Page 40 of My Warrior
“I see.”
At least he was honest, she thought. Brutally honest. And though she wouldn’t admit it except in the deepest recesses of her heart, his careless words stung her. This wasn’t at all what she’d expected in the way of a marriage proposal. She’d had no suitors before, but she’d always imagined that if the time came for courtship, a kind, sweet, gentle Scotsman might come and beg for her hand. She’d refuse, of course, and he’d have to learn to content himself with standing behind her as she commanded the clan, supporting her, admiring her, as faithful to her as a good hound.
That was the dream she’d had before her father’s death. Now that dream fled like leaves in a winter gale. This man had no intention of standing behind her. In fact, he’d probably insist on standingaboveher.
She shuddered with distaste just thinking about it. But what other option did she have? Slowly she paced before him, solemnly weighing her limited choices, considering his offer solely as a political proposal. Then she stopped and lifted a brow. If it was only a political matter…
“All right,” she finally decided, “I’ll marry you, but only if…certain provisions are made.”
“You’re hardly in a position to bargain,” he reminded her, folding his arms across his wall of a chest.
Her gaze strayed to the taut fabric of his tabard, her mind sculpting the perfectly formed chest beneath, the powerful shoulders, the firm stomach. Her heartbeat increased. This was going to be difficult.
“It will be on my terms,” she managed, “or not at all.”
He measured her with eyes that seemed to penetrate her garments, her thoughts, her soul. “What ‘terms’ do you intend?”
She couldn’t meet his eyes. “I will wed you…provided there is no consummation of the marriage.”
Malcolm and Garth gasped simultaneously.
“What?” Holden exploded on a laugh, flinging his arms outward. “You’d mock vows given before God? You’d deny me my conjugal rights? That isn’t marriage, lady—it’s a farce!”
“Those are my terms,” she affirmed, despite Malcolm’s embarrassed squirming. “You need only say aye or nay.”
“Nay,” Holden replied.
Garth looked well pleased.
She nearly choked in surprise. “What?”
She knew no man relished the idea of chastity, but she never dreamed he’dinsistupon that aspect of their marriage. Wasn’t it, after all, only an alliance for the sake of their countries? “You withdraw the offer then?”
“Nay,” he said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “But let the contract read thus: The marriage will remain in name only until such time as the brideconsentsto honor the consummation.”
She glanced at Garth, who was suddenly consumed with a coughing fit. She reviewed Holden’s words skeptically, drumming her fingers on the table. “Do you plan to beat me until I consent?”
“There will be no need,” he said with irritating smugness.
“You jest,” she scoffed, stilling her fingers. “You know I’ll never come willingly to your bed.”
Garth seemed about to strangle on a cough.
“Youwillcome to my bed. It’s where a wife sleeps,” Holden informed her. “But while you’re there, I won’t take my marriage rights from you until I hear assent from your own lips. And I swear this before your steward.”
Malcolm was looking at Holden with amazement, as if he’d just promised Cambria the moon. She smirked. How gullible Holden was. He obviously had no idea how strong-willed she could be.
“Done,” she agreed.
The marriage contract was drawn up, their marks attached. The wax seals were still warm when Holden took hold of Cambria’s arm, speaking for her ears only.
“I’ll abide no infidelity on your part.”
She cocked him a patronizing smile. “I assure you I have no interest in your or any other man’s bed.”
Holden lifted a sardonic brow. “Well, then, it should prove interesting to see just how you plan to get heirs for your precious piece of land.”
He chuckled, and then strode from the hall, leaving her staring after him, dumbfounded.
