“And why not?” she demanded.
“Ye are hardly likely to suit a life on yer knees,” he muttered, trying in vain to dismiss the persistent image of her kneeling at his feet, looking up at him plaintively, waiting for his orders.
“What if I offered to write a book about you?” she said, suddenly excited. “I could write about your adventures, your clan’s power, telling tales of your greatness.”
She looked even more beautiful as she became animated, her bright eyes dancing with ideas as she looked at him.
Although the thought of a book about him seemed absurd, the opportunity to promote his clan appealed to him. The alliance with MacIrvin was one thing, a book showing their skills and resources could be quite another.
Magnus watched her as she waited for his decision. He was reluctant to admit it, but the lady’s pleas and her little speech had stirred something inside him.
He realized he felt sorry for her and did not wish to be the reason she returned to a situation where she was exploited at the whims of another man. He could well imagine what a useful bargaining chip such a beauty might be. Just thinking about her father using her in such a way made him angry.
Who is this lass that she has such a hold on ye? Ye’re lettin’ a stranger into yer castle for nay other reason than a set of pretty blue eyes and a bonnie face.
“Fine,” he growled. “Ye can stay for a week. We shall see about a book later.”
“A month,” she countered.
“Two weeks,” he replied, glaring at her when she opened her mouth to try to negotiate further. “But in return, ye must give me what I ask of ye, when I ask it of ye. Do we have a deal?”
CHAPTER 5
Leah considered her options.Although this had not been part of her plan when she climbed into the carriage in desperation, the result could greatly benefit her.
Two weeks without her father knowing where she was would buy her the time to finish her book. She would not have to be sent back to him like cattle to the slaughter.
If she stayed with the barbarian for two whole weeks, it would be likely that her father would return to England when he could not recover her. He would not wish to make the long trip more than once in a single month. She could spend some more time with Daphne and Oskar until she chose to return.
She studied the enormous man opposite her and felt her throat constrict.
Is this madness? I know nothing about him. Oskar warned me to be wary of him, and Oskar knows him better than I do.
She knew it was a risk, but at that moment, it seemed to be the best option in a mire of unpleasant choices.
She held out her hand. “I agree to your terms, but I have a condition of my own. I am a lady spending time alone in your castle. I will have my honor uncompromised, and any rumors to that effect will be quashed.”
She watched as he extended a giant hand toward her, calloused and worn from years of toil. His palm almost engulfed hers as they shook on it.
“Very well, lass. I hope ye ken what ye’re doin’,” he said ominously. “At some point, I shall ask ye what ye are runnin’ from. I dinnae wish to bring war on me clan, no matter how much I value a lady’s honor.”
“No war will be brought to your doorstep, I can promise you that,” she said sincerely. “In two weeks, I’ll leave, and you won’t have to worry about me again.”
She felt nauseous as she thought of her father. This was still only a temporary solution—and it might not work.
But what choice do I have?
After that final exchange, MacWatt nodded solemnly, and they fell into a companionable silence. Leah sat silently, listening to the deluge above, although she could not help but keep glancingat him. He took up so much space that it was difficult to look anywhere else.
His gaze was fixed on the window to his right and rarely wavered from it as they made their way through the howling wind and rain. Leah shivered, feeling as though she were teetering on the edge of an abyss, uncertain whether she would fall into oblivion or remain safely in the light.
As the carriage trundled on, she could hear the drivers shouting over the sound of the rain. After only a few more minutes, they slowed to a stop. She frowned, glancing out at the darkness, seeing a single flame in the distance and a great mass of water.
Of course, he lives on an island where we will be isolated from everything and everyone. Perhaps I have not thought this through.
Laird MacWatt rose, jolting the carriage violently as he climbed out into the pouring rain. He turned back to look at her, and his gaze roamed over her dress and back up to her face.
“Ye have nay cloak, I imagine,” he said.
