Page 59 of Taken By the Highland Villain
“Accept my suit, or I will declare war on yer kinfolk and the clan that has taken ye in. Agree to my terms, or I will bring battle and death to everyone ye care for.”
Conall stepped closer to put a strong hand on her shoulder. “He’s offered me an alliance for yer hand, but the choice is yers, lass. Tell me whether ye want me to accept or nae.”
Nay. Nay. I dinnae want to be shackled to the bastard!
Her gaze flicked to Laird MacOlley, to the cold, confident smile on his face. As she stared at him, her mother’s words echoed in her mind.
“Never let any man steal yer independence, my lovely daughter. Always fight for yer freedom, as ye did when ye were a young lass.”
No. She couldn’t discard her mother’s advice. Not now. And not when she knew deep down that Laird MacOlley was a snake in pretty clothing, hiding behind an urbane smile.
She drew in a breath, prepared to voice her refusal, and Laird MacOlley shifted. His eyes met hers, and his mouth formed soundless words—words she understood, nonetheless.
“Think of yer niece.”
The words he’d spoken before she left for MacFinn Castle resonated through her thoughts.
“Ye dinnae want yer niece to grow up without a faither, do ye?”
No. She couldn’t risk Brigid losing her husband or the father of her child. She couldn’t risk bringing war to Clan MacKane, especially not when their grandfather had been the source of so much heartache and loss for the clan already.
Because of her grandfather, Laird MacKane had lost a brother. She could not—wouldnot—be the reason he lost his second brother, or worse, his life.
Valerie swallowed hard, then met Conall’s gaze, hoping she looked braver and more confident than she felt. “Of course ye should accept the contract, My Laird. Laird MacOlley and I have been discussin’ it for some time.”
“Aye. I’ve been patient with Valerie, kennin’ she had a sister who was with child. But I confess, I dinnae wish to wait much longer.”
The words seemed courteous, but Valerie heard, once again, what Laird MacOlley didn’t say.
“I willnae wait any longer. If ye want to avoid war and strife, then ye will bend to my will, without any more delay.”
Conall frowned but then nodded. “In that case, I will present the contract to the council, and we’ll sign and have the wedding within a fortnight.”
“A fortnight is far too long.” Laird MacOlley stepped forward, his expression set in a polite mask that nonetheless gave off an air of challenge and menace. “Why should we wait to sign the contract? What has yer council to do with a marriage between me and Valerie? She is yer sister-in-law. Ye are her only male kin, as well as her Laird. There is nay reason to delay—nae when I have pursued her for so long already.”
Conall’s scowl deepened, but he looked at her. “Valerie?”
She wanted to beg for a delay. She wanted to run out of the room and hide. She wanted to flee to the nearest port, jump on the first ship she saw, and sail away somewhere, anywhere, where Laird MacOlley could not find her.
Valerie took a deep breath. “Laird MacOlley is right, I think. It has been a long delay since he first asked for my hand.”Because I refused him.“I see nay reason to wait.”
“But preparations for the wedding—” Lily interjected.
Valerie shook her head and gave her older sister a brave smile. “I have a new dress that I made from some fabric Laird MacFinn gave me as a gift for services rendered. Ye, our sisters, and our kinfolk are already here as witnesses. The ceremony doesnae need to be overly formal—surely all we need is witnesses for Laird MacOlley and a priest to officiate the wedding.”
“My braither-in-law can be here as soon as midday tomorrow, if ye will permit, Laird MacFinn.” Laird MacOlley smiled. “My sister is sadly indisposed, but he can surely stand as a witness for me.”
“Then…” Conall hesitated.
It was clear that he sensed something was amiss and was waiting for Valerie to protest, or for one of her sisters to speak up.
When none of them spoke, he sighed and nodded reluctantly. “Then we will sign the contract tonight, and tomorrow at midday, we will hold the wedding.”
“I await yer signature with pleasure.” Laird MacOlley bowed, and Valerie saw the same triumph in his cold eyes as she’d seen when he had outbargained another man for some artwork years ago.
I’m nothing more than an acquisition for him.
The knowledge made her feel cold, almost sick.