"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul--Just what the hell does that mean?" I muttered softly, trying not to awaken my softly snoring husband. "Not a very comforting prayer." I sighed and carefully slipped out of the small bed.

Who designed such a depressing prayer? Never saw it in any bible. I walked to the "kitchen" and sat in one of the chairs. I wasn’t highly religious for I had no actual religious upbringing. I did, however, believe that there was a supreme creator called God. At the worst points in my life, it was Him whom I could draw comfort in.

I couldn’t sleep, hadn’t been able to sleep in over a week, save for a couple hours of terribly restless sleep. I glanced at my watch, it wasn’t even five A.M. yet.

I looked out the window, wondering where Vin and CC lay. The sexual tension between the two was thick. Yet neither gave in, I could see it in their eyes and they way they behaved around each other.

And one night, after a few shots of Scottish whisky, my husband confessed that Tanner had mentioned something about it.

I told Jamie that it seemed odd that a twenty-first century male would wait on sex. My red haired Adonis had raised his brows and quipped, "Mayhaps it’s because he’s no’ a twenty-first century male."

"Do you know something that I don’t?" I had questioned. I was highly disappointed when I’d received a noncommittal grunt in return.

Oh the random thoughts of fatigue! I rested my arms on the small table. I needed to sleep, and I wished I could.

I rested my head on my folded arms and closed my eyes. Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety-nine bottles of beer. . . What kind of beer? Fosters? Coors? Bud Lite?

"Sheep." I whispered. "I can count sheep." I sighed softly and again allowed my thoughts to wander. One sheep, two sheep, three sheep. . . four- What do you call a Scotsman with a sheep under each arm? A pimp! I started to laugh aloud. That was terrible, simply terrible! Why do I always remember the raunchy jokes?

James snorted. "Get back to bed, lass," he grunted.

I raised my head, opening my eyes and wiping my face with the palm of my hand. "I can’t sleep."

"I didna say ‘Go back to sleep’; I said, ‘Go back to bed, lass’. Do ye ken the difference?"

"Yeah." I stood, glancing out the window again, the Eastern horizon was beginning to expose dawn’s early morning colors. I smoothed out my knee-length, silk nightgown. "I just don’t feel like lying there, doing nothing." I slipped into bed, my slender, hairless leg touching his large hairy one.

"Do nothing?" He growled and rolled atop of me, pinning me to the mattress. "I’ve got a cockstand, lass, ye must do something!"

"Jamie, the last time we pressed it this close, Vin and CC walked in just seconds after. It’s too late." My face was flushing, I could easily feel his throbbing need.

"Ye shouldna deny your husband," he declared.

I pushed him. "I’m not denying you! I just don’t think Vin and CC need to see your hairy red butt bouncing in the air."

Rolling onto his back, Jamie pulled me on top of him. "Then ye can be on top."

"You’re impossible!" I laughed. "I’ll make you breakfast, okay?"

"Och! I want to make love first!" he declared.

I gazed down at those deep blue eyes. "Do you really want Vin to see my hooters bouncing?"

"What are hooters?"

I blushed. "Breasts. People call them hooters, tom-toms, boobs, tits. . ."

"Tom-toms?" He started to laugh from deep in his belly. "I like what ye call Americanisms."

"Like learning a whole ’nother language, eh?" I smiled a bit and carefully said, "Madiann mhath."

"Verra good lass and good morning to ye!" He looked at me proudly.

I beamed with pride. Gaelic was tough to learn, but Jamie was an excellent teacher. I tilted my head. "Ciamar a tha sibh?"

"Fine," he answered me and set me on the bed. "Bu toigh leam bracaist a ghabhail."

"You said you wanted breakfast, right?"

"Aye. Ye are doing well at this." He stood up, hunting for a pair of jeans.

"Changed your mind about the lovemaking?" I found my bra carelessly flung and hanging on an upper cabinet. Jamie and I had been very rambunctious before retiring the previous night. I was glad to have a chance to tidy before Vin and CC entered the Winnie.

Of course they were aware that James and I made love, but I felt it was rather crass to leave evidence that we had done so.

