Page 89 of Moon Craving

offended by Emily's behavior.

"Will they judge me as harshly?"

"Some will, but most will accept you because you are their laird's wife."

"Wasn't Emily his fiancee?"

"He showed no desire or intention to follow through on the marriage. His followers

acted accordingly."

"But he and I are married."

"Aye. He calls you his. It will make a difference for many."

But not all. The big warrior might as well have shouted the unspoken caveat.

Niall let out a deep sigh that surprised her, but his words shocked her even more. "I

do not want your feelings to be hurt."

"Um . . . thank you."

He laughed. She couldn't hear the sound, but recognized the expression coupled

with the movement in his Adam's apple. "You do not understand my concern for you."

She shook her head. She didn't. Her own mother had not cared if Abigail found

acceptance in the Highlands, why should this battle-scarred warrior? She asked him as

much.

"You are good for Talorc. You two are connected in ways neither of you are ready

to acknowledge."

It was her turn to laugh. "I believe you are a romantic, big, fierce Niall."

He merely shrugged.

But she grinned, knowing she was right. "So, is there a maiden who awaits your

return?"

"Many, but none who have claim to do so." A strange expression took his features,

a mixture of sadness and yearning.

Abigail's heart twisted at the sight. "There is one you wished did."

Again, that annoying, enigmatic shrug. But she saw the truth in his eyes. She was

right. He was pining. She wished she knew how to help him, but she did not imagine he

would welcome the interference of a deaf Englishwoman into his love life.

"So, tell me about your family," she said.