(Present Day)

I startled awake, my eyes surveying the room. Where was I?

As I took in the appearance of the huge room, the stone walls and large fireplace, I realized I was in the castle. In Scotland. What had happened to me?

“There, there,” someone said, pressing a cool cloth to my head. “Just rest.”

I recognized the Scottish brogue, and the voice. Fiona.

I turned my head and saw Fiona sitting on her knees beside me. “Are you all right, dear?” she asked.

Glancing over her shoulder, I saw Mr. Lachlan sitting in the chair across from me. Callum was on the floor, legs crossed, next to his father’s chair. All three were staring at me.

“What happened?” I asked. Moving to push myself up. I felt a rush of lightheadedness and sank back down. 

All three raced toward me.

Fiona leaned over me, removing the cloth.

Callum grabbed my hand.

Mr. Lachlan stood just beyond my reach as if afraid to touch me. “Apparently I said something very inappropriate that startled you,” he said. “I think you’re also suffering from dehydration, among other things, so my comment didn’t help matters.”

A look of compassion shown on his face, something that seemed out of the ordinary for him. He looked genuinely apologetic. 

“How long have I been out?” I asked.

“Just a few moments,” he said. “I carried you in here.”

Oh, God, he carried me?

“It’s fine. You don’t weigh much.” He grinned.

Oh, jeepers, that smile.

“Roddy is on his way over,” he said, all playfulness gone, his somber tone returning.

“Dad,” Callum groaned.

“I’m sorry, son.” Mr. Lachlan waved off Callum with another smile. “Doctor Roddy, right?”

Doctor? That was the last thing I needed right now, a doctor poking around in my past, asking me questions. My head pounded and I felt faint again.

“Right,” Callum shouted. “Dr. Roddy. That’s what he makes me say.”

 “I’ve never gotten used to calling him doctor,” Mr. Lachlan said. “Although he’s not a medical doctor.”

“He’s the best dentist ever.” Callum grinned. “See.”

“Dentist?” I mumbled to myself. Had I heard Callum right?

Mr. Lauchlan moved closer to me, his hand on Callum’s head. “Roddy is my friend, my best friend, an old college buddy. He’s a dentist so he must deal with people fainting all the time, don’t you think?” 

My mind was still spinning.

“Maybe doctor Roddy can help.” Mr. Lauchlan laughed, ruffling Callum’s hair.

Callum glanced up as his father and gave a proud grin. “I know he can. He’s the best dentist in the whole wide world.”

“He should be here shortly,” Mr. Lauchlan said. “He only lives a few miles away.”

“Don’t worry Laurel,” Callum reassured me, “Uncle Roddy is a good doctor. He always gives me a toy when I go see him. Maybe he’ll bring you a toy, too.”

We all laughed but stopped when the front door closed with a bang.

“Where are you?” A deep voice called out.

A prickle of anxiety spread down my neck and my heart began to race.

“In the study, Roddy” Mr. Lauchlan yelled.

Heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. My heart beat wild in my chest and my breath came in short, sporadic inhalations. I felt like an actor in a scary movie with the killer fast on my heels.

“On my way,” the man bellowed.

The voice sounded familiar but the accent was different. My stomach cramped and I feared I may pass out again.

I swallowed hard and stifled a whimper when “Dr. Roddy” filled the door. The room spun and I felt myself falling into the darkness. Not again, Laurel.

This wasn’t Dr. Roddy, at least not to me. No, this villainous man was the person who’d sent me on this mission to destroy Mr. Lauchlan. The man who’d claimed to be a Texas Ranger. The man who’d totally destroyed my life, again, claiming to have killed my precious Annmarie.

“Laurel, this is my friend,” Mr. Lauchlan said, “Dr. Roddy Miller.”

This was Miller. Deputy Miller. Deputy Hal Miller, supposedly with the Texas Rangers in America. What was he doing here?

Before I could bolt from the room, Miller rushed toward me, crouching down by my side as if were truly concerned for my health. “Don’t you dare say a word, Laurel or you’ll be sorry,” he whispered next to me. “Act natural and everyone will stay safe.”

