Highlander The Cursed Lord (Highland Intrigue Trilogy 3)

Bliss could tell that Rannick was dragging the man away from the cottage, his screams drifting off. Her heart thudded in her chest and her stomach churned. She had been warned about Rannick, and how evil he had become.

I know the devil well. He will not help you.

Had he asked the devil for help? Had the devil wanted his soul? Had he been wise enough not to give it to him? And who had she truly struck this bargain with, Rannick’s father or the devil himself?

She stepped outside, needing air and space to breathe, the cottage suddenly feeling too confining. She tried to avoid the area where the other man had fallen dead, but her glance fell there anyway. She was surprised to see he was gone.

She went to the spot and saw a drag mark. Rannick must have dragged him into the woods. She shook her head trying not to think of their fate. They were not good men. They had meant Rannick harm and her as well. Rannick did what needed to be done.

Life in the Highlands could be brutal if one did not have the courage to do what was necessary to survive. Wasn’t she doing just that… doing what was necessary to survive?

Bliss sat on a small bench near the cottage, dazed and confused. It had seemed so simple when she had presented her proposal to Lawler. After all, she was a healer and there had been a small hope in her that she could help heal Rannick even in some small way and perhaps even survive the curse. She supposed it was because she always believed that if she did not dwell on the good when treating someone, then bad would surely befall them.

She had to keep a good thought even if things seemed bleak.

“Bliss.”

Her head shot up to see Rannick standing in front of her, his eyes narrowed, and his muscles tensed. It was obvious rage still raced through him.

He raised his hands, blood covering a good portion of both. “This blood is nothing to the blood of others that I have spilled. Think hard on spending the winter with me, for it is these hands that will touch you intimately.” He paused a moment. “I will have a definite answer from you tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 7

Rannick cleaned himself of all the blood and as he did, he recalled the endless blood that still stained him. He would never be rid of it. It would always be there on him, no matter how often he tried to wash it away. At least this blood would serve a better purpose. It would make Bliss open her eyes to the evil in him and he would not be surprised if she wished to leave this very moment.

He tossed the dirty water from the bucket and placed it by the rain barrel. He turned to the closed door and his stomach clenched. He had faced many a battle with less apprehension than he felt now. He wanted her to go, leave, save herself, and yet he desperately wanted her to stay. It made no sense. He had committed to living the rest of his life alone but after spending time with Bliss, caring for her, helping to heal her, something inside of him did not want to let her go.

“Selfish,” he whispered.

Lonely, came the response.

He shook his head. “Punishment.”

That was it—punishment—and he would suffer it again and again, the curse would make sure of it.

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts as he went to the door, opened it, and stepped in.

She stood by the fire, and he caught the slight tremble in her body. He had seen that in some men after battle, only realizing what they had been through and how close they had come to death. It bothered him no more since he would welcome death.

He noticed the scuff of dirt on one cheek and the way her dark hair lay unkempt over her shoulders, but it was her dark eyes filled with anxious worry that got his full attention. The incident had taken a toll on her, and he steeled himself against the inevitable—she would leave him.

He almost laughed aloud.

Leave him.

They meant nothing to each other, which was the very reason she would be perfect for him, so she truly would not be leaving him, she would simply take her leave. Why then did it feel differently? And why did it disturb him so much? Anger poked at him for allowing it to bother him.

She spoke up, the tremble in her body reflected in her voice. “I have my answer now for you.”

“It can wait,” he snapped, not wanting to hear what he was sure she would say.

She rushed her words. “Nay, I have made up my mind and I will not change it. I will stay with you.”