaking.

“I’m sorry,” she said again, her voice muffled. “I was so sure...but I failed.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “It doesnae matter,” he said, not sure what she was talking about and not caring one jot. “All that matters is that ye are safe.”

By the time they stepped down off the bridge, half the Steading had gathered. Elodie pulled back just enough to wipe hurriedly at her eyes. Ronan ignored the crowd and took Elodie’s hand.

“This way.”

He led her to one of the canvas shelters that had been hastily erected beside the wagons and they ducked inside. Within, it was quiet with only the most distant murmur of the camp reaching them through the canvas.

With a sigh, Elodie sank to the ground. Ronan crouched before her.

“What in God’s name did ye think ye were doing?” Worry made his voice harsher than he intended. “Why would ye go to Bryce’s camp without even telling me?”

She stared at her hands. “I went to try and get through to him. I was so convinced I could fix all this. And I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d stop me.”

“Damn right I would,” he growled. “Do ye have any idea of what could have happened?” A vision filled his head of Bryce taking her prisoner, using her as a hostage. Did she not understand the power that would have given Bryce? Did she not realize that he would do anything, anything Bryce asked in order to keep her safe?

He took a deep breath to steady the pounding of his heart. “None of that matters now,” he said in a softer voice. “What matters is that ye are safe.”

“But for how long?” she asked, looking up at him. “How long will any of us remain safe? Once the Murdochs get here...”

“Dinna think about that now.”

“How can I not? I tried to save everyone and I failed!”

The despair and self-recrimination in her voice cut Ronan to the quick. He longed to reach out and pull her into his embrace. He longed to tell her that everything would be all right. But that would be a lie and she deserved better than that.