Once Upon a Highland Christmas(49)

She drew a tight breath, wishing she hadn’t mentioned the ghost.

She turned to face her tormentor. “The Pink Lady is not down there.”

“I didnae expect she would be, prowling—”

“I’m sure she drifts or hovers.” Mirabelle held his gaze. “She’s had her heart torn and is searching for her husband. Such a soul wouldn’t—”

“She wouldn’t drift, hover, or prowl, because she isn’t real.” He came closer, gripping her chin and tilting her face upward. “The Pink Lady’s existence is as unlikely as a flesh-and-blood lady letting herself into my bedchamber. Even women who are not of gentle birth only enter this room at my invitation.” He looked at her, his gaze steady and penetrating. “I do not recall extending such an offer to you.

“So I’ll ask again.” He slid his thumb over the corner of her mouth, then along the curve of her bottom lip. “Why are you here?”

Mirabelle shivered. She didn’t know if it was because of the way he was looking at her or if her body was simply reacting to his touch.

Without question, he was the most dangerously handsome man at court.

She suspected in all the land.

He was also the man most suited to aid her.

So she stepped back, summoning all her courage. “You know women well,” she owned, her heartbeat quickening. “I do have a reason for this visit. It has nothing to do with the castle ghost.”

“So we near the truth at last.” He sounded amused. “I’ll admit I am curious.”

“I have a business arrangement for you.” She couldn’t believe the steadiness of her voice.

He arched a brow. “Now I am even more intrigued.”

“You shouldn’t be.” She made a sweeping gesture with her hand, taking in his room in all its opulence. “You are known as a man of many skills, greatly favored at court. I am in need of one of your talents.”

“Indeed?” He narrowed his eyes, no longer bemused. “And what might that be?”

“I require your amatory skills.” Mirabelle kept her chin raised. “I want you to ruin me.”


“Lady, I surely didn’t hear you clearly.” Sorley held her gaze, hoping his cold tone and steady stare would unnerve her into retracting her ridiculous request. “You wish me to despoil you?”

“Take my virtue, yes.” She didn’t turn a hair. Far from looking embarrassed, her lovely lavender-blue eyes sparked with challenge and determination. “I shall pay you well for your trouble.”

Sorley almost choked.

He did his best to keep his jaw off the floor. It wasn’t easy, so he went to the door, crossing his bedchamber in long, swift strides. He didn’t want her to see his shock. Worse, how tempted he was to accept her offer. Not that he’d take coin for such pleasure. A shame he’d have to decline. Even one such as he had honor, his own brand of it, anyway.

Still, he was stunned. Her suggestion was the last thing he’d expected.

It was outrageous.

He could find no words.

Certain the world had run mad, he unlatched the door, flinging it wide. With surprising agility, Lady Mirabelle fair flew across the room and nipped around him, closing the door before he could stop her.

“A word is all I ask of you.” She put out a hand to touch his chest. “Only that, and—”

“Do you believe maidens are ruined by words?”

“I meant just now, as well you know. Later…” She lowered her hand, giving him a look that was much too provocative for a virgin. “You will be generously recompensed.”

“So you said.” Sorley didn’t say how much that offended him.

He also wished he could tear his gaze from her.

Regrettably, he couldn’t.

A softly burning wall sconce limned her in glowing golden light, making her look like an angel. Her rose scent drifted about her, bewitching him now as it’d done so many years before. The heady fragrance was hers alone, an annoying intoxication he remembered well. A temptation he was determined to never fall prey to again.

He frowned. “I dinnae want or need your coin. I might be baseborn, but I’m no’ a man in need of funds. And”—he let his gaze drop to her breasts, her hips—“the only trouble I wish is the kind I make myself. For naught in all broad Scotland would I touch you, a gently-born lady.”

A hint of color bloomed on her face. “Do not think I came here lightly.” She drew a breath, her shoulders going back as she struggled to keep her composure. “It is not every day that one seeks to blacken her reputation.”

“You’ve already damaged your good name by coming here, assuming someone might have seen you.”