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that.”
    “No we couldn’t. I see it with Mikey and Jez and their wives. Their work means they can never be completely honest with the women they’re married to and they have no idea of the bad things they’ve done. I bet Cathy and Amber have wondered but they’ve more than likely never imagined how horrible the truth is. That’s what it would be like with us, me keeping secrets from you for your own good and I don’t want that.”
    “I understand what you mean,” he said. “But where does that leave you?”
    “I don’t know and to be honest, I don’t want to think about it.”
    “You don’t have to work for Mikey and Jez, you’ve got your own business now, you could come out of that way of life. It worked for Ryan.”
    “I’m not like him, this way of life is in my blood. He left because he wanted the quiet life with his wife and kids but that’s not me, I thrive on the danger and excitement. Without it I’d wither away.”
    Jax looked down at his hands, knowing she was right. “Then there’s no way for us?”
    She shook her head. “No. I’m sorry Jax.”
    He forced a smile. “It’s okay, if that makes you happy then that’s fine by me. That’s all I want.”
    She kissed his forehead and gazed down at him, running her fingers through his hair. “I love you Jax.”
    His jaw fell open. “You do?”
    “Yes. I never wanted to admit it before because I knew it could never work.”
    He kissed her hand. “I love you too. Always have. Shame though.”
    “I know.”
    They lapsed into silence as they stared at each other.
    “So, are you going to get started on this tattoo, or what?” he said, breaking the moment.
    Jules smiled. “If you still want me to?”
    He nodded. “You’re the best.”
    She smiled at him gratefully before retaking her place on the stool and picking up the tattoo gun, grateful to be able to lose herself in her work.
    Jax watched her work, a knot of pain in his chest.

CHAPTER 5
     
    “Wow, this is beautiful,” beamed Gill.
    Ryan was driving the people carrier they’d collected from Aberdeen Airport with Rachel in the passenger seat beside him, her parents and the children in the back. They were making their way up the long driveway of Abercraig Castle, the ancient building opening up before them.
    “It’s like Cinderella’s castle, isn’t it Leah?” said Rick.
    “I’m too old for Disney Princess Granddad,” she replied, a very grown-up nine year old. “But yeah, it is,” she said, eyes shining with excitement. “Does it belong to us?”
    “No sweetheart,” said Rachel. “We just invested money in it. It belongs to Thane, the Laird. His family’s lived here for centuries.”
    “And the inbreeding shows,” muttered Ryan.
    Rachel tapped him on the arm, hiding a smile. “Be nice to him, please.”
    “I’ll do my best,” was all he was willing to reply.
    “There’s Thane waiting at the door,” said Rachel throwing Ryan a sideways glance.
    “Oh look, he’s wearing a skirt again,” said Ryan.
    “It’s a kilt,” said Rachel flatly.
    Thane, tall, dark and very handsome, was standing beneath the stone arch that vaulted over the massive oak front door in his full regalia - kilt with sporran, black Prince Charlie jacket, bow tie, Ghillie brogues and kilt hose.
    “He mustn’t have any real clothes,” observed Ryan.
    “Don’t forget your promise to be nice,” said Rachel as the car rolled to a halt.
    Thanks to her words Ryan resisted the urge to drive over Thane’s foot.
    The second the car doors opened they were surrounded by staff offering to take their luggage. Ryan tossed the car keys to the valet and Thane rushed up to meet them.
    “So good to see you again,” he said, sweeping Rachel into a hug and kissing her cheek. “Ryan,” he said, holding out his hand to him.
    When Rachel threw him a warning glance he shook it.
    “Thane, this is my dad Rick and my mum Gill,” said Rachel.
    “Delighted to meet you both,” said Thane with his