Page 68 of Wedded to the Twisted Highlander

“I thought ye said she came in here,” Melody said, her voice cracking just enough to tug at Astrid’s heartstrings.

Pulling in a deep breath, Astrid closed her eyes and crawled toward the door. She didn’t care that she was exposed. What she was hoping for was a distraction. As long as Melody remained confused as to what was going on and did not tag her, she could escape.

“There she is,” Thomas called.

Astrid picked up her pace, scrambling across the floor on her hands and knees until Melody came barreling around the corner.

“Found ye!” the little girl screeched.

Astrid opened her eyes and made a beeline right for Melody. The sound of her delicate laughter filled the room as Astrid’s arms curled around her small frame.

In one fluid motion, Astrid rose with Melody in her arms.

“I’m guessin’ ye found the Laird first,” she said.

“And so I am the seeker,” Thomas proclaimed.

“What about Reid?” Olivia asked, craning her neck toward the door.

“He is of nay concern,” Thomas said dismissively. “For I will find him on this round. Now, go. One…”

Astrid smiled as she lowered Melody to her feet. “Are ye hidin’ wit’ me?”

“Nae this time,” Eileen interjected as Olivia took Melody by the hand. “We ken just the place that our dearest braither would never venture in.”

“Well, it seems ye’ll be in good hands,” Astrid said as Thomas called out the number ten.

Everyone darted out of the library, the sound of their footsteps bouncing off the walls.

Astrid watched as Melody, Olivia, and Eileen darted toward the foyer, no doubt headed outside. With little time to decide, she darted up the stairs and into the first room on the left.

Scanning the room, she found it was filled with all sorts of paintings and statues. She rushed through the room, gawking atthe art as she made for the door at the far corner. She slipped behind the door, closed it, and whirled around… only to collide with a maid.

“Oh my,” she gasped, reaching for the jug in the maid’s arms before it could fall. “I’m so sorry.”

“Me Lady,” the maid gasped and then bowed.

Astrid flashed her a smile. “Tell me where to hide. Me husband is lookin’ for me, but I cannae let him find me,” she whispered as she heard the sound of heavy footsteps charging up the stairs.

Had the time really come to an end so soon?

Panic shot through her, and before the maid could give her an answer, two strong arms the size of logs wrapped around her from behind.

“Found ye,” Thomas said as she squealed.

There was no stopping him as he pulled her out of the nook as if she were nothing but a feather.

“The maid… she must think the absolute worst right now.” Astrid giggled as Thomas carried her away, much to the maid’s shock.

“Let her think what she wants. Ye’re mine now,” Thomas growled as he carried her back to the art room.

“Put me down, ye brute,” she huffed as she tapped him on the shoulder.

Thomas stopped, and as he set her down carefully, she couldn’t help but wish to stay close to him. The heat radiating from his body was like a blanket that comforted the darkest, coldest bits of her being.

“Is this better for ye?” he asked.

Had his voice always been so husky? So sultry?