"I want to stop at one of those natural stores today," I told the handsome Scot. "I want to see if they have something there that will help me sleep."

"Still no’ sleeping?" He ran his fingers through his red hair. "Ye fell asleep in m’ arms last night."

"For a half hour." I heaved a sigh. "If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Probably stress keeping me awake."

"Aye, it could be." He embraced me.

They day went without a hitch. We stopped at a natural store where the clerk recommended I light a lavender candle, she claimed it would help me to sleep. I purchased a candle and a holder, then sniffed some of the different perfume and soap scents with CC. I loved the softly scented perfumes, hating the ones that were overly strong. I also found that it was enjoyable shopping with the physicist.

After a midnight bout of lovemaking, I lie in Jamie’s arms, staring at the ceiling. I was fully sated, but not even the throes of lovemaking could make me sleepy. I was exhausted, yes, but sleep was as evasive as grabbing onto a shadow.

I crept out of bed, careful not to wake Jamie, who looked so serene with the moonlight bouncing off his sharp features.

I pulled the pillar candle and holder out of the shopping bag and set it on the table. With a cigarette lighter, I lit the candle. For several minutes, I stared at the flame dancing on the wick. Fire fascinated me, it seemed to me, that it was alive. It was useful, and essential, yet it could be absolutely deadly.

I still wasn’t sleepy. Carefully, I lifted the holder and slowly walked to the bed. I would set it on the small night table until I was tired, then, I would blow it out.

I nearly tripped when I reached the bed, my hand landed on Jamie’s backside as I tried to steady myself.

"NO!!!!!!" Jamie roared, sitting up, his fist shooting out, plowing right into my abdomen. I think I screamed when I fell backwards. . .I know I screamed when the candle fell on my chest, hot wax spilling along my chest and arm. . . "NO!!!!" he shouted again.

I screamed again, trying to extinguish the flames that licked along the fabric of my nightshirt, frightened that my husband had suddenly gone insane.

With hands on her hips, CC surveyed the back of the truck. The air mattresses were inflated, the sleeping bags spread atop them, the radio played softly in the background, the picnic basket was filled and the candles she'd purchased earlier while shopping with Tracy flickered gently, adding their soft scent to the humid Louisiana night.

She smiled, releasing her hair from it's ponytail, sighing as it's cool dampness caressed her shoulders. After leaving Chicago over a week ago, they'd travelled northwest to Montana, selling the Dakota and buying a Quad-cab Dodge Ram. Vin had his heart set on another pick-up so he could continue sleeping outside and the Ram provided enough seating for all four of them. And CC had to admit that the blue truck drove and rode wonderfully and had been well worth the cost. She giggled, remembering their conversation when she'd brought it back.

Montana - about a week ago:

Vin walked around the truck, eyeing it critically. "Looks ta be a mig'ty fine ve-hickle."

CC nodded. "Hopefully we won't need to get another before we get to New York. This one set us back a bit."

Frowning, he asked, "How much?"

"About 30 grand."

"Wha'?" He stared at the truck in shock, his mouth open.

CC laughed. "On, Vin! Everything is expensive. We spend over a hundred a week on food alone. And gas!" She shook her head.

"How'ere affordin' this?"

She sighed. "I was paid very well while I was at Quatechins. And I inherited money from my parents. Plus Tracy brought some of her own money. It won't last forever, but we're fine for now." She lightly chewed her lip. "I have some money invested and in Swiss accounts, but if I try to access it, they'll be able to track us. I'll figure a way around it, should we need more capital."

"It a'int right. Womenfolks supportin' men." He stared at the truck, his brow furrowed.

CC suppressed a smile and moved to stand beside him. She placed a hand on his arm. "Vin, you do plenty to earn your keep. You can't get a job while we're on the run. And when we get settled somewhere, I'm certain there'll be plently of work for you to do." With a chuckle, she stepped closer, sliding her arms around his neck. "Of course, I've never kept a man before. Might be fun."

He glared, but then his mouth quirked upward as he leaned in to kiss her.

Louisiana - present

CC came out of her musings when she felt the truck bounce announcing Vin's arrival. With his head tilted, he smiled and asked, "Wha's all this?" His eyes leisurely perused her form, taking in the white tank top, denim shorts and bare feet. He grasped her extended hand and settled beside her on the edge of the air mattress.

