Page 79 of The Wrong Bride
But focusing on that would distract him from thinking about losing Riona, because that’s what had to happen. He’d spent weeks trying to make her fall in love with him and accept an arranged marriage, but—he was the one who’d fallen in love.
“Revenge is what my father would go after,” he said at last. “I’ve already been proven enough like him tonight.”
“Hugh—”
“Nay, your kindness after everything I’ve inflicted upon ye is only making this worse. Just because I don’t think I should pursue revenge doesn’t mean we don’t deserve justice. Your uncle put ye into my hands, little caring what would happen toye. I could have been a man like my father, for all your uncle knew or cared.”
“All I ask is that we take our time before making a decision,” she insisted. “No one here knows about this but you and me. I am not ready to let you abandon this marriage contract.”
He flinched. “Ye think I should inflict myself upon your cousin?”
“I didn’t say that. I can’t even imagine it after how I’ve betrayed Cat.”
He turned and took her by the shoulders, whispering fiercely, “This betrayal is my fault, Riona.” The counterpane sagged, and he glimpsed the top of her breast, and wished he hadn’t. He didn’t want to desire her, but he still did. He always would. His traitorous body didn’t care that he’d harmed her.
“You thought you were doing the right thing, Hugh. I knew better, and I still . . .”
And again they were silent.
“Riona, I need to give this serious thought. I don’t want ye harmed by people finding out that a mistake has been made.”
“Hugh, it’s not about me but the clan—”
“Nay, for me, it’s about you first. Promise me ye’ll speak of this to no one except me. I’m going to send Samuel to the Duff castle and see if there’s been word from your uncle.”
She clutched his arm. “Won’t that be dangerous for him?”
“Samuel thrives on danger,” he assured her, feeling his attempt at lightness fall flat. “I won’t make a decision until I ken what your uncle is up to. From what ye’ve said of your cousin, she won’t let your disappearance be forgotten.”
They continued to sit silently side by side for a long time, until Riona shivered.
“Into bed with ye,” Hugh said, rising to his feet and reaching to help her. He tucked her in.
“Stay with me, please,” she whispered, looking up at him with wet eyes.
He knew he shouldn’t, but the worst had already happened. So he lay down on top of the counterpane and drew her against him. It was a long time before she slept, and each little shiver of sadness in her breathing cut him anew.
THREEdays passed, and Riona couldn’t take the awkwardness anymore, and confronted Hugh in his solar before dinner. It was the first time they’d allowed themselves to be alone since that night. He hadn’t come to her bed, hadn’t spent an evening talking privately. She missed him with an ache that only grew each day.
He stared at her as she shut the door. “Riona—”
“I know, I know, I shouldn’t be here. But if Maggie asks me one more time what’s wrong, I will simply scream.”
“She is persistent,” he said wryly.
He leaned back in his leather chair and stretched, making her think of how his body looked beneath his shirt and plaid. She shivered and tried to put aside the desire that always seemed to linger just beneath the surface when she saw him . . . when she thought of him . . . maybe just all the time. “I thought I saw Samuel at the stables.”
“Ye did. We just spoke. Come sit with me.”
She dragged a chair near his desk, but was surprised when he took her hand and drew her to sit on his lap. She perched there uncertainly.
“Just let me hold ye, lass.” His voice was a low rumble in her ear. “I dream about us each night.”
She closed her eyes on a sigh. “Oh, Hugh . . .”
She sank against his chest and huddled there, letting him caress her hair and back. He felt safe and warm—and still so forbidden. “Tell me about Samuel.”
“Something unexpected has happened. Your uncle died of a fever several weeks ago and the news is only just now spreading through the Highlands.”
