Page 117 of Princess of Pride
And he has company. “Maybe we should take our chances driving to the airport.”
She glances at her lap. “We won’t make it. I didn’t have time to get petrol when I got the text about you. There’s only two stations and guess who owns them?”
Lachlan. “It’s okay. I’m going to call a friend for help.”
Her brows scrunch. “A friend from here?”
“Back home in America, but she can help.” Her boyfriend can. Based on what I know about Kingston’s family history, he has connections and the means to get me home. If that fails, I could always try to buy one of those sedans and drive myself.
We get out of the car and walk toward the front door.
“What are you going to do? I’m sure Lachlan knows you helped by now.”
She stuffs her hands in the pockets of her black hoodie. “I always wanted to leave here anyway.”
We stop at the door. Before she knocks, I ask, “Why did you help me?”
She puffs a laugh through her nose. “How much time do you have?”
“What’s the short version?”
She looks at her chunky black boots. “My parents were hit by a Duhnill whisky tour truck in the village and died. My uncle was there for me until he married Ailsa.”
“Who’s Ailsa?” I haven’t heard that name before.
“Ailsa MacReid Ashford Caldwell was Lachlan’s mum. My parents and uncle would still be here if it weren’t forhim.”
“Angus?” He killed Ewan.
“Lachlan.” She makes a disgusted face. “People aroundhere think he’s a great protector. He was running the distillery when my parents were killed. My uncle had plans with me the day he died. Lachlan was supposed to be with his mum, but he got stuck or, for whatever reason, didn’t make it to Scotland. I lost everyone I loved because of him.” She stares at the ground, looking on the verge of tears, then sniffles and rings the door bell.
I want to hug her and tell her I’m sorry. No one should suffer that much loss. She has more in common with Lachlan than she knows. He’s lost everyone too. For a moment, I feel sorry for him. He clearly got the blame for both incidents, then I remember what he said and how he betrayed me. How he planned to serve me up to this Angus. My heart shrivels with deep pain that feels crippling. My eyes burn, but I refuse to shed another tear over that lying piece of shit.
Every man will use you, Emery, dad had said so many times as a reminder. And here, he used me for himself as much as Lachlan did.
Both men got my love too. My dad did by default and Lachlan did by showering me with affection, attention, and the best sex in the world. At least my dad didn’t pretend to be anything other than what he is—a selfish man. Lachlan fooled me. He made me love him.
I swallow a gasp at the realization. I love him. I fell in love with a man who manipulated me into thinking he cared—which he does for some people. Just not me. But then, didn’t he tell me that? Didn’t he say the worst thing he could do for me is love me?
No, Lachlan! The worst thing you could do is makemeloveyou!
The door opens and a buff man in a dark business suit greets us with a stern expression. He appears to be in his mid-forties and seems very over-dressed for hanging out at home. He looks at me then at Maisie.
“Your money is in the car. The one on the end.”
Her lips curl in with a sheepish grin. “Thanks.” She turns and keeps her eyes averted as she walks toward the sedans.
“Maisie?”
Everything happens in slow motion. I watch her leave, confused for about five seconds, until reality slams into me like a speeding car.
You know those times when if you act quickly, instinctively, it can be the difference between life and death? This was one of those times, only given where we are, I don’t know that any quick action could have saved me.
Panic engulfs me at lightning speed even though my movements feel slow and disconnected. I turn back to the door. The beefy man watches me like a hawk. I step back, ready to run and collide into a hard chest. Strong hands clutch my biceps.
I crane my neck to see who’s holding me.
Another man around the same age as the beefy guy, but who’s about half his size, stares down at me with cruel eyes. Dark auburn hair and a matching short beard frame his pale face. A scar runs down the side of his left cheek.