Act natural? I was face to face with the man who said he’d killed my daughter and would do the same to Mr. Lauchlan and Callum if I didn’t do his dirty work. My body trembled in fear.

“Breathe,” he said, pressing a hand to my shoulder. 

I yanked away from his touch, staring at him in disbelief and horror. What was he doing here?

“What’s the matter?” Callum asked, walking toward us. “Don’t you like doctors, Laurel?”

“No,” I said through gritted teeth as I stared at Miller’s cold dark eyes.

He raised a brow in warning.

I sat up straight and slid to the other end of the couch, crossing my arms over my chest. “Actually, I hate doctors.”

“What seems to be the problem here?” Miller said, ignoring my comment.

“She fainted,” Mr. Lauchlan said.

Miller raised a self-assured brow, as if he owned the castle. “She looks fine to me. Maybe she’s just trying to get out of work, hmm?”

Mr. Lauchlan’s eyes narrowed as if in silent warning.

Miller shrugged. “Well, I think you should lie back down and let me take a look at you, all right lass?”

“My name is Laurel,” I said. 

His brown eyes grew darker and narrowed into slits. “Now, now,” he tsked, “if you don’t do everything the doctor tells you to, your condition could get worse.” He leaned in closer so only I could hear. “A lot worse.”

His warning hit me in the gut and reminded me what was at stake. If I didn’t lie back and follow his orders, others could, and would be hurt.

“I’m really fine,” I said, mustering as much of a smile as I could. “I think I’m just light headed from not eating, that’s all.”

“She fainted in the bathroom a few moments ago,” Mr. Lauchlan said. “I think she may be dehydrated. She was throwing up earlier.” He spoke as if I wasn’t even in the room.

Miller turned to stare at him. 

“She said she’s not used to our food yet,” Mr. Lauchlan added.

Miller’s gaze returned to me, assessing me from head to toe. “Is that it, lass,” he smiled, “you’re still not used to the haggis and porridge we serve up in Scotland.”

How could this man be so cold and calculated in one minute and caring and concerned in the next? He’d brought me half way around the world to sabotage his best friend, and yet he acted as if he were truly interested in my well-being. And that of this family.

I feigned a laugh as best I could. “No, not yet. I guess my stomach is still used to the greasy burgers and fries in America.”

Everyone laughed.

I exhaled, sagging back into the sofa. At least I’d appeased Miller. For now.

“Much better,” Miller said quietly, patting my arm. He dug into a bag next to him that I hadn’t seen earlier and pulled out a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. Who was this man? 

I wasn’t sure what is actual profession was, but one thing was perfectly clear—Miller was a liar, a manipulator, and possibly a murderer too. If I wanted to stay alive and keep those around me safe, I had to follow his lead, for now.

I sat silently as he ran through the physical tests with skilled ease.

“Your blood pressure is a little lower while sitting up,” he said. “The fluctuation could be part of the problem.”

I nodded as if that made perfect sense.

“I think you should sit with your feet up for a little while longer,” he continued in his best doctor voice. His accent was different than the one I’d heard in the states but the menacing tone underneath could be heard from miles away. “Your blood sugar is probably low as well so you’ll need some fruit juice, an apple and a glass of milk. It’s the fastest way to raise it.” Miller stared at Fiona.

“Oh, yes, of course.” She jumped up and rushed toward the door.

I pushed myself up. “I can get it, Fiona.”

Miller leaned in, pressing me down. “Just act natural and everyone will stay safe, do you understand?”

I swallowed hard, my mouth dry, and nodded my head. What was he going to make me do?

“Is she going to be all right, Roddy?” Mr. Lauchlan asked.

Miller waved him off. “She’ll be fine, Anders. You go back to your office. I know you’re a busy man. I’ll stay close by her in case she needs anything.”

“No!” I yelled, pulling from Miller’s hold. Everyone turned to stare at me, eyes wide. “I’m sorry,” I said, “I just meant, I’m fine. No one needs to stay with me.” Least of all this man, I thought.

“Oh, I insist,” Miller said, sitting next to me and stretching out his legs.

 “Mr. Lauchlan,” I pleaded, staring up at him. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need Mr. Miller.”

