She shook her head. “He is cruel. I couldnae live in the keep.” That part was true, at least. Liam was cruel and had nearly killed her as a result.
“Wot is yer real name, lass?”
“Ainslee,” she replied evenly, stealing a glance at him. He didn’t look angered at her, which was good, but she had to get him to release her. She was no safer here than she was anywhere else. Liam would be coming for his revenge, and when he learned of her deceit, she would be as good as dead. “I need for ye tae release me.”
“I cannae,” he replied, opening the door. “I’m sorry.”
Ainslee hurried to the door, but he shut it before she could wrench it open. This time, she heard the lock turn in the door, and her fears were confirmed. He had indeed taken her prisoner. Tears threatened her eyes, but she blinked them back. Now was not the time to break down. She had survived her brother’s wrath and an escape. She had to use this to her advantage.
It was nightfall before the door opened again, and Ainslee rose from the bed, straightening her heavy gown. She had taken a long bath, wishing she did not have to don the horrid disguise once more, but she could not let anyone know who she really was.
The laird stepped through, a tray in his hands, and shut the door. “I’ve brought ye yer supper.”
She smirked, unable to help it. “Do ye not have servants for that?”
He set the tray on the table near the fireplace. “Aye, but they are all toasting mah safe return. I dinnae trust anyone in the lot of them tae bring it up in one piece.”
His tone was jesting and Ainslee had to fight the fluttering in her breast. He, too, had cleaned up, and now she could see how handsome the laird was. It was hard not to picture the strong body underneath his clean tunic and breeks.
“Thank ye.”
He inclined his head. “I have news for ye.”
Ainslee clasped her hands before her, her heart now thudding in her ears. He was going to let her go. He was going to hold true to his word and release her.
The laird rubbed the back of his neck with his large hand. “I...we will be wed tomorrow.”
It was as if the floor dropped out from under her feet, and Ainslee stumbled back, the backs of her knees colliding with the edge of the bed and nearly upending her.
“Wot?”
“Ye will become mah wife,” he responded, his voice low. “What say ye, Ainslee?”
“Nay!” she responded, panic flooding her body. “I cannae. We cannae!”
“I can protect ye,” he continued, while she tried to understand what was going on. “Ye stated ye were frightened of him. I can provide protection.”
Ainslee swallowed. “I wilnae marry ye.”
He let out a heavy sigh as he turned toward the door. “Ye dinnae have a choice, Ainslee. Ye will be mah wife before the sun sets tomorrow. Prepare yerself.”
Once the laird had departed, Ainslee sunk onto the bed, her entire body shaking at what had just transpired. She could not marry him! She wanted her freedom, a chance to move on from the person she had become while hiding from her brother and make her own way now.
Ainslee looked at the dress she wore, a sob escaping her. What would the laird do once he learned the truth about her appearance? She had been this way for so long, but she would not be able to keep it up once he wished to share her bed.
Well, he will marry this form,Ainslee decided, setting her jaw. He had already made his decision, and she would not reveal herself until she had to. She had survived her brother; she could survive this as well while looking for a way to escape.
A bubble of laughter broke through her sobs. Now she was on the other side—she was the laird needing to escape.
The next morning, Ainslee waited nervously for the door to open, and when it did, the laird stood in the doorway.
“’Tis time, lass,” he replied, his voice grave.
She rose, her throat tightening. “Will ye protect me if he comes?”
He nodded. “Ye will be mah wife. I will protect ye until mah dying breath.”
Ainslee believed him. She had seen the fight in the Scot to get back to his clan. She also knew that no amount of fight would keep her from this fate. After she had fled her own family’s keep, Ainslee had given up the idea of being wedded to anyone.
