Sorcha could not help but feel she would be punished. The way he clung to her added to her fears.
Slowly, light poured into the room, revealing William’s glare. Sorcha wanted to shrink away, but his grip anchored her to his side. He cast a glance at her as if to dare her to try anything.
It was easier to argue with the brute from across the room, so she remained still.
“Leave us.”
Avery and Rhea gave her pitying looks, while Caelan hesitated. He stepped forward, as if to challenge William. His gaze never left the creases on her sleeves where William held her.
As her guard, it was his duty to ensure that she was safe, but he should have enough common sense to understand when she needed his help, and she did need his help at this very moment! She wanted him to punch the man, throw her over his shoulder, and bolt out of the room. But he seemed to interpret her look as her begging him to leave, so he left.
Once the door closed, William flung her away. She shot him a glare, caressing her throbbing arm.
“Ye are their elder, yet ye act as addle-brained as them.”
“Just because ye’re the Laird doesnae give ye the right to go around upsettin’ people.”
“I daenae give a farthing if ye are upset,” he boomed.
She had to hold her ground, or he would think it was all right to impose his will upon her. “I am nae asking ye to care. I am asking ye nae to do it.”
“Ye daenae give me orders.”
“I am nae givin’ ye orders, only givin’ suggestions on how we can live amicably.”
“I have nay intention of livin’ with ye, amicably or nae. What have ye decided about me proposal?”
“I’ve nae had the time to consider it.” She grimaced at how small her voice sounded.
“But ye’ve had the time to gallivant about, eh? Giggling like a banshee.”
“Banshees daenae giggle, idiot,” she muttered under her breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.”
“Ye daenae ken what dangerous waters ye’re treading.”
“Me two feet seem to be on solid ground.”
He was imposing, especially as he leaned closer. She had to remind herself that he would not harm her, no matter how rude he was. He was all bark and no bite.
“From now on, nay more games.”
Sorcha opened her mouth to protest, but William raised a hand, cutting her off.
“Avery and Rhea are old enough to be wed; they shouldnae be actin’ like bairns. Ye ought to decide what ye want yer future to be like. That’s yer only duty from now on. Until ye come to me with an answer, ye’ll stop yer?—”
Sorcha slapped his hand away from her face. “I daenae ken who ye think ye are! Nae even me faither can tell me what to do.”
“A failin’ of his. But I heard that he had ordered ye to marry the dead dastard.”
She clenched her jaw. “A laird who gets his information from gossip? How unreliable.”
“I was merely giving ye the benefit of the doubt.”
“How chivalrous of ye.”
