Her breath caughtin her throat as his words sank in. Katie hadn’t expected such a demand, and her heart raced as she tried to process what he was asking. The intensity in his eyes left no room for doubt: he was deadly serious.
“Five nights,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“Aye,” Aiden confirmed, his tone unyielding. “And in return, I’ll play along.”
Katie swallowed hard, her mind racing with the implications of his demand.
What kind of man would demand such a thing from a young lady? What was his motive? Surely, he couldn’t expect her to just give herself to him?
I can’t accept it. I can’t do this for a stranger, no matter how handsome he is.
But what choice did she have? She could see no other way out, no other means of avoiding the ruin her mother was so carelessly courting.
With a shaky nod, she agreed. “All right. Five nights.”
Aiden’s gaze softened just slightly, as though acknowledging the gravity of her decision. He reached out and took her hand in his, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to stand still. Katie’s heart thudded in her chest as she stared up at him.
The warmth and roughness of his hand around hers made her body hum with unexpected desire. His touch lit a fire in her belly, causing her to blush furiously, and making the cool air of the garden disappear amidst steamy fantasies of this barbarian’s hands all over her bare flesh.
What kind of things would be expected of her? What would she have to do? What if he was a bad man? A brigand, or a desperate lord in search of a comely mistress? Would he make her his mistress? What about her reputation? Surely he had many other mistresses, and she would become just one of many. He was so handsome and clearly wealthy. What if she was walking into a dangerous trap?
Before she could fully grasp the implications of their pact, a shadow fell across them.
“Ah, there you are, Katie!” her mother’s voice cut through the night, sharp and eager. Theodosia appeared from around thecorner, her eyes gleaming as she approached them. “What are you two doing over here alone?”
Aiden turned to face the older woman, his expression calm and unreadable. Without hesitation, he spoke in a deep, authoritative voice. “I’ve decided to take Katie to Scotland for a month for our betrothal.”
Katie’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in shock. “A month?!” she gasped, stepping closer to him in utter disbelief. “I thought I’d only be there for five days.”
Aiden leaned in, his lips curling into a faint, almost mocking smile. “Och, nay, lass. I didnae mean five consecutive days,” he murmured, his voice low and laced with a hint of amusement.
Katie felt the color drain from her face as the full weight of his words struck her. “But my virtue…” she whispered, her voice trembling with panic.
The thought of spending an entire month in Scotland, alone with him, sent her heart into a frantic rhythm.
Aiden’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes cold and unyielding. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, “None of me concern. Should have thought of that afore ye made a deal with the devil, lass.”
Katie’s stomach twisted in knots as a wave of regret crashed over her. She had been so desperate to escape her mother’s relentlessmatchmaking, so frightened of being forced into a marriage she didn’t want, that she had recklessly agreed to his terms. Now, the reality of her situation was sinking in, and it was terrifying.
Before she could respond, her mother’s voice cut through the tension once again. “What are the two lovebirds talking about?” she inquired, her tone light but her eyes narrowing in suspicion as she studied them.
Aiden straightened, his grip on Katie’s hand firm and possessive as he turned to face her mother. “We were just discussin’ our plans for the future,” he said smoothly, his voice carrying an air of finality. “We’ll be leavin’ for Scotland tomorrow.”
Katie’s heart skipped a beat, panic flaring in her chest as she turned to face him. “Tomorrow?” she echoed, her voice filled with disbelief. She hadn’t expected things to move so quickly, hadn’t had time to think or prepare for the impact their arrangement would have.
“Aye, tomorrow,” Aiden confirmed, his tone once again leaving no room for argument.
He glanced down at her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and something else—something that sent a shiver down her spine.
Theodosia clapped her hands together in delight, her face lighting up with unbridled joy. “Oh, how wonderful! I always knew you would find a suitable match, Katie,” she gushed, completely oblivious to her daughter’s inner turmoil. “Scotlandwill be the perfect place for the two of you to get to know each other better.”
Katie wanted to scream, to protest, but the words wouldn’t come. She felt as if the ground beneath her feet had shifted, as if she was being swept away by a current she had no control over. Her mother’s satisfaction was palpable, her approval finally within reach, but at what cost? What had she agreed to?
Aiden’s grip on her hand tightened, and she felt the weight of his presence beside her, a reminder of the deal she had made. She was trapped, bound by her own desperation and his unwavering determination.
As her mother continued to chatter excitedly about wedding plans and the joys of Scotland, Katie could only stand there, her mind whirling with fear and uncertainty. Tomorrow, she would be leaving for Scotland with a man she barely knew, bound by a promise she had no idea how to keep.
And there was no turning back.
