Liana sat nervously in the parlor. She was dressed in her best dress, and had all the rest of her possessions in a valise on her lap. A few months ago her father had died and now her mother said that she could no longer live at home. Currently, her mother was inside Laird Dylan McGregor's study. Liana still hadn't been told what was going to happen in her future. After a nearly half of an hour her mother and Laird McGregor came out of the study, and Liana felt her heart fluttering in her chest. This was the first time that she had seen him. He was tall, a good half foot over her own five feet five inches. His hair was a little longer than was fashionable, and the chocolate brown locks brushed against his tailored linen shirt. His hard lined face was cleanly shaven and not classically handsome but attractive in a rugged way. He was trim, with broad shoulders and not even a pinch of fat anywhere. Liana quickly realized that she was staring at him and her gaze flew up to meet his. His steely gray eyes met her green ones and he raised one eyebrow in question. Liana could feel herself blushing and turned to look at her mother.
Liana's mother barely glanced at her daughter as she gathered her things. She gave her instructions on her way out of the door. "Its been decided, Liana. We both know that I can't afford to keep you so you will be staying with Laird McGregor. He is too be your guardian until you wed."
Liana felt her throat constricting and tears pooling in her eyes. By the time she looked up to question her mother, she had already left and Laird McGregor was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. She couldn't tell what he was thinking by his expressionless look. But how could he be thrilled with this. She felt that she should probably say something, maybe offer to leave. But before she could open her mouth he spoke.
"The housekeeper will show you where to stay. Don't worry about a chaperone, my mother's aunt lives here and that should suffice." His voice was cold and not in the least bit reassuring. Although his Scottish brogue was interesting enough to listen too. That appeared to be a dismissal and he turned to leave.
"Wait, Mr. McGregor?" Her voice came out in kind of a squeak and she reached out to touch his arm. He stopped and turned around with a shocked expression, he wasn't the type of person who ever had people question his authority. He raised a single eyebrow again. "I'm sorry I didn't know what she was going to do, I'll leave immediately. I have a few pounds and I'm sure I could get a job as a governess somewhere." Her voice cracked a little in her nervousness and she unconsciously tightened her grip on his arm.
Dylan stared at the young woman that had just been thrust into his life. She was only nineteen, just out of the schoolroom. He had been a business partner with her father, although he had never met her before today. He had counted her father, the late Baron of Morton, as one of his only close friends. Unfortunately for the girl her mother was not as honorable has her father and was well, a raging bitch. He knew the girl didn't know the stipulation in the will that left her at her house, and if he had her way she never would. The late Baron had spent his life protecting his innocent daughter from her mother. As further protection he had decreed that his wife would receive no inheritance without leaving the care of their daughter to his good friend.
He couldn't believe that she was telling him she wanted to leave. He had made a promise to her father and he intended to keep it. "What?" He knew that he sounded harsh but he was shocked.
Liana was shocked and more than a little scared at his expression. She took that as a sign to leave. She made an effort to let go of his arm and clutched her bag tightly to her chest. While he stood their looking surprised and angry she admitted to squeeze around him to exit the door.
It was nice effort but he came to his senses at the last minute and slid a thick arm around her waist, and pulled her tight up against him, effectively halting her escape. Liana gasped as she was suddenly pressed up against his hard body. She could feel his warm breath against her ear as he leaned down. He didn't seem angry now, in fact he even chuckled right before he spoke. "Nice try, but don't try it again. I made a promise and you're staying here until I have you safely wed to some poor sap." He gave her a tight squeeze for emphasis. She was so surprised that she just stood there after he let her go and he had to give her a little push to get her moving. She could hear his chuckling as she ran up the stairs.
