Page 6 of Sanctuary

The study door creaked open, revealing a room bathed in warm lamplight and the soft glow of a crackling fire. I just about turned tail and ran.

But I didn’t.

Chapter 4

Connor

I led Mia into the study, my heart pounding in my chest. The familiar scent of leather and old books enveloped us as we entered. For a moment, I was transported back to countless hours spent here with Tomas—no, my father. The man I’d thought was merely my employer, but who had turned out to be so much more.

“Drink?” I asked, moving towards the liquor cabinet. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for the crystal decanter of whisky.

Mia nodded, sinking into one of the high-backed leather chairs by the fire. “Please,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I poured two generous measures of the amber liquid, using the moment to gather my thoughts. How the hell was I supposed to explain all of this? I turned, handing Mia her glass before taking a seat opposite her.

“So,” I began, clearing my throat. “How was your trip?”

Mia’s eyebrows shot up, and she let out a short, incredulous laugh. “My trip? Connor, I fled my home after witnessing the murder of my landlord, who happened to be the sweetest man that ever lived, and I’m pretty sure I was being followed. And you’re asking about my trip?”

I winced. “Right. Sorry, Wren did say that you were having a problem back home. I ... I didn’t know.”

She put a hand on mine, and I stared at it, as she said, “No, don’t be sorry, how were you supposed to know? I’ve been on edge ever since I ran.”

“As to be expected. I just didn’t know where to start.”

She took a long sip of her whisky, her eyes never leaving mine. “How about you start with why you’re suddenly the clan captain? And what was that proposal joke about?”

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. “It wasn’t a joke,” I admitted. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. You remember Tomas, right?”

Mia nodded. “Of course. Declan’s father. Your employer.”

I nod, rubbing a hand over my jaw. “Well, it turns out he was my father too.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “What? How is that possible?” — she rolled her eyes — “Iknowhow it’s possible but… how?”

I shrugged, taking a gulp of my own drink. “Apparently, he had a fling with my mother years ago. He kept it a secret all this time. But in his will, he named me as his son and heir.”

“That’s... wow. That’s a lot to take in,” she said, leaning back in her chair.

“Tell me about it,” I muttered. “But that’s not even the half of it. He also named me as the new clan captain.”

Mia’s brow furrowed. “But what about Declan?”

I nodded. “Tomas knew Declan never wanted it when he had the will made up all those years ago, and Declan still doesn’t want it. Neither does Rory or Kat. So, it falls to me.”

“And you’re okay with that?” she asked, her voice soft with concern.

I let out a humorless laugh. “I don’t really have a choice. If I don’t take it, we forfeit everything. And trust me, that would be a disaster for everyone.”

She sat there in silence, staring at me with her doe eyes, and for a minute, I was lost in them.

I shook my head and took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Right. Well, there’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just come out with it.” I paused, meeting her gaze. “I need to get married. Soon. And I was hoping you might consider... being my wife. Fake wife of course, totally platonic.”

Mia’s eyes widened, her mouth falling open in shock. “I... what? You weren’t joking earlier?”

I hurried on, the words tumbling out of my mouth. “It’s not what you think. Well, it sort of is, but not really. You see, my father left me the estate and the position of clan captain, but there’s a catch. I have to be married within six months, or everything goes to our cousin, Donovan. Who is a complete asshole.”

She sat there for a moment, and I thought she was going to pass out. Her face went from a healthy normal skin tone to ashen in less than a second.

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