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“Nothing is free of risk” Leo’s stark warning woke his The marquess focused his attention on Isla “Idiscomfort that could last for hours, perhaps even days There is nothing we can do to help ease your torment”
A heavy silence pressed down upon the the horrendous suffering they had experienced during their cleansing If Lachlan could take the dratted potion on Isla’s behalf, he would Isla stared into her lap, toyed absently with her fingers, and he wished he had her ability to read minds
“Would it be such a hardship to re away at hi “Is this life not more preferable than no life at all?”
A dull thud against the door captured their attention and Douglas backed into the roo a silver tray supporting a decanter and glasses, the old man took slow,vessel fro off onto the floor
“Here, allow me to help you” Leo rushed over before Lachlan had a chance to offer
Douglas conveyed his thanks “These hands were once steady enough to bring down a stag with a single shot” He sighed and shook his head “I’ve asked Malmuirie to make tea for those ould rather nae pa
rtake in the good stuff”
Leo placed the tray on the side table near the fire He raised an elass and shook it “Ivana Will you take tea or whisky?”
The lady screwed up her nose “I can’t recall ever drinking the spirit I’ve heard it can be quite potent”
“I suggest we all have a draet a chill on yer chest” Douglas put his fist to histhe fiery fluid scorching his throat “I’ve known Malmuirie to add a drop to her tea, or a drop of tea to her whisky when her nerves are in tatters”
While the guests discussed whether the coood whisky, Lachlan stared at the tray The china teacup, with its delicate flower pattern and gilt edging, contained blood The burgundy pool was just visible beneath the ri it down He assuined a complicated daily ritual, a shelf in the larder lined with full flagons
He did not need to glance to his left to know Isla atching hiaze bore into hi his skin He knehy Gauging his reaction to the sight of her blood tea would reveal his true feelings To show disgust would only serve to place a barrier between them
Reaching for the dainty cup and saucer he passed it to her, conscious that he had no excuse to explain the reason for the slight treers
She struggled to aze as she accepted the drink “Thank you” Her words were only fractionally louder than a whisper The cup rattled on the saucer as she held it in her lap
“I find it fascinating to see how those like us take their daily sustenance,” Ivana said, choosing words that roused a sense of fellowship “Our friend and brother used to drink frolass, his blood stored in a crystal decanter I struggled to find any pleasure in the process and so chose to approach it as one would a medicinal tonic” The lady smiled affectionately when Isla raised her chin “There is so from a teacup”