“I’m not an acquisition.”
“According to that paper, you are.”
“According to that paper, I am not an acquisition. I am legally wed?—”
“To me.”
“Well, that was a mistake. I did not mean for it to be so.”
“But you’ve done it so. And I’m naturally…curious.”
“Don’t be!”
“How can I not be? You were intent upon marriage, Lady Douglas. Conquering new lands, heading out west for adventure—and profit. Well, madam, perhaps you will profit. But in the name of my father, my dear wife, you’ll pay as well. I guarantee it.”
CHAPTER 5
“Don’t you threaten me!” Skylar cried out. It was all that she could do. In a second, he’d have her so intimidated that she’d be pleading like an idiot for mercy when there seemed to be no reason within this man whatsoever.
She ducked beneath his arms and managed to slide from the side of the bed, rise, and stare back at him. There was a wry smile slightly twisting his lips.
“Oh, Lady Douglas. I intend to do much more than threaten.”
Yet when he finished with those words, he made no move toward her. He stood as well, staring at her from across the bed and continuing, “I suggest you use some good sense after I leave and do not try to find your way out of here before I get back. You’ll be safe enough as long as you stay here. Inside.”
“You’re—leaving?” she said, both stunned and hopeful.
“But I’ll be back.”
“Why? Where are you going?”
He arched a brow. “My business is none of your concern.”
“But you’ve dragged me here. You’ve abducted me?—”
“Do you claim this license to be valid?”
“Yes, but?—”
“Then you’ve just been welcomed to your new home by your lawfully wedded husband.”
“Really? And what of the stagecoach driver?”
“Old Sam?”
“Mr. Haggerty.”
“I assume Mr. Haggerty has driven the stagecoach along on schedule back to Riley’s.”
“You—ass!” she hissed.
His eyes narrowed. “Well, ma’am, it’s just not that often that I hear a complete stranger introducing herself to others as Lady Douglas while she announces she’s on her way to take over my property.”
“You might have introduced yourself and asked a few questions.”
“The fact that my father apparently met you and died soon thereafter certainly influenced my choice of behavior. Let me warn you again. There are all manner of wild creatures outside. Bears, wolves—hostile Indians.”
“You can’t imagine that you can just leave me here and expect that I’ll stay put?—”
