Page 64 of A Stranger’s Gamble

“Why do you think Balfour insisted we stay here tonight?” he asked.

“How would I know? The man is clearly mad.”

“You may be right on that score,” he said. “However, there is a method to his madness. He forced us to stay here in order to have witnesses that the marriage was, indeed, consummated.”

“That is ridiculous. With no one here to watch us, they cannot know.”

“Come, Miss Shaw, we are closeted alone in a bedroom without our clothes. No one will believe otherwise. That was his plan.”

She let out a very unladylike growl. “I will not stay here another instant with you.” She started to crawl off the bed.

Adam grabbed her arm and yanked her back.

“Forgive me,” he said. “You will stay, even if I have to sleep on top of you.”

She stilled.

“Sophie”—the devil possessed him, and he amended—“my lady”—which elicited another growl from her—“Balfour will think nothing of killing us both should he feel threatened.”

“You are saying that to frighten me,” she said, but he detected fear in her voice.

“Only because it is true,” he replied.

Thankfully, she acquiesced, but he insisted she sleep on the side of the bed farthest from the door. He slept not a wink, and by her tossing and turning, he knew she didn’t either.