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“Neither of us want this, Miss Hayward. Do you really think I want to be married to my friend’s cold-hearted little sister who isn’t willing to listen to anything except her own voice?”
Victoria’s mouth dropped open.
“How dare you?”
“I never wanted to get sent to another country, but I went, and I did it. I managed to get by, and now it’s my home. I would rather be there than here talking to you.” His eyes drifted over her face. “It doesn’t matter how beautiful you are. I would rather be facing down a buffalo than spend time with you. They’re more intimidating, but at least you know what they’re going to do.”
Had he just called her beautiful?Victoria faltered. She didn’t know what to say to that.
“But, unfortunately for both of us, we’re in this situation, and we’re going to have to get married.”
“No, we don’t.” Victoria shook her head, trying to get her anger back. “I’m not about to marry you.”
“Do you think either of us have a choice about this?”
“My father will listen eventually. He will say that this is nonsense, and it shouldn’t be happening.”
“With the wedding happening so soon, do you really think you’ve got enough time to turn that decision around?”
Victoria put her hands on her hips.
“I have made my feelings clear, and I will be protesting all the way up the aisle. I won’t be saying yes to being your wife, nor will I be signing anything to say it’s legally binding. You can do whatever you want, but it’s not going to happen.”
Blackmore’s mouth twitched.
“I think, given our current situation, you’re not in any position to argue. Trust me, I’d love to agree with you on this.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“Because I made a promise to a dying man, and I don’t go back on my word. Especially not when my brother is involved.”
Victoria could see this was going to be a fight she couldn’t win. Even if he agreed with her, he wasn’t going to listen. She stepped towards him, noticing that Blackmore didn’t move back. But her heart started to race as she neared him. Victoria hated that she reacted like this to him.
She hated him.
She slapped him. Blackmore’s head barely moved, although the look of stunned amazement on his face appeared. He stared at Victoria as she leaned towards him.
“It is not happening,” she whispered. “You are not going to touch me, you will not speak to me, and I will never call you my husband. A man who can murder and walk away from it without any repercussions doesn’t get the luxury of my company.”
“You think me living in another country for six years isn’t enough of a repercussion, do you?”
“Where I would rather you be is hung from the gallows. It’s a shame nobody’s willing to take you to trial. If anyone would listen to me, I’d happily do it. Unfortunately, everyone around me seems content with us becoming husband and wife.”
“Maybe you should be content,” Blackmore said back with a sneer. “You’re never going to find a gentleman who’s prepared to take on an opinionated, mean-spirited girl who is so single-minded.”
Victoria went to slap him again, but Blackmore caught her wrist, tugging her against his chest. His eyes glittered, and Victoria almost forgot to breathe. They were almost mesmerising.
“And it’s not very ladylike to slap a gentleman.”
“You insulted me!”
“I think I was telling a few truthful things about you. I may not have been a member of this country’s society for a long time, but I don’t let disrespect pass by without calling it out. I don’t care if you’re a man or a woman: if you’re disrespectful, I’m going to be telling you.”
Victoria bared her teeth.
“That’s not very gentlemanly.”
“When you’ve been shipped off elsewhere, being gentlemanly is the least of your worries.” Blackmore released her. “Whether or not we like this, we are going to be married and become husband and wife. How you want to go on with your future is up to you, but in two weeks, we’re going to be the Earl and Countess of Blackmore.”
“Two weeks?”
“Your wedding day was meant to be in a few days, wasn’t it? It doesn’t take much to change things for a later date.” Blackmore stepped away, looking her over before turning away. “Once we are married, don’t expect me to be nice to you after the way you’ve spoken to me. I’m doing both our families a favour, and if you don’t see it, you’re more single-minded than I thought.”
“Would you stop insulting me?”
“Once you stop treating me like I’m something you’ve stepped in, I will. But until then….” He turned back for a moment and gave her a low, mocking bow. “I’ll be taking my leave, Miss Hayward. I hope you’re a bit sweeter than you are now when we next meet.”
Victoria couldn’t do anything except stare at him as he walked away.
