Page 94 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Me—kidnapped?” Erroll paused as if in shock. “Good God, is that the latest gossip?”

His father’s gaze bore into him. “You’re saying it isn’t true?”

“That is the most outlandish story I’ve ever heard. How could it possibly be true?”

“I wonder how any of this is possible. Until now, I have not interfered in your life. I attributed your reckless behavior to the fact you lost your brother, and believed you would come to your senses sooner rather than later.”

“I hate to disagree, but I am little different now than I was before Val died.”

“Not true. You are far worse.”

“You may attribute that to age and experience,” Erroll said.

“Age has emboldened you, but you bed one woman after another as if you are on a mission.”

Erroll didn’t think that was strictly true, but said, “They were very beautiful women.”

“I doubt you will find a more beautiful woman than the younger Miss Crenshaw.”

Erroll wasn’t so sure of that. He recalled the determination in Eve’s dark eyes when she pointed her gun at him, her warm arms unexpectedly thrown around him when he said he would hire Oscar, and her breath tickling the hallow of his neck…the pressure of her breasts against his when a towel barely covered her, her beneath him—

“The girl is of sturdy stock.” His father’s voice intruded upon the intimate visions. “She will give you a horde of sons.”

“Good God, sir, you make it sound as if I am marrying a horse.”

“There are similarities. I will have no complications with this marriage. You will marry her three weeks hence, after the bans have been read.”

Erroll shook his head. “I’m afraid I cannot do that.”

“Why not?” His father looked nonplussed and Erroll didn’t blame him. He wasn’t accustomed to anyone disobeying his orders, least of all his son.”

“I am going to marry Miss Eve Crenshaw, sir.”

“I forbid it.”

“You did say you wanted a virgin for a daughter-in-law. The lady meets your one requirement.”

“What do you mean?”

Erroll smiled. “This time, I am guilty of compromising a virgin.”