"A picnic." She frowned, glancing down. "Off with the boots. I don't want you punching any holes in these mattresses."

He pressed experimentally on it, then grinned. "Tired a sleepin' on tha hard metal?" He asked as he removed his boots and socks.

She nodded, sliding back to settle against the cab. Vin soon joined her, his nose twitching.

"You like?"

His azure eyes glimmered as he leaned down and gently sniffed her hair before nuzzling her neck. He huskily whispered against her ear, "Like yur scent bet'r."

CC shivered, her eyes briefly closing. Taking a shuddering breath, she shifted, opening the wicker basket and retrieving the bottle of whiskey and two tumblers.

"Whisk'y a'int us'ally on a picnic." He observed as she poured.

"No," she agreed, handing him a glass, "but, this is your picnic." She took a sip and grimaced.

He laughed, swallowing all the amber liquid at once. "Wha' else ya to in there?"

Shaking her head, she poured him another and laid out the rest of the food.

Quatechins

Dr. Wyatt Quinn slammed his hands on the table. "They have vanished, lady." He glared at the psychiatrist. "We've been looking for weeks. We've swept Santa Fe and the surrounding areas thoroughly. We had that one sighting at the MountainView Motor Lodge the night Dr. McKenna left with Mr. Tanner. Then nothing." The physicist stood. "I'm tired of wasting my time chasing your ghosts. I have work to do." With that he turned and strode from the boardroom, forcefully closing the door behind him.

The shrink looked at the Director and said, "This is his fault. And since you're his boss, it's your responsibility." She leaned closer. "You promised my associates the ability to manipulate time itself. They are getting impatient. Talk to your subordinate and remind him how important it is that we find them." She stood and leaned over him. "And find someone who can duplicate her work. Everyone is replaceable." She let the threat hang as she left.

Louisiana

CC snuggled against Vin, one of her legs thrown over his, her arm draped across his abdomen and her breath hot against the sensitive skin of his neck. He tried to gently move her and she grumbled, her hand bunching the fabric of his shirt. He sighed, then chuckled, brushing his lips across her hair. She'd only had a couple of drinks... He pulled the sleeping bad over them, then wrapped one arm more securely around her, letting his eyes close.

CC bolted upright, her heart pounding at the feminine scream which cut through the quiet. Vin was already on his feet, his mare's leg in hand, when an anguished, masculine NO reverbrated through the air. "Stay here," he ordered, jumping from the pick-up as another scream split the night. Blinking against the headache, CC stood and a bit unsteadily climbed from the truck, coming behind Vin who was about to enter the RV.

"I told ya ta stay," he hissed, his hand resting on the door.

She glared. "I was never good at following orders. Let's go."

With a low growl, he pushed the door open, and rolled in, gun drawn and cocked. CC climbed in behind him.

The smell of flesh burning, acrid, like meat with an ever so slight rubber smell, the scent of tiny hairs charring away. Had my stomach been filled, I would have vomited.

Jamie continued to thrash about, his shouts nearly blocked out the sounds of my flesh that sizzled and popped as I frantically rolled along the small floor. "Jamie!!!!" I yelled.

He fell backwards on the bed. It sounded as though he were sobbing. "Nay! Nay! Nay! Randall nay more!!!" he chanted in cadence.

Painfully, I stood. My nightie was blackened, the fabric sticking to my charred and weeping flesh. The palms of my hands and my right arm weren't in much better shape. I was sure I had second and third degree burns, but at the moment, I didn't care. "Jamie!" In the moonlight, I could see his eyes were glazed with tears and trepidation. He continued to thrash as if he didn't and couldn't see me. "Fuck ye, Randall!"

Timidly, I continued my approach, my need to comfort overriding any of my self-preservations. "Jamie," I cried softly as I touched his hand.

He drew back as if my touch were something vile and poisonous. "Go awa'!"

"Jamie. Look at me!" I pleaded. "See me! I am your wife! Not some Randall! Focus your eyes and look at me!"

