If Not For Love - A Highland Romance

Chapter 7

 Seven

The opening words to the letter throw me off balance and I quickly sit down. Closing my eyes, I take a couple of deep breaths before continuing.

He has lied to you, just as he lied to the woman who once carried his child . . .

What?

He probably didn't tell you that, did he? There is so much you don't know.

Tavish and Molly were in love and had even talked of marriage. Then Tavish grew tired of Molly and ended the relationship. He completely broke her heart. She'd found out she was pregnant the day before and told him. He told her to abort it, and even gave her the money for it. Tavish MacLachlan paid to murder his own bairn.

Even after all of this, Molly tried to hold on. She still loved him, you see, despite being forced to abort their child. After years of trying, begging and pleading, she finally gave up and left. Now she has come back cold and distant, but wiser. I told her you should be warned, but she refused to come to you. She didn't think you would believe her. Tavish has a way of making anyone believe anything. His a manipulator of women. This is why I took it upon myself to contact you.

So here is some advice. Get out while you still can. Get out while your heart is still intact. Because he will break it, lass. Mark my words, he will break it and leave you a broken woman.

That's it. There is no signature.

A bout of hyperventilation seizes me and I run and grab a paper sack from the kitchen drawer and hold it over my face.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

I can't believe it. I just can't. Yet doubt is present in spades. Things have moved so quickly between Tavish and me. Has it all been an act on his part? An act to get me into his bed and use me until he grows tired of me?

No, that's not it. He had the opportunity to take advantage of me today and he didn't. Was that an act as well?

I wipe my eyes before the tears can fall and give myself a good shake. How can I believe accusations written by a total stranger? It could have even been Molly who wrote it, in an attempt to come between us. Tavish loves me. I know he does. But how can I be sure? How can I be sure of anything?

My emotions are bouncing up and down like a yo-yo and I can't seem to rein them in. "I have to get out of here." I am not running away, just taking a short break. I need some breathing room. Tavish is too close and I need to think.

Rushing to the bedroom, I grab a bag and throw in a change of clothing and toiletries. I take a writing pad and pen from the desk, deciding to leave my computer. Checking the place and making sure everything is turned off, I throw my bag in the car and leave.