Marry her

The tension in the room was palpable, heavy enough to make the air feel thicker. Lord Montrose's gaze pinned me where I stood, sharp and unwavering, his question hanging in the air like a blade waiting to fall.

What happened last night?

What could I possibly say to that? Could I look him in the eye and tell him the truth? That I'd spent last night with his daughter in bed bed, fingers coaxing sounds from her I had no business hearing? That would go over splendidly.

No, absolutely not. That was inappropriate. Disastrous. Completely out of the question.

I tried to keep my expression neutral, though inside, my thoughts raced, tripping over one another in a desperate scramble for a believable excuse.

I couldn't afford to let anything slip, not even the slightest hint. I wasn't just protecting myself; I was protecting Elara's reputation too.