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Death Bride . I kill husbands. I kill people who love me.”
    â€œI don’t believe that,” Reeve said. “That is one reason I prefer not to tell anyone of your past. It is time for this so-called curse to be broken. With no gossip to follow you, no one will fear you, and the curse will be no more.”
    â€œYou’re willing to take that chance? You know so much about curses?”
    â€œCurses only have the power you give them,” he said.
    â€œI’ve learned otherwise and will not take a chance in causing more harm.”
    Reeve reached out and took hold of her chin. “Listen and listen well. You requested that I take you somewhere safe. My clan is a safe place. You will be well protected there, and if you wish to keep to yourself, to make no friends, then so be it. But it is where you are going and where you will stay.”
    It did no good to protest. He was giving her what she asked for. What she hadn’t counted on was being attracted to him, though what did that matter. Nothing could come of it. She couldn’t allow it to. Or was it that she wondered if anyone could ever love her again? It had been so long, and men were so fearful of her that love simply avoided her. But as Reeve had said, she could keep to herself and not bother with anyone.
    It wasn’t as if she was in love with him. He was no more than a friend. The problem, no doubt, was that she had been too long without the touch and company of a man, and like a starving person, she now craved it. However, it was an appetite she would have to ignore for his safety and for her sanity. As far as not letting anyone know of her being a death bride? She would bide her time and see if it could truly work to her advantage. She had her doubts, and oddly enough, though she could not say why, for the first time in a long time she had an inkling of hope.
    She finally agreed. “All right.”
    â€œBelieve me, it is a good place for you.”
    â€œSince you are an honorable man, I will take your word on that,” she said.
    â€œGood, for it is given in friendship.”
    Friendship.
    There was the inkling of hope rearing its head. It would be wonderful to have friends again, to be able to talk with other women and perhaps love would stop avoiding her and somehow, some way the curse could be lifted. She truly hoped that such a miracle was possible.
    â€œNow for your ankle,” he said.
    â€œI don’t think we should remove the boot. Once off, I doubt I will be able to get it back on.”
    â€œYou cannot walk on it,” he said as if he declared an edict.
    â€œI must,” she insisted. “At least until we reach your friend’s croft. There I can rest.”
    He rubbed his chin, and once again she noticed his handsome features. She liked the way his dark eyes seemed to match his dark hair and the lines of his slim nose blended so perfectly with his facial features that one would believe his face sculpted by talented hands. But most of all she liked that he cared about her. She could see worry in his eyes, and it was so very nice to have someone truly care.
    â€œWe could slow our pace,” he said.
    â€œThen we would not reach the croft before nightfall.”
    â€œThe walk will be too much for you,” he insisted.
    â€œLet me be the judge of that.”
    He grinned. “With how stubborn you are?”
    â€œMy stubbornness just might serve a purpose this time.”
    â€œThe purpose of making your ankle worse and causing you more pain?”
    â€œI can manage this,” she said. “And once at the croft, I can rest.”
    He shook his head, as if in disagreement with himself. “You will tell me if the pain becomes too much?”
    â€œYes, I promise.”
    â€œIf we must stay with my friend a few days, you will not protest?”
    Since they would not be alone, she had no worry. “I will not protest.”
    â€œThen we will try and make it to the