Ok. So. I'm verrrryyyyy sunburned. Like very. I got burned on Saturday then went to Canyon Lake and got sunburned again. If that's even possible, which I say it is, then my friend Reese and I got into a nacho cheese and ketchup fight. Then I slipped and cut my knee, then at the lake yesterday I was climbing this rock with my friend and slipped, again, and cut the same knee.

As I make my way toward the stables I take a moment to recount the day's events. I still have no idea how Simon got into the house. Tom, Grand mere and Father were out at the time.

I make my way with haste, knowing anybody could see me, for I am only in my dressing gown. The danger and the scandal give me an adrenaline rush. I trip over a strap that's lying carelessly on the ground.

"Damn!"

"You know if you continue with your cursing your family may very soon disown you."

I grin in spite of myself. It takes a moment for my body to process the pain that very currently running over my foot. Kartik comes into full view, smiling. I jump over to him on one foot. He immediately gives my a look as if to say "Smooth, real smooth."

"Come here." He says.

I walk over to him and place myself in his lap. He raises an eyebrow by says nothing.

"This might hurt."

I nod meekly, more or less because things have hurt me more then my own clumsiness.

"Mr. Kartik."

Kartik looks up and smiles at me, giving me a kiss and murmuring "yes?"

I break apart, with my voice creased with worry.

"That wasn't me."

Kartik's eyes widen. Then a lantern appears, with whom behind it but, Emily.

I look directly into her eyes as she moves closer. It's then when she realizes whose lap I'm sitting on. I immediately hope that she's sleep walking. But alas this isn't a dream. It's a cold hard reality that this maid who has just found me and Kartik together. Being found this close would give needs to a speedy marriage. But I'm already getting married. I began to babble.

"Emily, please, please under no circumstance can you, umm, ever say that you saw us. It would ruin me. And I going to be married and Kartik and I love each other. And it's not fair that Indians and English can't love each other."

It's too late for me to realize tears are streaming down my face.

"Gemma." The soft whisper of a voice makes me look around at Kartik. He very slowly brings his thumb to my face and very tenderly wipes off my face. Emily looks utter flabbergasted that she was witnessing this scandal. She's trying to keep a grin off her face. And I suddenly realize why she's here. She was supposed to help my pick my outfit for tomorrow, and when she couldn't find me she must have come looking for me. I stand up.

"Emily, we love each other and have no means on Gemma getting married tomorrow, nor ever. But I swear to the Holy lord if you ever, ever even think about recounting this adventure to anybody I'll make sure you will regret it." I am pulling into a hug by Kartik that's bone crushing. I am stunned. Kartik just said that.

Another figure appears out of the shadows. My breath catches in my throat. Simon…

YESSSSS. I did it. I'm awesome aren't I?

Review loves.

Thanks.

Next Chapter teaser: I hear the knife being pulled out of it sheath. The next thing I know, this isn't some stupid fight over a woman. It's a life and death thing, and will only be over when one is dead.I dodge a hit and roll onto the ground. "Run!" is the only words I can remember saying to Gemma.