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Maybe there are plenty who would remind me that ye’re me better and can say what ye will, but I will do me duty.”
    He closed his hands around hers, but he didn’t remove them from his chest. Instead, he trapped her there with her hands upon him.
    “What if I told ye I would nae be opposed to becoming yer lover? I promise ye will find me bed more to yer liking.”
    Her mouth dropped open, and her temper exploded. She never really thought about what she was doing; her body simply refused to remain still. With a snarl, she sent her knee toward his unprotected groin. One moment he was chuckling at her, and the next, she felt her blow connecting. Pain flashed across his face as he whipped into action. She was free in a moment, but his hand rose into position to deliver a strike to her jaw.
    “I’m looking into yer eyes sure enough, Gahan Sutherland…”
    She realized she’d never really seen his emotions, because his face became a mask of fury now, yet it was mixed with self-loathing. He lowered his fist and sucked in a deep breath.
    “I would nae have hit ye. Me hand went up out of reflex. Ye have to expect that when ye deliver such a low blow to a man.”
    She believed him, which was foolish, because men didn’t suffer the sort of thing she’d done to him well. Especially one of noble blood like him. He might have her lashed, but even that knowledge didn’t keep her silent.
    “Ye should expect such a reaction when ye pin innocents in dark hallways and try to blame them for yer own suspicious nature.”
    His face tightened. “Yer sister almost killed me father. That is nae suspicion. It is proven.”
    “Which is why ye should leave. Bari is nae content—”
    She was saying too much, letting her thoughts spill past her lips without considering the consequences. She needed to prevent bloodshed, not give Gahan Sutherland solid reason to go looking for Bari’s blood. Even if she knew Bari deserved it.
    “Is nae…what?”
    Gahan’s voice was soft, but there was a flame flickering in his dark eyes that terrified her. She hadn’t been afraid of him until that moment, because she was certain she was looking at the rage churning inside him over almost losing his father. She felt his pain but was powerless to soothe it.
    “I cannae help ye, no more than I can stop me own wedding.”
    She was saying too much again, her deepest feelings pouring out because she was so frightened. “Ye should just…go.” Tears burned her eyes, and her voice was thick with them. “That’s all I can do for ye.”
    Moira grabbed her skirts and ran. She heard him give chase behind her, but she made it to the arched doorway and inside the Great Hall before he caught her. Matheson retainers looked up, catching her in their sights. Gahan jerked back at the last moment, but she felt his dark stare on her.
    She was trembling, her entire body shaking like it was bone-chilling cold.
    Yet she was hot, and her cheeks burned with a blush.
    “Moira, come here.” Bari was sitting at the high table, his expression stormy. She forced herself to walk down the aisle, fighting against the urge to run.
    Where would she go? There was no sanctuary for her, and Gahan no doubt still lingered in the darkness. Bari tapped the top of the table impatiently. Moira squared her shoulders and moved toward the high table. Better to face what she must and be done with worrying about it.
    “Ye’ll nae wed until tomorrow.” His eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward to get a closer look at her, his gaze lingering on her bright cheeks. “I expect ye more composed by then.”
    Bari snapped his fingers at one of the maids. She hesitated before moving toward Moira.
    “Come, miss.” She bit her lip. “Mistress.”
    The girl sounded as unsure as Moira felt. At least there was someone she might feel something in common with.
    Yet it was a beginning to her new future, and that pleased her. Moira followed the girl from the hall with a sense of renewed hope.
    ***
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