A Highland Wedding

It Isn't Over

Anna

Claire was like a cockroach, just when you think you have the upper hand and are able to eradicate her. She slips through the cracks to live another day. There had to be a way to bring her down once and for all.

She was a master manipulator that was for sure. If she wasn’t so abominable, she could have had a future in politics or a great lawyer.

Alexei was angry with me, at least I think he was angry with me. It could be that he was just angry about everything. I know he was not thrilled with the idea of having Mack involved in all this.

I wasn’t thrilled with the idea either. I also think he didn’t like the fact that I was going to use myself to lure Claire out. I was too tired to try and explain it to him though.

I could go back to Scotland and live my life but she would still be out there lurking in the shadows waiting to attack. I would constantly look over my shoulder and that would be no life at all.

We rode in silence and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I thought that life was going to be different, I knew there would be drama. What is life without drama? Sighing I leaned my head against the window and I just wanted to go home.

“How has Caleb been? I miss him and the animals horribly.” Alexei frowned and rubbed a hand over his stubble again.

“He misses you and he is also scared that something is going to happen to the farm. I was trying to reassure him that he was safe.” I laid my hand on his leg and he put his hand over mine.

“This is why I need to do this Alexei. If we are to have a future and to keep everyone safe.” He turned to look at me and I saw the raw emotion in his eyes.

“I know, I realize this, Anna. I don’t have to like it though. Please understand that I just got you back and I don’t want anything else to happen to you.” I leaned in and brushed my lips against his.

“Ok, you want to protect me. You have my back now and I have your back. Let’s bring down Claire and then let us go home. I miss my farm.” I straddled his lap and kissed him; his beard was rough against my skin.

He groaned and ran his hands up my back and I winced. “Sorry, Anna I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I was breathing heavily and just leaned against him, he was comfort, he was home. I still had unresolved feelings concerning Mack. I also had a small crush on the younger Mackenzie.

However, Alexei was my rock, he was there for me no matter what. I had warm fuzzies for him as well. It should have been easy; love was never easy though.

“If you two would like to hold off on that until we get back to my place.” I started laughing and leaned my head against his chest and listened to the beating of his heart.

“Oh, I have some good news for you.” I yawned and played with his hair, it was soft and silky. He still smelled like leather and whiskey. He also smelled like hay; he had the scent of home on him.

“What good news is that? You have a magic wand that you can wave and make this all go away.” He chuckled and I felt his breath on my ear.

“Well I do have a magic wand but it can only bring you pleasure and temporarily make the trouble go away.” I blushed and smacked him lightly on the chest.

“Pervert. That isn’t what I was talking about and you know it.” He laughed and it was the same deep rumble that made my body tingle pleasantly.

“Daniel asked Jer to marry him and he said yes.” I jumped up and squealed so loud it scared Sawyer and he swerved into oncoming traffic. He frowned at me and started cursing. Alexei was wincing, I probably made him temporarily deaf.

“For crying out loud woman, warn someone when you are going to do something like that. Alexei hold off on telling her any more good news until we are at my home.” I wanted to laugh because it was kind of amusing.

Of course, I am sure he would probably toss me out on the side of the road if I started laughing.

“I’m sorry Sawyer. It is just really good news because Jer is my best friend in the world and well, he is finally settling down. He is a bit of a manwhore.” Alexei started laughing and Sawyer chuckled.

“I’m going to tell Jer that you called him a manwhore.” I snorted, Jer knew he was a manwhore and I was glad he was finally settling down.

At least there was one silver lining in this whole ordeal. I fell asleep and was gently awakened by Alexei. I groggily looked up and saw we were in front of a building with high walls and guards. Ivy covered most of the walls and a woman was walking out the front gate to meet us.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were bringing guests and why is there a man in handcuffs being led through my front foyer.” The woman was yelling at Keating and he was smiling good-naturedly.

“Dearest, I tried calling you to let you know that we had guests coming.” She kissed him on the forehead and he chuckled.

“Well don’t let them continue to sit in the car, the girl looks like she is ready to pass out and she is way too skinny.” I chuckled; she was the first person to tell me I was skinny. I had put on so much weight when I moved to Scotland.

It was all the food that Eugenia and Fiora kept plying with me. It was also the fact that I was still carrying some baby weight. Sadness overwhelmed me when I thought about the baby I didn’t know about until it was too late.

I felt horrible about Claire losing her child. I gathered that the child was probably conceived by ill means and she managed to trick Mack into her bed. However, it was still a life that was innocent in all this and it was lost.

No one, no matter how delusional they may be, should have to go through that pain. It doesn’t excuse her behavior though.

We pulled through the gate and I watched as it closed behind us and guards flanked either side of it. I climbed off Alexei’s lap and hobbled out of the car. The woman who was talking with Sawyer came over to me and gasped.

“OH, BLESSED MOTHER CHILD WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?” She was looking at me from every angle and I was smiling at her but I just wanted to go to bed.

“Marisol please, I will explain it all later. The girl has been through a lot and just got out of the hospital. We need to show her and the young man to the guest quarters.” She was continuing to cluck around me like a concerned mother hen.

“Of course, oh my goodness you are much too skinny. Both of you, come with me. Oh, look at those clothes.” She linked her arm through mine and Alexei’s. Leading us through the front door of the villa, I was astounded by the beauty of the place.

It was an old-world charm that meets modern sleekness. The house was also filled with the aromas of garlic and baking bread. It reminded me of Eugenia’s kitchen and I felt tears stream down my face.

“Whatever is the matter child?” Marisol looked distressed and I wiped the tears away from my face.

“Sorry, I have just been away from my home for so long and this reminded me of home.” She pulled me into a hug and I tried not to flinch in pain.

“Easy on the girl Marisol, she went through an ordeal and she is still suffering from her injuries.” Marisol tutted and mumbled something to her husband in Italian and he shrugged.

She sighed and turned toward me. “Sorry, I was just overwhelmed. Come with me I will show you two to your quarters and then have food sent up to you.”

“I need to take a shower and shave.” Alexei looked weary, I felt so bad for him.

“Actually, can you keep the stubble I think it is sexy.” He chuckled and kissed my forehead.

“Oh, you two are just so cute. Come lovebirds.” We followed Marisol up the stairs and my steps grew heavy.

She opened a door and gestured for us to follow her in. I took one look at the giant bed and sighed happily.

“You look like you are dead on your feet dear. Have a good rest.” I collapsed face-first on the bed and was asleep in no time.

I would have to explain my plan to Alexei and Sawyer, but for now, I am going to sleep and forget the world for a little bit at least.