Page 15 of The Scot Beds His Wife

He was someone aware of his effect on women. On her, in particular.

Infuriating quality, that.

“When I offered to save ye trouble, I meant the troubleof an arduous ride out to Erradale on such a frigid evening. Ye see, Miss Ross, I am quite sure ye’ve traveled all the way here on account of the documents of notice I sent ye, as I am Gavin St. James, the Earl of Thorne, and I’m here to take Erradale off yer lovely hands.”

She snatched said hand away before he could press those full lips to her glove as he was about to do.

Thiswas Gavin St. James? Alison’s adversary. No, herenemy?

She couldn’t think of a thing to say. She was so incredibly travel-weary, heartsick, seasick, and—if she were honest—more than a bit dazzled by the Earl of Thorne. Alison Ross hadn’t exactly given her a physical account of the man. She hadn’t expected someone so… so…

Words failed her, yet again. As did her body, which seemed to be calling for her to surrender her hand back into his so he could place the kiss on her knuckles she’d denied them both.

“If ye’d like, lass, I could conduct ye to Inverthorne Keep, my castle, where we could conclude our business in comfort for a few days…” His gaze traveled the length of her burgundy traveling gown. “And a few nights.”

“I see,” she clipped, crossing her arms over the heart pounding against her ribs. She’d been right when she’d sensed danger. “Well, while your offer is appreciated, it’s pointless. If residence at Erradale is necessary to retain the land, as was mentioned in the documents, then Erradale is where I’ll be spending my days… and also mynights.”

She turned toward the porter’s station, praying to keep her balance on the blasted boots, when his wide shoulders blocked her. Yet again.

“Perhaps ye’ve not received my generous offer?” His alluring smile became strained, showing too many even, white teeth. “It’s nearly twice what the land is worth.”

“I received it, all right,” she said mildly.

He took a full breath, waiting for her to elucidate.

When she didn’t, he was forced to ask the implied question.

“Ye’re not saying that ye’re refusing the offer, are ye?”

“Well, I wasn’t gonna put it like that, but I certainly didn’t plan to accept.”

“Yer family’s had no interest in Erradale for several years. Why now?”

“Why not now?” She shrugged, then picked up her cumbersome skirts and set off for the porter’s station, focusing extra hard on avoiding a stumble on the uneven planks of the platform.

She had a feeling he’d not catch her again should she fall.

He waited five entire astonished seconds before easily blocking her path once more, the two rather unobtrusive men taking up their respective posts behind him.

“Did you bring these fellows to intimidate me into compliance?” she quipped, forcing irritation above the unease in her voice. “Because you’ve obviously never been to Reno.”

His haughty brow wrinkled. “I ken nothing about this Reno.”

“Well, I do, which is why I’m not impressed.” As unimpressed as she was, she still slid her hand into the bag, comforting herself with the feel of her pistol.

The earl stepped forward, and Samantha forgot what she’d been taught over the years.Neveryield ground to the aggressor.

She yielded tohim,stepping back to maintain their distance, to avoid his touch. His proximity. His earthy, intoxicating scent. Something that reminded her of a loamy forest and cedar soap.

“I brought these men topayye, lass.” He gestured behind him with measured movements. “This is my solicitor, Mr. Roy Mackenzie.” He pointed at the kind-faced, rotund man, who nodded and blushed. “And my banker, John Douglass.”

The thin man sniffed his disdain.

She sniffed hers right back. “I apologize for your wasted trip, gentlemen.”

She would have taken her leave had the Earl of Thorne not gripped her elbow once again. “If my aim was to frighten ye, bonny, ye’d be terrified.” He sneered, and then gentled his grip, as though his behavior had shocked himself more than it had her. “I’ll do whatever it takes to convince ye to yield. Ye’ll bepleasedto find, Miss Ross, that I do nothing by half measures.” The gleam in his eyes was now decidedly more sensual than sinister.

“How nice for you.” She flashed him a taut smile. He might be handsome as the devil, but she’d be damned before she’d let him charm her.