Page 112 of A Rogue in Firelight

“Do not try to deny it. I was told of it almost as soon as we arrived.”

Her stomach sank. “Who—”

“Neill Pitlinnie told me. Does Sir Hector know?”

Her heart pounded fiercely. “Pitlinnie! I did not realize you knew him.”

“Since school days. He said he had the news straight from you when he saw you with MacGregor out in the hills at night. Why?”

“We were out for the day. That is not your concern.”

“If you foolishly promised to marry him, it is very much my concern. I genuinely care for you and would give you the life you deserve. Is it true?”

She did not answer that, pulling against his hold. “Do not listen to rumors.”

“I will if it means you are in the thrall of another rascal who will bring ruin to your family. Your father must hear of this before someone else tells him the news.”

“I will tell him the truth when I see him.”

“So you did promise?” He yanked her close and she stubbed the toe of her slipper on a stone, stumbling into him. “Then someone must save you from disgrace again.”

“I do not need saving. Let go,” she said between her teeth, twisting her arm.

“This will ruin your father. He is poised to take the Lord Provost’s position.”

“Lord Provost!”

“When Lord Arbuthnot steps down in a year or two, your father could be appointed, especially if he succeeds with the royal visit. He could be granted a title as well as promotion. You cannot destroy what he has worked for!” His grip was bruising.

“I would never do that.”

“We can fix your grave error. I have a solution.”

“You worry over nothing. You will get what you want. Lord Darrach will only bring credit to my father—especially if he lets him go free afterward.”

“MacGregor wants to benefit, so he coerced you into marriage, is that it?”

“He did not, because he—”

“Loves you?” Corbie laughed bitterly. “Is that what you think? He sees the advantage of a father-in-law who is chief of the constabulary so he can keep out of prison despite his criminal actions.”

She stopped struggling, breath heaving. His cruel words felt like a visceral blow. She had brought scandal to her family once. But Ronan would never deceive her.

“We cannot risk bringing him to the king, especially if he is still smuggling up here. He will be arrested as soon he reaches the city.”

“He did everything you asked. You cannot betray him. His title is legitimate and he is innocent of the other charges.”

“And you believe that! Poor lass.” He shook his head. “But you can still save your father’s reputation and yours too.” He moved closer, bending her arm to press it between them. “Sir Hector could lose all. Now listen. This is how we will fix it. We will announce our engagement,” he went on. “That will erase the rumors and protect you. MacGregor will be forgotten after the royal visit.”

She felt dread rise like bile. “I would never marry you.”

“Sir Hector and my aunt have hoped for our union since we were young. Surely you knew that. It will make them happy.”

“No,” she said firmly.

“You were coerced—threatened—by a reprobate, and came to me for help. So romantic, just as you like. We will mend any harm to your father. Solved, you see.”

“Not solved. You need my consent.”