She nodded, murmuring, “thank ye,” her cheeks already warm as she lifted the cup to her lips.
He poured himself a drink as well and leaned back against the table, studying her over the rim of his cup. The fire popped softly, and rain drummed against the window, sealing them into their quiet refuge.
Connor took a slow sip, savoring both the whiskey and the moment. He had faced battlefields without fear, yet the woman standing before him stirred something far more dangerous…desire.
Seeing her shift on her feet, Connor drew chairs closer to the hearth and gestured, his voice low but firm.
“Sit, Eva,” he said, watching her carefully as she obeyed. “We need to speak plain about this marriage, and we need to set the date.”
She folded her hands in her lap and met his gaze, saying quietly, “Aye, I’m ready to talk.”
He leaned back and crossed his arms. “It’s best we have the weddin’ soon,” Connor said. “The longer we wait, the more folk will meddle.”
Eva nodded but answered, “Soon is fine, but I’ll nae marry until me mam and me brother are fully healed, so they may attend.”
He studied her for a moment before saying, “Then we’ll wed next weekend. If that gives them time enough?”
Eva exhaled softly, relief flickering across her face. “That’s all I ask,” she said. “I only care that me family’s well looked after.”
Connor replied without hesitation, “That’ll nae be an issue, lass, they’ll want for nothin’ under me name.” She swallowed and said, “Then I’ve nay more demands of ye.”
Connor’s expression shifted, becoming more severe. “I do,” he said.
Eva stiffened slightly and asked, “What terms do ye have?”
He stood up and answered, “First, ye’re nae to expect love from me. This is merely an arrangement.”
She nodded slowly, replying, “I can live with that.”
“Second,” he continued, “ye’ll perform yer duties as me wife and, when the time’s right, ye’ll give me an heir.”
Eva inclined her head and said, “That’s only sensible.”
Connor held her gaze and added, “Third, ye’ll obey me without question.”
The words fell heavy, and silence lingered between them.
Eva’s brows knit together as she shook her head. “Nay,” she said simply.
Connor’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “Nay?”
She straightened and replied, “The first term’s fine, and the second I understand, but I’ll nae obey ye like I’ve nay mind of me own.”
His jaw tightened, and he said sharply, “I’m the Laird, Eva, and when I say obey, ye obey. Every member of me clan does.”
She rose to her feet. “I’ll nae be ruled like a child,” Eva said. “I’ll stand beside ye as yer wife, but I’ll nae be silenced.”
Connor stepped closer, his voice edged with steel. “Ye’re testin’ me already,” he warned.
Eva lifted her chin, her voice steady despite the tension. “I’ve survived worse than a sharp tongue and a title,” she said.
Connor scoffed softly and replied, “Stubbornness can be a strength or a curse.”
“Then I’ll pray it serves us both,” she answered.
The fire crackled between them, filling the space their words could not.
Connor looked at her long and hard before saying, “This marriage willnae be easy.”