Finally, he faced me, his sapphire blue orbs shot with red, cheeks stained with his tears. "Mother o' God, lass!" His gaze swept over my appearance. "I--"

"Don't say sorry. . ." I raised a swollen palm . "Just tell me why."

His strong jaw tightened, his hands clenched into tight fists, the knuckles alabaster. "I canna. . ." His eyes wouldn't meet mine.

"You can," I urged, not bothering to wipe the tears from my cheeks. My skin throbbed with a searing amount of pain.

"`Tis none o' your business!" he growled, flexing and unflexing his fingers.

"No! It is my business when you hit me in the stomach! It's my business being that I am covered with second and third degree burns!" I choked off a sob. "It's my business because I'm your fucking wife!"

"I dinna want tae tell you!" he yelled, angrily turning on the small lamp. "I dinna want ye to pity me, or turn awa' from me wi' revulsion!"

"You're assuming things!" I turned away from him, swallowing, I was sweating and each salty drop burned my damaged flesh. Tears continued their trail down my cheeks. "Jamie, please." My voice cracked. "Something set you off. . .I need to know what, so I don't do it again. . .We can't have secrets so heavy between us."

My husband drew in a ragged breath. He stood, walked past me, and opened the tiny refrigerator, taking out a gallon jug of drinking water. "Lay down on your back," he ordered.

Too tired and weak to argue, I did as I was told.

He opened the jug and trickled water on me, the iciness startled me, and even the sensation of water caused a great deal of pain.

"I ha one o' two choices tae make. Save Claire or gi' m'sel--"

"What the hell is goin' on in 'ere?" Vin demanded, bursting into the winnie, gun in hand, he was quickly followed by the beautiful, long legged CC.

I gulped. "Fire," I whispered, my throat tightening.

CC's eyes slid over the candle that lay on the floor and finally settled on the damage done to me. "What happened?!"

I closed my eyes. "Jamie had a bad dream. I had the candle in my hands, he bumped me and I fell back," I whispered opening my eyes once more.

Tanner cleared his throat, his eyes narrowed as his gaze met my husband's. Was he skeptical? Did he think that James was abusing me?

Fraser felt sickened inside, almost glad for the interruption.

The burns looked terrible, her skin was blackened in areas, other areas oozed with clear fluid. M' God. I've done this.

He'd been sleeping in a peaceful, dreamless state, but then he'd smelled the lavender.

He had felt Randall's breath on the back of his neck. And then the touch on his backside. He fought, caught in a state of dream and frozen with terror. He'd been back in that god-awful place with that English bastard.

That strong aroma of lavender sent him into a frenzy. Nay, he would not let that vile man rape him again.

James punched Jonathan Randall hard, making Randall scream like a woman. The Scotsman only heard Randall's taunts, his words and in the distance, a sobbing woman.

He ached from head to toe, wanting to help the woman, but he'd been blind with terror and rage.

He smelled the burning flesh, was it his own?

The English officer held him again, his erection on Fraser's skin. "Nay! Nay! Nay! Randall nay more!!!" He had shouted, thrashing, trying to throw him off.

"You love this," Randall taunted silkily.

"Fuck ye, Randall!"

"Jamie!" the woman cried in the distance. It was Tracy, his wife.

His mind raced as Black Jack Randall touched his hand. James had to warn his young wife. "Go awa'!" he bellowed, hoping she would seek safety.

It was at that point, where Tracy broke into his nightmare, her words lulling him into reality. It took only a moment for him to realize that it was he who caused her pain.

He recalled that she had said she was trying to find something natural to help her sleep. He damned himself for not asking what scent the candle was. Lavender was supposed to relax a person. . .Tracy hadn't known what it would do to him. And what did he do? He lashed out at the woman whose face was filled with agony.

He guiltily looked away from the man holding the gun and looked at his wife, who was trying to downplay everything that happened to the physicist whose face was filled with concern and worry.

The Scotsman vowed he would tell his wife the truth. Again, he met Tanner's gaze.

"Are the burns as bad as they feel?" I whispered to CC.

"Worse," she sighed heavily.

Then, my husband spoke. "Is there anything ye can do to help her?" he asked the man who stole CC's heart.

