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“So now there is a new deal. Either you cooperate, or I will make sure your brother’s restaurant gets the worst review,” he threatened. “He’ll be ruined.”
“You’re a fucking monster.”
“Yes, I am, and don’t you forget it,” he agreed. “You’ll go out there, and you’ll say whatever vows we need to say, and I will make sure whatever paperwork Sir Leonard tries to put through doesn’t happen. I have friends in high places too. And trust me, the last thing I want is to be married. I will stop it. Do you understand?” He stood in front of me, his face inches from mine. He was so close I could taste the whiskey on his breath. Sharp and pungent. The hair on the back of my neck bristled with fear. “This doesn’t have to be a big deal.”
I was trapped with nowhere to go. “I-I-I can’t just say words I don’t mean. Vows are meant to be kept. Our words hold value.”
“I will ruin your brothers,” he said, matter of fact.
I felt a tear slip down my cheek, and he gently wiped it away with his thumb. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” he said. “We could work together.” He leaned in and kissed me, taking my mouth into his, deepening his control as he seduced my traitorous body with his dangerous charm.
My skin prickled with the same electricity as before. His hand slid underneath the thin fabric of my dress, caressing my breast.
“Please,” I begged as my body convulsed with a multitude of sensations, and I felt myself coming apart at the seams.
“Shh.” His voice was as smooth as warm butter, and his grip on the back of my head grew more possessive and intense. “All you have to do is cooperate.”
I pushed him away, realizing there was no way to escape him. My family’s livelihood depended on it. However, they would disown me if they ever found out. Marriage was considered a sacrament to my brothers, and he was making a mockery of it.
There was a knock on the door, and Alan walked in. “Dinner is ready. Your guests are waiting.”
Keir straightened his jacket, frowning. He gave Alan a hesitant nod. “What will it be, lass?” he asked, his voice a bit rattled.
“You’ve given me no choice.”
“Alan, there will be an impromptu wedding in the Great Hall after dinner. Please make sure we have a cake.”
“What?” his assistant questioned.
“Just do it,” Keir barked, regaining his composure.
“I do have one condition,” I said. “I want five million dollars transferred to an off-shore account in my name.”
“Done.”
ChapterEight
KEIR
Dinner passed in a haze of bagpipes, verbose toasts, gourmet food, and fine wine. I announced when we were all seated around the table that I had a surprise for our guests when we were finished. They were currently waiting in the Great Hall for us as we were cloistered in my office, going over last-minute details about the ceremony.
“Do you have rings?” Lily asked, her short blonde curls bobbed around her face as she spoke.
“Just this,” Evie said, pointing to the silly silver band around her finger.
I pulled it from her hand and deposited it in my pocket. “It won’t work.” The idea of another man giving her the ring irked me.
“Perhaps a strip of tartan, then. I can bind your hands with it.”
“I’ll find something,” Alan said. He had insisted I change into my kilt for the occasion, and I fingered the stiff wool absentmindedly.
“And what about vows. Did you write your own?”
“No, keep them short and sweet,” I said. “Nothing religious.”
Lily looked disappointed but continued. “Very well then. We should get on with it.”
Demi handed Evie a bouquet of thistles picked from the garden outside. She had remained suspiciously quiet. I took her hand in mine and headed toward the Great Hall. The guests were seated on the couch and in chairs, and a hush fell over the group as we entered. Lily took her place before the fireplace inviting Evie and me to join her. “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we are gathered before you in this remarkable place, so we can join in marriage, Keir and Evie.” A few shrill gasps of excitement filled the room, and everyone clapped. I felt Sir Leonard’s eyes boring into my back.
