The Ranger (Highland Guard #3)(66)

“W-where are we going?” she asked, ashamed of the trembling in her voice.

Sir Hugh gave her an enigmatic smile that made her wonder whether he was aware of his effect on her. “We’re almost there.”

He stopped before the door to the earl’s private solar. Opening the door, Anna was relieved to see it well lit by candles from a circular iron chandelier above.

Unfortunately, when Hugh led her across the room to another door, she realized this was not their final destination. The second room was bathed in darkness. Anna stood safely in the solar until Sir Hugh lit a few candles.

Then she gasped.

Nervousness forgotten, she rushed into the tiny room—not much larger than an ambry—and spun around in amazement. A lone table and bench stood sentry in the middle of the floor, but it was what lined the walls that filled her with awe. Shelves and shelves stacked with thick leather folios—some encrusted with gold, some with jewels. It was a treasure trove. More books than she’d ever seen in one place in her life.

Sir Hugh watched the incredulity and wonder transform her features. “I thought this might interest you.”

Anna clapped her hands in delight, her fingers practically itching to explore the titles. Dear Lord, that looked to be four volumes of Chrétien de Troyes!

“It’s magnificent.” She turned to him. “How did you know?”

He shrugged. “You mentioned something about enjoying reading once.”

She tilted her head, looking up at him. Again, she felt as if she’d misjudged him. “And you remembered?”

He didn’t respond, but the way he was looking at her sent a flicker of unease whispering down her spine.

He wanted her.

Suddenly the tiny room felt like a trap. She looked to the door, but whether intentionally or not, he’d moved around to block it.

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked.

He took a step closer, his eyes glinting dangerously in the semidarkness. He took her chin in his hand and tilted her face to his.

Her pulse spiked with panic. He was shorter than Sir Arthur—perhaps by an inch or two—but somehow his size seemed threatening. It took everything she had not to shirk away.

“I wanted to show you what you would have as my wife. This room would be at your disposal. You will be one of the most important ladies in the kingdom. That is why you are here, Lady Anna, is it not? To renew talks of our betrothal?”

“Aye,” she whispered, trying to control the shakiness in her voice.

His eyes bored into her, challenging. “Is that what you really want?”

Her heart pounded furiously. She forced herself to nod. “Aye.”

“Then prove it,” he demanded. She blinked questioningly. “Kiss me.”

Her eyes widened with shock. “I ... I ...”

She struggled with what to say. Oh God, she couldn’t.

And he knew it. His gaze hardened. “Are you playing games with me, Lady Anna? I assure you I’ve no wish to be cuckold to another man. Recall that it is you who came to me this time.” His thumb slid over her bottom lip and she sucked in her breath, frozen in fear. “Decide what you want before you do something that cannot be undone. Once we are betrothed, I assure you I will not tolerate this foolishness.”

Anna’s cheeks flooded with heat, shamed by the truth of his accusations.

She pushed aside her fear, trying to remember why she was here. Trying to remember how important it was for her to succeed in forming this alliance. This was their chance. Why was she being so foolish? It was only a kiss.

“My lord, I’m sor—”

He dropped his hand from her face. She exhaled with too much relief.

“We should return to the Hall,” he said stiffly, coldly. “Your brother will wonder where I’ve taken you.”

She nodded, feeling helpless, knowing what she should do but unable to get the words out.

Damn Arthur Campbell to Hades for doing this to her! For confusing her. She’d been prepared to do this before he’d returned.

“If you don’t mind, my lord, I’m tired and would rather retire to my chamber.”

He nodded. “Take your time. Perhaps you might wish to borrow a book?” Her gaze shot to his, knowing he was trying to tempt her. “We can discuss this in the morning.”

He turned to leave. But then he seemed to change his mind. Before she realized what he was about to do, he’d pulled her in his arms and brushed his mouth over hers. Anna froze, too startled to resist.

His lips were cool and hard, not unlike the man. She caught the faint scent of wine, but it was over before she could process anything else.

He smiled, looking down at her stunned expression. “You have the night to decide. But if you want this betrothal to go forward, I’ll expect a response tomorrow. One a bit more enthusiastic than that.”

Ross had no idea how close he was to death.

Arthur gripped his dirk in his hand, every muscle straining against the bloodlust pounding through him. All he had to do was take a few steps, slipping out from his hiding place in the shadows behind the door, and plunge his blade deep in the bastard’s gut.

He’d kissed her.

He’d taken her in his arms and put his mouth to hers.

Something inside Arthur snapped. Every instinct urged him to strike out and kill the man who’d dared to touch what belonged to him.