A/N: Thanks team Sheiffy
WOW, I am blown away from the response to the last chapter. Thank you!
Chapter 17
"Wedding," Isabella gasped. "Who's getting married?" she asked, but if she was being honest with herself, she already knew the answer to that question.
Edward turned to face Isabella. He could see the horror and fear in her eyes. He didn't like it. He didn't want her to ever fear him. He would never harm a hair on her head. "Dinne worry Lass, I'll be a good husband tae ye."
Isabella shook her head. She couldn't marry him. Not that the idea of marrying him repulsed her, because it didn't. Though it pained her to admit it, she did find him attractive, and he seemed a kind man, albeit with a nasty temper, but he was a Scot, and she was English. They were natural born enemies. Not to forget that his people already hated her for just being a guest under his roof. How would they act to the news of her being their new mistress?
Isabella shuddered as Emmett's words from earlier registered in her mind. Baron Segrave was in Scotland, the Highlands no less and he was looking for her. It was only a matter of time before he found her. She didn't want to return to the Baron. She feared what he might do to her.
There was only one way she could avoid being dragged home to England. She had to marry Edward. She glanced over at him. He was watching her intently, his expression giving nothing away. This man had offered to marry her, to protect her and with that the protection of his men. He was offering her everything she needed to stay out of the Baron's grasp, and it was more than generous, but did she really want to risk a fight between the Menzies and the Baron? People could get hurt. Scottish blood could be spilled in her name. That was not something she wanted.
"I can see ye are conflicted. I'll send Tiffany up to attend tae ye, while I take care of a few matters."
Isabella nodded, she presumed that meant he was giving her a choice, but that idea was soon knocked out of her.
"The wedding will go ahead tonight Isabella. You will be my bride," Edward said in a stern voice.
Isabella shook her head, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "I can't have people dying for me."
Edward laughed. "The only folk that will be dying are the English."
Isabella wasn't sure how she felt about that.
"Can I ask ye something?" Edward said, putting his hand under her chin and tilting her head to face him. "Why did ye run?"
Isabella was shocked by his question. He had known all along that she was a runaway, a thief, and yet he had still helped her.
"The Baron was known for beating his servants. Some say he even raped the women … I couldn't marry a man like that."
Edward nodded, it just was as he thought. "Then he deserves to die," he said before turning and leaving the room.