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They tried to attack me outside the pub, and I fought them off. They must have followed…” Her voice trailed off, as she realized they’d been waiting for her. They knew where she lived . Then to her horror, she began to cry. Crying was something best done alone, if at all, but she couldn’t help it. Great, racking sobs shook through her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
    Closing the gap between them, Faolan took the poker and dropped it to the floor. He swept Elena into his arms and cradled her like a baby. “ Shhh, lass. Doona’ cry,” Faolan crooned repeatedly, holding her tight against his chest and rocking her gently. He held her until, with enormous shudders, her crying subsided into occasional hiccups. Faolan sat Elena on the bed and pulled the covers over her legs. He sat down next to her and stroked her hair once before settling his hands in his lap.
    “Why doona’ you tell me what is happening, so I can help you?” he asked. His whisky-rich voice sent shivers through her, and apparently, misunderstanding, he pulled her covers up higher.
    Elena thought about his question. She had very nearly been raped and hadn’t escaped being badly beaten. Now, a man she’d met only once before, under less than trust-inspiring circumstances, showed up, claiming to have saved her life for a second time. She couldn’t think of any reason for Faolan to be at her home. Unless, of course, he was somehow connected to those punks. She hadn’t told any of them where she lived.
    Elena countered, “Why don’t you tell me why you’re here, Faolan?”
    He seemed to consider either her question or his answer for a minute. Then he met her gaze levelly and shrugged his massive shoulders, “I was worried about you, lass. There was a man following you at the airport. I wondered what he was up to, so I followed, too. When you went inside to get your car, I walked up behind him and asked what he was doing.” Faolan stopped for a moment, likely envisioning the scene in his mind, before he continued, “At first, I was only slightly suspicious, and I didna think he posed a physical threat. I wasna expecting him to turn swinging a knife.”
    Faolan looked chagrined to admit he’d been caught off guard. He continued his story, but with short pauses here and there. She was sure she was getting an edited version. “I took his knife from him, waited for you to come out, and rode with you to Inverness. I thought I would check on you from time to time, since I needed to be around here for my…” he paused, as if searching for a word, “business. Last night, I happened to be driving by, when I saw a van pull off the road near here, and four men got out. Since the only thing this far out of town is your farm, I thought I would follow to see what they were doing. You drove up before I got a chance to find out.”
    He reached his hand up tentatively to her face and touched her gently. “I am sorry, lass . I should have been closer. Lie down and try to rest. We can talk more on the morrow. I’ll be in the other room should you need anything.”
    “Who undressed me?” Elena blurted, embarrassment making her voice sharp.
    Again, he carefully considered his words before he answered. “I did, lass. You were wet, cold, and I didna’ know how badly you were hurt. I took your clothes off and put you in your robe. You will have some bad bruises, and your shoulder will be very sore tomorrow, but I doona’ think you need a doctor.” His manner was matter-of-fact and his voice carefully neutral.
    Without waiting to hear if she had any more questions, Faolan pulled the covers up to Elena’s shoulders then leaned down and gently kissed her on the forehead. He turned out the light and pulled the door partway closed. It was a testament to her mental fragility and physical exhaustion that she closed her eyes and slept, feeling safe in the knowledge Faolan was here.
    ****
    The next morning was another matter altogether. All the