Chapter 27
THE DUMBEST PLAN EVER
When I reach the bottom of the stairs, Lachlan is waiting for me. He looks anxious and his hair is slightly mussed like he’s been running his hand through it.
Does he know he and Tessa share the same nervous habit?
He takes in my outfit and the bare skin of my shoulder. A flicker of hesitation crosses his eyes. Because of my clothes? Or because he’s unsure about taking me to the village?
I pull my pin-straight hair over my exposed shoulder—it falls to under my boob—and walk past him. “No backing out.”
He catches my wrist and tugs me so that I spin into his hard body. My hand lands on his chest to soften the impact.
He stares down at me with intense eyes.
Does he know my plan? Did Tessa tell?
“You will stand out like a golden crown in the village. This shoulder is a temptation.” He brushes my hair back enough to kiss my skin. My heart hammers with part fear, part anger, and part desire. The last one makes me furious with myself.
“Everyone will stare at you. Some men might flirt. No one will touch you or I’ll have their balls. If you want their hearts to remain in their chests, do not flirt back.”
I resist the urge to shove away and put on my best performance to date when I paste on a sultry grin that makes my stomach riot. “You’re the only one I want to flirt with.”
Before he can kiss me, I turn away and head for the door, my narrow hips swinging.
He grunts. “Still testing me.”
Just wait.
Lachlan gets a call from Rory on the way.
They go over the security details he put in place.
I have no idea if this weak escape plan will work or if I should even bother trying.
Maybe I need to take my time and come up with something better.
This is my only chance to leave the castle grounds though.
Lachlan has this place protected like it holds the crown jewels. Cameras, guards, drones. This is my only chance; I have to try.
The roads are as dark as night except for the headlights.
I have no idea what’s around us other than night.
After about thirty minutes, the soft glow of streetlamps appear ahead, revealing a small village—or rather, a short row of connected, cottage-like buildings.
They stretch along the road for two blocks, with nothing but thick darkness across from them.
“Is this it?” It’s much smaller than I expected.
“There’s another parallel street with businesses.” He points behind the buildings.
I have no idea how I’m going to call for an Uber from here. Casually, I check my phone. I have bars. Shocking. Lachlan must pay to have good internet here.
“Expecting a call?” Lachlan teases, and I tense.
“Just making sure it’s charged.”
“You’re safe. I promise. No one can get you here. No one would dare try.”
Safe from everyone but you—the person I need protected from the most. I tuck my phone in my small purse as Connal pulls the SUV up to the front of a corner building.
A burly man who looks seven feet tall stands near the door.
A sconce lights up half of his bearded face and a hanging sign that reads, The Old Inn.
Lachlan opens the car door and holds out his hand. “Your first pub experience awaits.”
I try not to look as nervous as I feel. If he thinks I’m scared, he’ll only watch me closer.
Once again, I give him my best fake smile—one I learned to produce after years of practice having to fake happiness when meeting people of importance to my parents at many of their events.
“Lead the way.” I take his hand.
To the man, Lachlan says, “Connal will park at the end of the building and wait in case we need him. No one in after this.”
The man nods.
There’s no way I’m escaping here. I follow Lachlan inside and am momentarily distracted by the warmth and music radiating from inside.
It’s like I stepped back in time—or perhaps this is modern day living to them.
The place is crowded with people at a long wooden bar, booths, and tables.
Scottish music plays that doesn’t sound new or alternative like what Rory played in the car on the way to the distillery.
No one notices us at first, then slowly, one or two heads turn followed by several others.
Silence falls over the place, except for the music.
I’m used to being on display on occasion at my parents’ parties, but these people are staring with an odd curiosity I’m not used to.
Whatever they’re thinking doesn’t show on their stoic faces.
These people have a weathered look about them, like they work harder than anyone I know.
Lachlan’s grip tightens on my hand. “Breathe,” he murmurs, and I do reflexively, having grown accustomed to him instructing me to work my lungs.
Rory rises from a crowded spot at the bar and stands on his chair, a huge pint of beer in his hand. “The lord and lady of Duhnill Castle,” he teases in a toast.
The crowd joins him cheering and drinking merrily.
Some people return to their conversations while others watch as Lachlan leads me to a booth in the corner and sits on the side with a view of the front entrance.
He stands out as much as I do—both he and Rory with their piercing eyes and gorgeous faces and bodies.
