“You would be free to pursue anything you wish.Music, art, social functions.”
“Why me?”she asked, cocking her head.
He pushed a lock of hair off her forehead.“Most women would jump at the chance of becoming a thrall, not questioning it.”
“I’ve never really thought about it.”
“And that’s precisely why I’m offering.”
He confused her.
“Like I said, loyalty is a rare commodity,” he continued.“It’s a virtue that is deeply important to me.”
She laid her hand on top of his, and he turned it over so their fingers could intertwine.
“May I think about this?”she asked.“All I have in my head right now is getting through tomorrow without breaking apart.”
“Very well,” he said softly.“I’d like for you to return with me.”
“I don’t mean to offend, but if I go with you now, I won’t be able to think rationally.”
He studied her for a moment.“Very well, let’s compromise.I want to place one of my men here to make sure you stay safe.”
“I can live with that.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the funeral, and I do apologize for that.But I’ll send Chester to pick you up, and this time, he is going to stay with you until you return to me.”
“Okay.”She knew a losing argument when she heard one.“Thank you, Lord Huntley.”
“Call me Gareth.After all, you’re going to be my thrall.”
He winked and she couldn’t help but grab hold of the hope it sparked in her soul.She didn’t care about his money or any of the things he said she could pursue, but being around people who cared about her meant more than anything.He leaned forward and placed his mouth on hers, giving her a soft kiss.His cool lips heated her body, but he pulled back before anything more could come of it.
Chapter Seven
After Gareth left,sleep eluded her.Guilt lay heavy on her heart.She didn’t want to think about the day, but it haunted her, knowing she had to say a final good-bye to the only person who ever gave a damn about her.In her mind, she kept replaying the moment the gun went off.Perhaps if she’d done something different Marilisa would still be alive.Or if she’d have just gone with them the first night.Or moved on when she first ran away from Lori.
