Eileen just gazed at him, her eyes wary and scared. “Ye know the conditions of our marriage and I’ll be holding ye to them,” she said through stiff lips. “Kindly go back to your own blanket.”

Gallagher studied her pale face, wondering what exactly had happened to make her so terrified. For that’s what she was, he could see it in her eyes. He felt his anger kindle at her unknown assailant and impulsively he reached out to touch her face again. When she jerked back and shrank to the side, he was instantly contrite. “I’m sorry, wee one, I shouldn’t have moved so fast, I’ve spooked ye again.”

Eileen cursed herself for her reaction. “Nay, tis I who am sorry. Ye have promised not to hit me and I will try to abide by your word…until you’ve broken it anyway,” she added. She held her head up proudly, not flinching this time when he slowly put his hand to her face and stroked her creamy cheek. His touch made her tremble and she cursed herself again, vowing not to let this man see how he affected her…hating herself because he did affect her.

“I’ll not be breaking my word, ye can count on that.”

Two more days and Eileen and Gallagher will be here….stay tuned!

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the first book in the series….Revenge of the Pirate Twins!