“Mebbe,” he replied, his scowl fading as he looked from Jamie to pain-filled face of the man’s wife. “I’ll need ta git a clos’r look.”

The Scot nodded tersely as Vin crossed the small space and gingerly sat on the edge of the bed. CC knelt next to it, offering her silent support as Vin carefully lifted Tracy’s right arm, causing her to hiss in pain. He grimaced at the charring, then checked the palms of her hands. They were deep red and covered in blisters. He flushed as his azure gaze rested on the blackened fabric of her nightgown. “Tha candle fell on yur...” He waved his hands over her chest and abdomen.

Swallowing hard, Tracy nodded, then whispered, “And ignited.”

Tanner’s jaw clenched as he stood. “Prolly bad as ya arm.” His gaze slid to Fraser who’d been quietly observing. “I think I ’an help her.”

CC stood also and after gently squeezing Tracy’s shoulder moved to stand next to Tanner. She softly spoke. “She really needs to see a doctor. She has second degree burns on her palms and the one on her arm is third degree. Her chest is covered in at least second degree burns. There is a real danger of infection and fluid loss. And she will probably need skin grafts.”

“Ca... can’t risk it,” Tracy murmured.

The physicist sighed, glancing back toward her friend. “She’s shivering. Probably in shock. We need to keep her warm.”

Jamie hurriedly covered her, but frowned, tugging at her nightie. “Shoulna we get thi’ off o’ her?”

CC nodded. “But only if it’s not stuck to the burns beneath it. She needs to drink plenty of fluids and maybe some aspirin.” She turned to Vin. “What do you need? We’re only about 30 miles from New Orleans. Something will be open there, even at midnight.”

“Ya a’int goin’ by yurself,” he stated. “I seen tha things tha’ happ’n there.”

She giggled as he blushed, clearly remembering the show they’d watched about Mardi Gras. Then she sighed, noting the set of his jaw. “Ok. I’ll go change, then we’ll have to disguise your appearance somehow.” She retrieved some clothes, then went into the small bathroom, emerging a few minutes later dressed in jeans and with a white button-down shirt covering the tank top. She pulled on her socks and boots, then directed Vin to sit. She combed through his thick hair, enjoying the sensation before securing it in a ponytail, then stuffing it beneath a baseball cap.

CC circled the chair, then placed large sunglasses on his face. “Maybe if we keep those eyes and that hair hidden it will be enough.” Vin frowned, but said nothing as she settled beside Tracy. “Hopefully this won’t take too long.”

The young woman nodded, then whispered, “Be careful.” Her eyes closed.

The physicist stood and regarded Jamie for a moment, then said, “You might want to bandage the burns loosely, but only with dry dressings. Water could cause more harm.” She crossed the space and took Vin’s hand. “We’ll be back soon.”

As Fraser nodded, he said, “Thank ye.”

“What do you think really happened?” CC asked Vin as she steered the Ram toward New Orleans.

“Mor’en thay’re sayin’”

She nodded. “You don’t think he...” She glanced at her companion.

He slowly shook his head. “He don’t seem like tha type to hurt a woman.”

“I didn’t think so either.” She sighed. “But I’m not the best judge of character. I’ve never noticed any other signs of abuse though.”

“Mebbe it a’int none of our bus’ness ‘xctly wha’ happent.”

CC sighed. “Maybe not. As long as it was an accident and they can work it out.”

The rest of the ride to the city was spent in companionable silence.

CC maneuvered the large pick-up into the small parking space across the street from the herbal store which was located in the French Quarter. She could clearly hear the loud music and boisterous laughs from the several clubs which dotted the street. Her nose twitched, assaulted by various odors, as she exited the truck and waited for Vin to join her. She wrapped an arm around his trim waist, letting her hand slip into his back pocket. At his raised eyebrows, she grinned. “Don’t want to look lonely.”

He returned her grin, draping a possessive arm across her shoulders. His observant gaze surveyed the scene as they crossed the street. “Hope we don’t get a ticket for jaywalking.” At his frown, she giggled. “We’re not at a traffic light or a cross-walk.” Tanner nodded as he opened the door for her.