“That’s doctor Miller,” he corrected, winking.

A chill ran up and down my spine. Had this truly been the last face my daughter had seen on this earth?

Mr. Lauchlan walked to the couch and stood beside me. “Look Ms. Jameson, I’m a very busy man.” His tone was cold again, void of true emotion. “I need you to be able to do the job I’ve hired you for, take care of my son. Do you think you can do that?”

What the hell? I opened my mouth to offer a bitter retort but Miller kicked my foot.

“I don’t have time for you to be sick,” Mr. Lauchlan continued. “If Roddy says you need to rest to get better than you’ll rest. Do you understand?”

Oh, he couldn’t be serious? “You’re not—”

He held up a hand to silence me. “I can’t have any more distractions. I’ve got a lot of work to do and I need to be focused, not chasing Callum all around the castle and worrying about his nanny.”

I held his gaze and bit down hard on my tongue to keep from exploding. How could those beautiful green eyes hold so much bitterness. And just moments ago he’d sounded so genuine, so concerned.

“Am I being clear, Ms. Jameson?”

My gaze traveled the room. Callum sat quietly in the corner, picking at the carpet. Miller raised a brow and nodded once in warning.

Suddenly a red-hot fury rose up inside me. I’d been beaten down by people my entire life. Whatever Miller’s plan was, this man was not going to humiliate me again. 

I slowly stood and stared him directly in the eye. “Yes,” I said sarcastically, “I understand you perfectly.” I stepped past him and bolted from the study.

“Miss Jameson,” he yelled behind me as I raced down the hallway. “Wait!”

I quickened my step but it was futile. In a few short strides he caught me by the arm and turned me to face him.

I stared down at his hand that still clutched my arm. “Let me go,” I growled.

“I’m sorry,” he said, releasing me and stepping back. “I didn’t mean—”

I held up my hand to stop him this time. “I am feeling better. I don’t require any more attendance. If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go to the kitchen and get something to eat.” I turned and stared at Miller, smiling. “I must follow doctor’s orders.”

Miller glowered, his jaw clenching, hands fisted.

I turned and stared at Mr. Lauchlan. “He is the best dentist in town. Isn’t that what you said? Sir,” I added just to be snotty.

“Umm, yes,” he said sheepishly.

“Wonderful. Then I can perform the duties you hired me to do, keep your son from bothering you.”

“That’s not quite—”

Before Mr. Lauchlan could finish, I turned on my heels and raced toward the staircase. As I turned the corner, I met Fiona. She was carrying a tray laden with food.

“I’m was on my way to the kitchen,” I said.

“Well, I saved you a trip.” She smiled and something inside me warmed. “Let’s take this to your room, shall we?”

I had no energy left to argue and followed her as she led me to my room.

She sat the tray down on my dresser and opened the window. A fresh breeze blew in and I welcomed the cool air.

“Sit,” she said, pointing to the chair by the window. “Rest a bit.”

I nodded and sat.

She slid the tray closer to me. “Eat everything on the plate and drink the milk,” she said in a loving, motherly tone. “I’ll be back to check on you in thirty minutes.”

“What about Callum?”

“Don’t you worry about Callum. He’ll be with me the rest of the day.”

I was still so frazzled, and fuming from earlier, that I didn’t have the strength to argue with her. “Thank you, Fiona” I said.

She glanced back over her shoulder as she pulled the door closed. “You’re welcome, dear. Eat. Rest. I’ll be back soon.” 

My stomach rumbled. Maybe I was hungry. I reached for an apple and pulled my chair close to the window. Taking a bite, I gazed out over the beautiful Scottish landscape. My heart was filled with sorrow and dread. The thought crossed my mind that if I’d been here under better circumstances, I could grow to love this country.

I reached for the glass of milk about to take a sip when I heard the door open. I turned and my stomach sank, my appetite gone as I saw the intruder.

Miller.

My grip on the glass faltered and it tumbled to the ground, milk spilling over the carpet.

He closed the door and strode to me in two easy steps. “If you know what's good for you, you'll keep your mouth shut, Laurel, you got it.” He grabbed a napkin from the tray and knelt to wipe at the mess on the ground.

