Page 84 of An Enchanted Spring

“No one can understand us,” Reilly pointed out. “We’re also too far from any of the other tables to be overheard.”

“This seems like something my brother and the lady should discuss in private,” Nioclas tried again.

Emma didn’t hear him over her spinning mind. “Are you saying that you didn’t want me as your publicist?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Aidan affirmed. “I was scouting you for him. Your circumstances, unfortunate as they were, aligned perfectly with my goals. I got you to him, didn’t I?”

So the protection he offered her…it was to ensure that his cousin —or however they were related— would have someone to fill a position?

She was ten times a fool. Ofcourseit wasn’t about her. It was about what she could do for someone else.

Like always.

“What about Ireland?” she asked, hating the catch in her voice.

Aidan turned cool eyes to her. “What about it?”

Bri’s look of miserable sympathy was almost more than Emma could take.

And just like that, Emma decided she’d had enough. No more teasing kisses, or holding hands. No more pretending that maybe she could have a relationship with Aidan MacWilliam. He was out of her league, sure. But he also was a first-rate ass for allowing her to think there might be something between them. She always knew she wasn’t relationship material, but seeing as how she’d fallen right into his plans for her…Apparently, her taste in men hadn’t improved since she’d sworn them off after Ben.

In a low voice, she hissed, “I am so very grateful we never finished what was started back at Colin’s.”

“What, exactly, did you start at Colin’s?” Brianagh asked, her curiosity fully piqued.

“I tried to dissuade her,” Reilly said matter-of-factly.

“Perhaps you should save your speech for another time,” Brianagh said, shooting a concerned glance to Nioclas.

“But then you said you didn’t really mean it!” Emma exclaimed, glaring at Reilly. “I am so grateful Cian interrupted us. Talk about a sign that sleeping with you is a bad idea!”

Aidan turned a cool gaze on her. “When I finally take you to bed, it will be the best night of your life. I vow it.”

Brianagh choked, and Nioclas clapped her on the back as he thundered, “Saints above, Aidan, she’s a lady!”

“And that seals it,” Reilly said with a sigh. “Tomorrow, in the lists. Choose wisely, MacWilliam. Swords or joust.”

Emma glared at Aidan. “You willneverget me in your bed.”

“Challenge accepted,” Aidan snarled.

Emma’s eyes narrowed.

“Joust,” Aidan answered Reilly, his gaze locked on hers. “And when I best him, you’ll marry me, here. Because you,” he leaned closer to her, “are,” their noses almost touched, “mine.”

The words felt different, coming from Aidan. The threat wasn’t one of violence…it was a sensual warning that made her lose her breath. And that made her even angrier.

“I am no one’s,” she uttered back.

He smiled, though it was anything but friendly. “We are handfasted. If I win tomorrow, you marry me.”

“Then I will pray for your failure,” she snapped.

“The terms are set, then.”

Emma looked up in surprise. She hadn’t noticed Laird Monaghan and his son standing at the table in front of them.

Emma risked a glance at Bri, whose face was white.

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