I notice two young women flanking Rory as he lowers back onto his stool at the bar. Both are pretty and natural—one with dark chestnut hair and the other is auburn. I wonder which one he’s hooking up with. Maybe both.
A middled-aged woman in jeans, a t-shirt, and a waist apron carries to pints of beer and sets them on our table. “Scotch ale for ye.”
“Thank you, Alice,” Lachlan says.
She smiles at him then at me, taking me in quickly as if I’m covered in sparkles. “Can I get ye anything else?”
Her accent is so thick, I almost miss what she says.
“Fish and chips and a water for my wife.” He nods at me.
I fight a sneer and say to Alice. “For Emery. Thank you.”
She smiles brightly at me and ambles toward the bar. If I sit back, I’m not on full display. I have no idea how I’m going anywhere without people watching me. That, however, could work to my advantage.
I sip the ale. It’s good, but also beer isn’t my favorite drink.
Lachlan watches me as I people-watch, skimming quickly past the ones who are stealing glances at me, a slight smile on my face so I don’t look like a bitch. I know how to play this part.
“The ale tastes better with fish and chips,” Lachlan says, drawing my gaze. I nod and notice a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Is this place everything you hoped it’d be?”
“It’s as I imagined.” To my surprise, although the people are a little less fairy tale and more real than I pictured. I don’t say that out loud in case I’m overheard, and it’s taken the wrong way.
He nods and continues to watch me sip the ale. I’m itching to go to the bathroom, but I need Lachlan to think I’m relaxed, so I wait until the food comes. I have some with the ale like he suggested. It is better.
Lachlan seems pleased by my reaction. He’s shocked when I dip a fry in the ale and eat it. “Mmm.”
With a tight smile, he shakes his head. “Always surprising.” Now that his eyes are glittery with laughter, I decide to excuse myself.
“I need to use the bathroom.”
“I’ll take you.” He slides across the bench.
“Seriously?” I say before he can stand and stay in my seat.
“This place is like Fort Knox. I don’t need you to hold my hand, and it will look like I can’t do anything by myself to these people.
As it is, you have me tucked in this corner like you don’t trust them.
” I have no idea where this came from, but it’s flowing, and it sounds good. I hope he buys it.
“You have to go downstairs,” he says like that’s a bad thing.
“Okay.” I shrug like it’s no big deal.
“I won’t be able to see you.”
“But everyone else will.” I lower my voice and lean across the table. “How much do you want to bet they’ll track my every move?”
“That’s a fact, not a bet.”
“Don’t you want to watch me walk away? A little treat for the eyes.” I bat my lashes and leave my purse on the table after pocketing my phone. “Drink your ale. When I get back, I’ll have a little dessert for you. Something moist and lacey.”
Promising my panties may urge him to follow me and screw me in the bathroom. Or it may be exactly what I need.
He points at a doorway to the side of the bar.
“You won’t get what you want from me here. But if you’re good, you will get whatever you want from me back home.”
His nostrils flare. “Home?” he repeats the word, his eyes narrowed.
“Watch me.” Slowly, I stand, holding his gaze, before turning and walking toward the hallway. I don’t have hips like Pippa, but I mastered her walk long ago. I also rarely use it, but Lachlan needs a good show. He could follow me. You never know with him.
People watch me as I cut through the crowded space. I keep my shoulders back and my chin high, like I was trained to do, but add a soft smile so I don’t come across as snobbish. These people are like nothing I’m used to.
Rory eyes me as I pass directly behind his stool. He winks, and I pray Lachlan doesn’t gouge his eyes out.
The fact that he’s relaxed is a good sign. Right? If Lachlan were stressed, Rory would be.
One of the girls he’s with, the redhead, follows me down the hallway. Damn. Is it a coincidence or did Lachlan have Rory send her?
Once we’re down the narrow stairway and in another hallway, I let her pass me. “I don’t know where I’m going?”
She smiles widely. “Rory said you might not.” Her accent isn’t as strong as the waitresses.
So he did send her, but maybe not on Lachlan’s orders.
“I’m Bonnie.” She nods instead of offering me her hand.
“Emery.”
“I know.” She stops at a door on the left. “It’s one person only. You go ahead.”
“No.” I wave. “Please. You go.” She looks concerned, so I add, “I forgot something anyway. I’ll be back.” I turn and walk away.