“Thank you,” she said, the jangling bell announcing their entrance into the small shop.

The proprietor, a short, stout middle-aged woman with a shock of bright red hair immediately appeared from behind a beaded curtain. “Welcome!” Her green eyes twinkled as she perused their forms. Before either could speak, she gushed, “I’m sure I have just the thing for attractive young folks like yourselves. Come.” She disappeared behind a thick red velvet curtain.

CC shrugged at Vin‘s questioning look and , taking his hand, followed the woman, stepping behind the drape. She came to an abrupt stop, her eyes widening and a flush creeping up her neck. Vin bumped into her back. “Sor...” His apology died on his lips as his eyes glanced around the room. He hastily retreated, leaving CC to face the shop owner, who was chattering away. “... your body, you’d be stunning in a merry-widow with stockings and stilettos. Unless of course, you’re looking for something more... daring?” She patiently waited for CC to respond.

Her mouth opened, then closed as her eyes danced around the space, taking in the oils, creams, leather, whips, restraints and other toys. "I... um... " She finally focused on the other woman. “We aren’t looking for... this.” She waved her hand around.

“Oh, my dear! I’m so sorry. I thought for sure the two...” She quickly led CC from the area, moving to stand behind the counter. “What can I help you with?”

Licking her dry lips, the physicist said, “Burns. We need something to treat severe burns.”

The woman frowned, studying them for a moment, her eyes piercing, then she nodded and disappeared behind the beaded curtain again.

“Thanks for deserting me in the... the... sex chamber,” she hissed.

Vin blushed.

Vin blushed, but insisted, “It wadn‘t right fa me at be in ther‘ with ya.”

CC rubbed a hand across her forehead, releasing her annoyance. “I know. It’s not like I’ve ev...” She paused as the shop owner reemerged with a brown bag.

“There’s directions on how to use everything,” she explained as CC grasped the handles of the sack. She paid the woman, giving her an extra $50.

“For your trouble.” The blonde explained.

The woman smiled and nodded, watching the couple as they departed.

“Why’d ya giv’ her extra money?”

CC glanced toward him. “So she wouldn’t tell anyone we’d been there. It’s not likely my ex-employers would ever go to that shop, but...”

Vin nodded, then fell silent for a few minutes as she navigated out of the city. Once they were on the deserted road which lead to where the Winnebago was parked, he finally ventured, “Why ya reckin tha’ woman thought we’d...” He flushed.

She laughed. “Maybe she could see the unresolved sexual tension radiating from us.”

His face reddened more, but he continued, meeting her gaze. “Hell, wouldna eve’ known what ta do wit' all th't stuff."

She blinked. "Don't look at me! I've never seen, much less used, things like that." Her eyes shifted the road. "The most daring thing I own is a black lace bustier and g-string. And Amy gave that to me. And I've never even worn it." She flushed. "Well not for anyone else to see," she muttered.

Vin, of course, heard it and chuckled. "A'int sure wha' it is, but ya prob'ly look mighty fine in it." He reached across the cab and laced his fingers with hers.

She couldn't suppress a grin or the shiver that passed through her at the thought of Vin seeing her in it. She squeezed his hand.

CC parked the truck and waited for Vin to come open her door. She remembered this time that he liked to open the door for her and help her down. She could easily do it herself, but he was gallant and she'd take any excuse to be near him.

As they walked back to the Winnie, she said, "Wonder if they had a chance to talk any?"

"Mebbe. If she 'as awake."

She nodded as he opened the door and placed his hand on her back as she climbed the stairs.

My eyes were barely focused on the couple that exited the Winnie. “Water,” I whispered, my throat feeling like I swallowed half the Sahara.

“The lass said water could do more damage,” my husband responded, raising a russet colored brow.

“To drink,” I stated, pulling in a breath when I shifted position. The pain seemed to settle into every single molecule of even the first degree burns.

Jamie put a glass of ice water to my lips, his sapphire gaze mingled with worry and anger.

I sipped slowly, savoring every cool drop that slipped down my throat, when finished, I gave the glass a nudge with my chin. “Will you be telling me what happened now? Why all this happened? You were about to.”

