Page 171 of Moon Craving

"Chrechte know their responsibilities to their mates."

"Is a friend more important than a wife?"

He didn't answer, choosing instead to ask Barr a question about the soldiers'

training that day.

She leaned toward Guaire and whispered, "He can be very abrupt."

"He is laird. He does not waste words."

"Is an answer a waste of words?"

When Guaire shrugged, the knowing expression in his eyes told her he

remembered her complaint about that particular gesture so favored by the Highland

warriors.

She giggled and soon his chuckle followed.

When her gaze traveled around to the other eaters in the hall, she found Niall

glaring daggers at her and her giggles faded to nothing. She could not forget that along

with her husband's trust, the revelation of her secret had lost her a friend.

Later, tired, Abigail excused herself to retire.

"I will escort you to your chamber, my lady," Guaire offered.

But Talorc stood abruptly. "I will go up with my wife."

Abigail took her husband's hand with some trepidation. She was not sure she

wanted to be alone with him where he would feel free to continue berating her for her

deception.

He noticed her hesitation and frowned at it, his hand closing firmly over hers. She

looked back at the table and saw Niall give Guaire a look that made little sense.

The huge warrior looked hurt in some way, but Guaire had done nothing to hurt

him.

Chapter 16

Talorc locked their door after leading Abigail inside the bedchamber and then

leaned against it, facing her. "You and Guaire have grown very close."

"He reminds me of Emily."

Her husband's shoulders jerked in surprise. "My soldier reminds you of your

sister?"