He handed her the goblet and watched her greedily drink. Then he walked behind her and began to unbutton her gown. "Do you want me to stay until you sleep? I will turn my back while you undress and get in bed."

She had terror in her eyes when she answered, "No."

He finished with her buttons and walked back around to see her face. "You promise not to fall if I leave?"

"I promise."

"I meant to give you more wine earlier. Please forgive me for neglecting it and wake me if you need more." It wasn't easy to read her expression through all that swelling, but he thought she looked puzzled when he left. Perhaps, he was mistaken.

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He went back downstairs, poured himself some wine, drank and started to pace again. Never in his life had he heard of a woman being chained to a bed. He couldn't think of that now, it made him too furious. Instead, he concentrated on what else Anna told him. Her father did it to make Kevin hate him. Why? What had he done? He mulled it over and over in his mind and came up with far more questions than answers.

Then he thought about the way she put her cheek to his. Was it affection or was it gratitude? How was he supposed to know; he'd never been married before. Aside from the woman on the horse, he'd hardly wanted to be around women, except to satisfy his lust. He told himself he would talk to Katie, she would know.

He stopped pacing, sat down at the long table, and rested his head in his hands. Why on earth did he care anyway? He only married her to have sons. Affection or gratitude shouldn't matter in the least. No, he would not talk to Katie. Finding Rachel should be his only concern. After that, killing the scunner and freeing Anna's mother would be easy. Still, if Anna had no idea where Rachel was, how would they find her?

It was time to confide in his men. They were wise and maybe they would have suggestions.




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