As much as I want to beat him until his skull cracks open and his own mother wouldn't recognize him, I know that's just what he wants---for me to crack.The rage inside me is a living thing, clawing at my insides, demanding release.But I know better than to give in.Dougal thrives on chaos---specifically mine.
I glare at him."You have ten seconds to explain why I shouldn't call the police."
Behind me, I hear the rustle of sheets as Gretchen sits up."Why is that demonic asshole in the bedroom with us?"
Dougal's eyes light up at the sound of her voice."Ah, the lovely American.I didnae get a proper introduction last time.I am Dougal MacWraith."He bows with exaggerated formality, his eyes never leaving mine."I believe we met briefly on the mountain."
"Get the hell out of our bedroom," Gretchen hisses through clenched teeth, clutching the sheet tighter around her chest.
"Our bedroom?"Dougal's brows shoot up in mock surprise."My, my, things have progressed quickly.Last I heard, you were staying at the Loch Fairbairn Arms."
Thecacanleans to the side, trying to get a better look at the lass.
I shift my position to shield Gretchen from Dougal's leering gaze.Despite the rage roiling within me, I'll be damned if I show any weakness in front of him.I'm acutely aware of my nakedness, but somehow it makes me feel more powerful---primal and unrestrained, ready to tear this bastard limb from limb if he takes another step toward Gretchen.
"You've delivered your message," I growl."Now get out before I throw you out the window."
Dougal clucks his tongue, completely unfazed by my threat."Such hostility, Balfour.And here I thought we were friends."He reaches into his jacket and pulls out a folded piece of paper."I've brought the terms of our arrangement.I believe you'll find them quite reasonable, considering the circumstances."
I snatch the paper from his hand, fighting the urge to crumple it and jam the thing down his sodding throat.As I scan the document, the blood in my veins turns to ice.The terms are worse than I imagined.Not only money, but a demand for my services at his underground fight club for six months.And a clause about Gretchen that makes my vision blur with rage.
"This is insane, Dougal."I tear the paper in half."You've lost your mind if you think I'd agree to any of this."
Dougal sighs, as if I'm a disappointing child."I thought you might say that."He pulls out his mobile, tapping the screen with casual indifference."Remember young Kenny?Sweet lad.Would be a shame if his scholarship to Edinburgh were suddenly...revoked."
The threat lands like a physical blow.Kenny's future, all his hard work---I cannae let Dougal destroy that because the lad made a terrible mistake.Trusting MacWraith was his worst mistake.
"And it's not just Kenny, is it?"Dougal continues, his voice honey smooth."Your family might hit a rough patch if certain financial issues came to light, especially for your brother Tam.Perhaps Neil as well.All I need do is fabricate a bit of evidence showing one or both of them cheated on their taxes, and of course, the damage would be done before the truth emerged."
"You're a dead man, MacWraith."I stomp him until we're nearly nose to nose.
Dougal doesn't flinch."Violence won't solve your problems, Balfour.It never has."His gaze flicks toward Gretchen again."Perhaps your lovely American would like to hear about our arrangement in full?About how you agreed to deliver her to me if I kept certain secrets?"
"That's a lie," I hiss, my body coiled tight as a spring."I never agreed to any such thing."
Gretchen makes a strangled noise behind me, and I can feel her gaze burning into my back.The thought of her believing even for a second that I'd trade her like chattel makes me sick.
"Is it, though?"Dougal's lips curl."Your memory seems rather selective, Balfour.Perhaps we should ask the lass what she thinks about all this."
"Get out," I repeat, my voice deadly calm now.The kind of calm that precedes violence."You have ten seconds before I throw you through that door."
Dougal sighs dramatically, tucking his phone back into his pocket."I'll give you until tomorrow to reconsider.And do think carefully about your options."His attention flicks to Gretchen one more time."Such a pretty thing.It would be a shame if something happened to her."
The threat coils around my chest like barbed wire.I clench my hands into fists, turning the knuckles white."If you touch her, I'll gut you like a fish."
"So predictable."Dougal steps back, heading toward the door with that same infuriating calm."I'll be at the Cross Keys tomorrow at noon.Dinnae be late."
He slips out before I can lunge for him, the door clicking shut behind him with maddening softness.For a moment, I stand here frozen wishing I could beat him into submission.
When I turn back to Gretchen, her face is pale, her eyes wide.The sheet is still clutched to her chest like armor."Did you make a deal with him?About me?"
"Never."I stalk back to the bed.My hands are still shaking."The man's a fucking liar.I would never trade you or anyone else to that monster."
Gretchen searches for something in my eyes.I hold her gaze, letting her see everything---my fury, my fear, and most importantly, my honesty.
"I believe you."Her shoulders sag."But Kirk, what the hell is going on?How did he get in here?"
I thrust a hand through my hair, pacing now, unable to remain still with the energy thrumming through me."MacWraith has connections everywhere, and he knows my Achilles' heel is Kenny.The poor laddie doesnae deserve what Dougal has done to him."
