Page 7 of A Virgin for the Stone Highlander
Aaron barely seemed to register her shock.
“Ye will marry me,” he said calmly, as though he believed she had simply not heard him the first time.
The words knocked the air out of her lungs, and she shook her head, instinctively taking a few unsteady steps backward.
“Nay…”
There was no way this could be real. Aaron Gallaway—the stubborn, cynical, brooding older brother of her best friend, who she knew despised her—wanted to marry her?
It had to be a cruel joke.
“Nay.”
“Ye misunderstand,” he said, his voice lowering dangerously as he walked toward her, his steps slow and deliberate.
Edith continued to retreat until her back collided with the rough stone wall behind her. Aaron planted one hand beside her head, leaning in until his face was only inches away from hers.
Her chest pounded dangerously at his closeness.
“This isnae a request.” The rasp of his voice sent heat skittering unpleasantly beneath her skin, and she swallowed hard, lifting her chin as much as she could without brushing against him. “’Tis for duty.”
She could hardly bother to hide her confusion now.
“Why would ye want to marry me?” she asked quietly, nearly breathless.
She could feel his hot breath against her skin, and somehow, it maddened her more than his preposterous proposal.
“Ye daenae even like me,” she added quickly. “Is this a wager ye made with yer men?”
Aaron’s eyes narrowed. He moved back only an inch, his jaw ticking as a frown creased his brow.
“Mind yer tongue,” he said sharply. “Ye might be me sister’s friend, but I am still yer Laird, and ye remain beneath me roof only because I allow it.”
His words were like ice shards, cold and cutting.
Edith’s expression tightened.
As ye keep reminding me.
She nodded slightly, breaking eye contact for only a moment as her lips quivered in annoyance.
“I apologize, me Laird.” She forced the words out in the most polite tone possible, though her voice strained. “I simply… I daenae understand why.”
Aaron stared at her for a long moment before straightening at last, removing his hand from the wall beside her.
The sudden distance allowed her to breathe properly again.
“Ye walked in on the council meeting yesterday,” he said slowly, his voice quieter now. “They want me to marry and produce an heir. But I willnae.”
It was clear from his tone that he did not intend to explain why. At least not to her.
“I will need a public betrothal to get them off me back,” he continued simply, as though this were no different from a breakfast order. “And ye’ll serve well as me betrothed.”
Edith stared at him, too stunned to speak.
Over the years, she had only known Aaron from a safe distance as a level-headed, strong-willed Laird. She had never imagined those words coming out of his mouth.
She considered asking why he had chosen her for thisduty, but the stern look on his face stilled her tongue.
