Page 8 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

“Lower your voice,” he ordered.

She scooted backwards. “I will scream.”

“For Christ’s sake, get up.”

She stared for a moment, then pushed to her feet. Her dress caught beneath her slippered foot and she toppled forward. Cameron caught her, all lush curves and smelling faintly of jasmine.

She snapped her head up and scowled. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” he growled. “The question is, what are you doing here?”

Even in the candlelight, he discerned her narrowed eyes.

“I’m sure I am quite the surprise,” she said.

“You have a knack for understatement, my lady, particularly given that you are in my arms.”

She drew a sharp breath and yanked free. “You were expecting someone else we both know,” she said in an oversweet tone. “A charming, yet foolish, young lady.” She crossed her arms over her breasts. “You don’t like having your plans spoiled, do you?”

“Have you gone mad?” he demanded. “If you are discovered here, your reputation will be ruined beyond repair.”

She snorted. “How chivalrous of you. However, we both know that you are hardly this generous to all your late-night lovers. Should I feel honored that you’d defend my reputation?”

“What?” Fire ripped through him. “Madam, let me make myself perfectly clear. You could parade naked from my bedchambers and tell the entire world I compromised you, and I still would not marry you.”

“Would not marry me?” she cried. “That’s rich. I would not marry you if you were the last man on earth.”

The words, and her sarcasm, startled him, but he didn’t have time to listen. Contrary to his threat, his father wouldn’t be pleased if an unwed noblewoman were caught in his room—naked or not.

“I must finish my business,” he said. “You are no’ to leave this room until I return. Understand?”

She frowned. “Nae, I do not believe I can accommodate your request.”

He took a step toward her. “You will do as I say.”

“I believe it is in my best interest to leave. Only you know that I am here.”

“The last thing you want is for someone to see you slinking from this house.”

“Someone who is good with a knife and gun?”

Cameron started. “You little fool.” He gripped her arm and gave her a hard shake. “Remain here, be quiet, and I will cut short my business—”

“I know about your business,” she interrupted. “If you think I will remain here, you are very much mistaken. Is your father aware you deal in prostitution?”

His jaw clenched, but he forced a slow breath. Despite her attempt to entrap him, he couldn’t blame her for misinterpreting the conversation between him and James.

“Things are no’ what they seem, Lady Alison. I must have your word that you will not leave.” She didn’t reply, and he added, “You said you wouldn’t marry me if I were the last man alive. If that is true, then you will not want to be discovered here alone with me.” She hesitated, and he pressed his advantage. “Stay here. Once James is gone, I will see you safely home.”

“I will not remain silent on what I heard tonight.”

“If I were truly the nefarious fellow you believe me to be, that admission would get you killed,” he said.

She said nothing.

“I am not a kidnapper. I will explain when I return.” He lifted his brow in expectation.

Her gaze sharpened, but she gave a curt nod. He gave her no chance to say more, but turned and left, firmly closing the door behind him. Cameron hurried down the hall, then the stairs. Why couldn’t the noise he’d heard have been one of the servants returned home early, as he’d feared? What the bloody hell was Lady Alison Clarenton doing in his house? Cameron reached his study.