Fraser regarded his wife carefully as he searched for the “right” words. How could he explain what Randall had done to him without repulsing her?

Flashbacks of that awful time, filled his mind as he began to relay the hellish tale, trying to keep as brief as possible, his eyes closed.

Randall was a sadistic man who performed better when he was in a position to rape a woman. . . But it didn’t matter with men. He wanted Fraser, and he had him, repeatedly.

The Scotsman found it difficult to speak as his hands pumped open and closed.

Randall had been the same man who caused the many whip mark scars on his back. James trailed off, his jaw muscles flexing rapidly, horror coiling in his stomach as he tried to catch his wife’s gaze.

The burned woman made an odd sound in the back of her throat and she finally met his stare. “Is he dead?” she questioned hoarsely, her eyes burning with rage.

“Aye,” Fraser whispered. “How is it, lass?”

“I hope he is still burning in hell,” she answered with a shudder. “He isn’t human.” The woman continued to tremble.

He had not expected his little wife’s reaction.

His expression had made what he revealed, all the more horrifying. James Fraser was a man of great inner strength and courage. But that John Randall. . . I cursed that name. Had I been a witness to his heinous act, I would have cheerfully cut off his equipment piece by piece, making him chew and swallow every bit of flesh for what he had done to my husband.

I had more questions, but I refrained from asking them. It took a lot of fortitude for Jamie to tell me such a thing.

“Dinna pity me,” he muttered, his gaze moving from mine.

I shook my head, wincing as the vibrations jarred my burns. I could feel my nightie sticking to various parts of my stomach and back. “I don’t. Not many men or women would have survived that. And I pray to whomever listens, that nothing like that will ever happen again. Damn, if something like that had happened to me, I would have killed myself.”

He looked at me once again, his left hand gently twining itself in my hair. “It doesna excuse the damage I have done tae ye, love.” His deep voice trembled.

“I’ll heal,” I whispered, gingerly raising my hand to touch his cheek. I vowed that I would never own anything lavender scented again. The burns were as painful as hell, but the emotional scars I saw in my husband’s expression were far more painful.

“Ye’ll be scarred.”

“I have scars already. And maybe there are ways to reduce scarring. As long as you remain attracted to me. I don’t give a rat’s ass.”

Jamie chuckled. “Your sayings amuse me.” He became serious once again. “Ye will always be beautiful tae me. I’m sorry ye paid for another man’s mistake.”

“I forgive you.” I shivered, feeling mildly nauseated. I longed to be locked into an embrace, I wasn’t sure if it was for myself or for him. As surprising as it may have seemed, I loved James Fraser even more. Even in his weakness, he was stronger than any man I had ever known. He was a survivor, like me, though, I felt he was far braver than I could ever be.

“They should be back soon.” He spoke quietly, his hand stroking my hair.

“CC and Vin? Yeah. They should be. They know they weren’t getting the full story.”

“Will ye be telling them?”

“I was holding a candle and you were thrashing in your sleep and you knocked the candle. It’s the truth,” I stated.

“Aye. I marriet a smart lass.”

“Most people would say you married a smart ass.” I laughed, but it was squelched with a hiss of pain.

Jamie cocked his head. “D’ye hear that? I think they are back.”

“How are you feeling?” CC questioned the moment she laid eyes on me. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were on the flushed side.

“Sore.” I gave a wry smile, glancing at Vin whose gaze was on CC’s backside. Why don’t you two hump like bunnies and be done with it!? I had wanted to joke, but I remained silent not wanting to embarrass them. Though, when CC and I had a chance to talk, I planned to tell her that Vin was seriously in love with her. I could see it, and I knew she was in love with him too.

“You are running a fever,” the physicist observed. “Your eyes are glassy. I still feel like we should get you to a doctor.”

She was right, but none of us needed to be caught. “Do what you can right now. Have Jamie drive tonight and maybe we can arrange seeing a doctor in the next state. Maybe we can dye my hair so I won’t be so recognizable.”

Tanner and CC exchanged looks, then glanced at Jamie, whose jaw was flexing. My husband nodded. “Aye,” he replied quickly.

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