Page 32 of Capturing the Highlander's Heart

She turned to leave again, and her hand was on the door when he said, “He made a bet ye know. And ye fell right intae his trap.”

She turned back to him slowly, the soft swishing of silk the only sound in the library as his words sunk into her mind.

“A...a bet? What do you mean? Explain yourself!” She clenched her fists at her sides, that recent rage beginning to form again at the base of her belly.

Donald sighed and turned to stand over the fireplace. “Jamie’s friend, that bastard William, becomes quite chatty after a few pints. After a few moments of conversation and a few well-placed questions, William told me that there was a bet between them to entertain each other over these boring winter months.”

Donald paused, savouring that feeling of growing tension. “Och I do love a fiery woman,” he said as he could see her face begin to redden with fury.

“What was the bet?” she nearly snarled at him.

“It went something like this: William believed that Jamie thought ye were bonny but was just not admitting it. Jamie said he didnae think ye were bonny. William bet that Jamie would be kissing ye and telling ye ye were beautiful before the celebration of me Aunt’s Christmas holiday, and Jamie bet that it would be ye doin’ the kissing and the admitting of feelings for him.”

Donald smiled and waiting, watching the understanding come into Amelia’s eyes. She looked as though she could either laugh, cry, or strangle him.

After a long silence, Donald said, “So, I donnae believe ye’ll need tae be worryin’ about yer employers and yer relationships with them. ‘Tis all contrived, ye see.”

“I can’t believe it,” Amelia whispered to herself. “How could he have done such a horrible thing?”

Donald made an impatient face. “Och, yes, ‘tis horrible. So, would ye like the money? And ye’d be willing to give me information? I took the liberty of creating a sort of contract for us tae sign.”

Amelia’s eyes snapped back to his face. She loathed this money, but that money, that money was so important. And Jamie, that awful cad. Pretending all this time and all he wanted was...she couldn’t even say it.

“Yes. Yes, I agree.” And she took the pen from Donald’s hand and signed the small piece of paper, her eyes blinded with anger and betrayal once again.

Donald flashed her a toothy grin. “Excellent, my dear. Ye will see me again soon.”

And as quick as he’d come, he was gone, disappeared into the darkness of the castle halls.

Amelia sat down, still in shock, feeling such a mix of emotions, she didn’t know where to begin.

Unwillingly, tears began to slip out her eyes as she realized that horribly yawning truth that was always there, but she’d hoped was different with Jamie. “Men are weak and useless bastards. They care nothing for the feelings of others and they gamble with things most precious!”

And I...I almost gave him my maidenhead. I did in my head a hundred times over. I am just like the rest of the countless women he’s certainly had “experiences” with. How could I have been so blind?

Amelia’s rage and hurt made her whole body shake; it could not withstand the onslaught of betrayal and deceit.

Suddenly the library door opened, and a worried Jamie ran inside, “Amelia! I saw Donald had left the party as well, and I was worried he’d try that dastardly trick again of getting ye alone somewhere.” He knelt down next tae her. “Are ye well, lass?”

His green eyes were filled with concern, as he gazed into her face.He looks so innocent, as if he’s not just done such a wicked thing. He is a skilled actor.

Amelia stood, her anger having reached a head. “No! I am not well, you bastard! And don’t you ever come near me again. I am here to work for your mother not become like the rest of the simpering, wanton lasses who I’m sure have filled your bed. And I will NOT...be a bet!”

She saw guilt written on Jamie’s face, his forehead lined with it, but there was surprise as well. “The...the bet? How did ye ken…?”

“Your cousin told me right here in the library that you and William made a nice little bet about what you would be doing with me or what I would be doing to you. Am I simply a toy to be played with by two immature, bored, dastardly, caddish men? Are my actions and emotions dependent on the roll of a dice? And to think, I lost my virtue toyou!”

“Amelia, I’m sorry. ‘Twas a stupid, foolish thing. The result of men thinking too highly of themselves. Please...forgive me.” He reached out to her, and Amelia pulled away.

“No! I’ve had enough of false men who only think of themselves!” She hurried her way to the door in a frenzy.

“What did Donald say tae ye?”

“‘Tis none of your business, Laird Kinnaird!”

And Amelia left, her righteousness as companion, and she stormed out of the library and as far away from Jamie as she could get without going back to England. Jamie was left alone, his mouth open, in shock at the turn of events. Before, they were kissing wantonly in the hallway, their desires warm and urgent. Now, she was leaving, wanting to separate, and he couldn’t help but thinking two things:

What did she mean about all these false menandwhy do I feel as if the breath has left my body?

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