“The laird wasn’t uppermost on her mindthis morning. Sleep was.Another giggle raced around the room,and Mairin realized that once again, she’dgiven voice to her thoughts.”

“His gaze narrowed and she could see hishands twitching again like he’d love nothing more than to throttle her. She was beginning to think it was an affliction of his. Did he go around wanting to choke the life out of everyone or was she special in that regard?“I’m afraid ’tis an urge that is entirely original to you,” the laird barked.She clamped her mouth shut and closedher eyes. Mother Serenity had vowed one day Mairin would regret her propensity to blurt out her least little thought. Today just might be that day.”

“She sat down on the bed next to Crispen,and he snuggled into the crook of her arm.“I’m getting you dirty,” he whispered.“I don’t care.”“What are we going to do, Mairin?”

“Said to Mairin; "There's little decency to good loving" Maddie said. "If 'tis decent, it isn't much fun"!”

“It was the only way to silence you.”She bristled with outrage. “Silenceme? You took liberties withmy … my … my lips in order to silenceme? That was very impertinent of you,Laird. I won’t allow you to do it again.”6/756He smiled and folded his arms overhis chest. “Aye, you will.”Her mouth gaped open in astonishmentand then worked up and down asshe struggled to speak. “I assure you Iwon’t.”“I assure you that you will.”

“She laid her head against his collarbone, and he kissed her temple. To her shock, she felt a shudder roll through his body about the same time she registered wetness against her skin. Tears. His tears.She started to turn around, but he tightened his grip.“Stay,” he said in a choked voice. “Just let me hold you, baby. Just let me hold you.”

“A woman who's survived all you've survived doesn't cry. She holds her head up and dares the world around her to fuck with her.”