Page 67 of Defy the Highlander

That’s not what she wanted from him. Brody could see that from the look on her face. She was trying very hard to throw an alluring look in his direction, saying she wanted to speak with him but meaning she wanted something far more.

“I thought ye were speaking with Sir Clegg,” he said.

She shook her head. “As strange as it sounds, he would not take my money for you,” she said. “He told me he would stand by your decision. I am, therefore, appealing to you directly. Won’t you let me in?”

“It is late and I am weary, m’lady.”

“Please?”

He sighed faintly. What was it he’d told Lilia? The woman is going to hound me.

Already, it was starting.

“M’lady, I dunna know how much plainer I can be,” he said. “I am not trying tae insult ye, but I have a wife and I am faithful only tae her. I dunna want yer company but I am sure there are a dozen other men who would gladly entertain ye. Even if ye dunna understand, I would ask that ye respect my decision. I willna change my mind.”

The smile on her face vanished. “Then you are a fool,” she hissed. “Do you have any idea how much money I have at my disposal? I could make you a very wealthy man, Brody.”

“My honor is worth more than money, m’lady. Please go.”

Embarrassed and angry, she backed away from the door. “This is not over,” she said defiantly. “I always get what I want, Brody. Do not forget that.”

“In this case, m’lady, ye shall not get me.”

She growled unhappily and turned on her heel, marching back the way she had come. Brody watched her until he was certain she wasn’t going to turn around and charge back to him. Closing the door, he threw the bolt again before heading to the bed.

“Ye can come out now,” he said, pulling out the coverlet he’d stuffed around her. “Did ye hear that?”

Lilia poked her head out, holding out her hand so he could pull her all the way out. Standing up, she brushed the dirt off her leg and arm, grasping at her shift on the ground where Brody had tossed it.

“I heard,” she said unhappily, pulling her clothing on. “I’ve seen her do this, Brody. She’ll pick at ye and hope tae break ye down.”

“Then she’s in for a big disappointment.”

Lilia smiled sadly at him, sad for the entire situation. Theirs would have been such a happy circumstance were it not for Lady Currie’s interference.

Something told Lilia that it was only going to get worse.

“I must go,” she said. “If she’s in a state, she’ll probably want tae leave early, so I must be ready tae leave, too.”

He knew that but he was still disappointed that she had to leave at all. “Someday, ye’ll not have tae leave me,” he said, helping her secure the ties on the back of her dress. “There will be a day when we willna have tae worry over Lady Currie and her tantrums.”

“I know,” she said, turning to face him. “But that time is not now. But someday.”

Reaching out, he smoothed at her mussed hair. There was so much he wanted to say to her but he wasn’t sure where to even start.

“I’m going tae beg or borrow those two pounds,” he finally said, cupping her face in his big hands. “I canna stand that ye must live with that… that woman and her nurse who beats ye. I canna stomach any of it, Lilia. I want ye tae come here and live with me. That’s the only thing in the world I want right now.”

She could see the turmoil in his face. “As do I,” she said, her hands on his. “Somehow, I dunna feel whole knowing I have tae leave ye. I feel as if something is missing in me.”

He smiled faintly. “I’m missing. But not for long, I swear it.”

“I believe ye,” she said, standing on her toes to kiss him sweetly. “And I look forward tae that time more than ye know. But for now… I must go.”

He was reluctant to let her go and Lilia had to pull herself away from him, as difficult as it was. He grabbed her and kissed her one final time before finally releasing her, and she headed out into the icy night, leaving behind a man that she was aching for.

As she’d told him, she felt as if she were leaving a piece of herself behind.

But for now, they had little choice.