Page 28 of Moon Craving

Abigail spent her life lying by omission about her affliction, but she had promised

herself long ago not to lie about anything else. Ever. "I would rather not say."

"You will tell me."

Chapter 3

"Perhaps she was no more reconciled to this marriage than you, Talorc." The

pale-haired giant seemed amused by the possibility.

"You find this entertaining, Niall?" Talorc demanded of the other soldier.

"A bit," Niall replied, clearly not frightened of his laird.

"Is this true?" Talorc asked her.

As close as she could get to it. "Yes."

"You were beaten until you agreed?" Talorc asked, disgust clear in his features.

"I did not submit."

"And yet you are here."

"Sir Reuben told me I could choose once I had looked you in the eye."

Something like respect crossed Talorc's features. "You have now looked me in the

eye."

"Yes."

"Well?"

"What would you have done if it had been my father who beat me?" she asked

rather than answer.

"Kill him."

"You would not beat a woman?"

His lips twisted in an animalistic snarl. "I am not English."

Abigail felt laughter well up for the first time since Emily had left Sir Reuben's keep.

Talorc really did despise the English, and instead of it frightening her further, she found

that assurance far too amusing in the current situation.

And he could not conceive of a Highlander male beating a woman. That

knowledge comforted her as nothing else had.

"You find that humorous?" the other soldier asked.

"I find your laird's arrogance amusing," she whispered, covering herself. "His