“What do you want from me?” My voice broke.

“You’re here to create a relationship with Anders and Callum.” He lifted his head and stared at me. “That’s not going to happen if you pull another stunt like you just did downstairs. Anders is fuming. Actually,” he stood, laughing, “it was pretty funny to see someone put him in his place. Sometimes he can be a real jack ass.”

Of course, Mr. Lauchlan could be an ass. But it didn’t mean I wanted to sabotage him and his son.

“Why am I here? Why am I doing this?”

“I need inside information and access to things he’ll never give me. Things he’ll never give anyone.”

“And you expect me to get that information for you? If he won’t share it with you, why would he share it with me?”

“Because,” he moved closer, “you’re going to make him fall in love with you.”

“What?” I lurched back in my chair.

Miller glanced over his shoulder. “Keep your voice down and keep your shit together.”

Anders Lauchlan was a controlling, demeaning man, the type I swore I would never be with again.

“How can you expect me to keep it together when you walk in out of nowhere and tell me I’m supposed to make that man fall in love with me.” I nodded toward the door as if Anders stood on the other side. “He obviously hates me.” 

He grabbed the arms of my chair, leaning over me. “Well then, I guess you need to fix that.”

“Fix that? How?”

“You’ll figure out away.” He lifted a hand and stroked my hair.

I recoiled from his touch.

“We have a lot of work to do and you need to be operating at a hundred percent. This fainting stunt isn’t going to cut it.”

How could he not expect me to faint when I was faced with such terrifying options.

“And you better not disrespect Anders again,” he continued. “As much as I enjoyed it.” A devious smile curved his lips. “He hates disrespectful behavior and will sack you on the spot. He’s done it before. This whole operation will be over with before it starts. And that’s not going to happen.”

I sat the apple on the tray and rubbed my temples. A headache loomed.

“And why aren't you eating?” He nodded to the food on the dresser.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I'm in foreign country, being blackmailed. It tends to ruin one’s appetite.”

He raised a brow. “Watch it, Laurel.”

“The food really is different and I truly haven't gotten used to it.”

“Well get used to it. I can't have you fainting all over the place. I need you here, in this castle, focused and ready to execute my plan.”

“What plan?”

“I just told you.”

“How am I supposed to make him fall in love with him? He obviously hates me.”

“You’re a woman. Figure it out, Laurel. And fast.” 

I turned my attention to the countryside, willing my heartrate to slow.

“And quit this daydreaming shit too.” He nudged my shoulder but I didn’t turn around. “Get your head in the game or you're going to go to prison for a long time. And trust me.” He grabbed my chin and turned me to face him. “Women in prison don’t like inmates who’ve killed children. Especially their own.”

I gripped the arms of the chair, willing myself not to physically strike him.

“You know what they’ll do to you in prison, Laurel?” His gaze perused my body as he let out a deviant bark of laughter. “They’d do exactly what I’d do to you if I was locked up with you for sixty years.” He rubbed my cheek.

I pushed his hand away.

“You wouldn’t last a week, sweetheart.”

“I’d rather be shanked in prison than stay here a minute longer and help you,” I said, rising to my feet. Miller grabbed my shoulder, gripping it tight and throwing me back into the chair.

He seized both my wrists and clamped them down against the arm of the chair, essentially trapping me.

“Now I know where Annmarie got her fight from.” He chuckled.

I twisted my head so I didn’t have to look at his putrid face.

“All right, Laurel, I see I need to make this very clear for you.” He released one of my hands and grasped my chinning, pulling me to face him. “You’re not in charge. You’re not in control. Hell, no one in this world even knows where you are. I call the shots now, got it?”

I held his gaze but made no move to acknowledge his edicts.

He yanked my chin, pulling my head closer to his. “Don’t think you’re ever going to threaten me again.”

Suddenly I noticed something. His once thick Scottish accent was almost entirely gone, replaced by another dialect.

He released my chin and grasped my wrist again. “It looks like you and Callum have become real good buddies in the short time you’ve been here.” He smiled that wicked grin I was growing to hate. “It would be a shame for something to happen to the little boy just because you decided you wanted to abandon my operation.”

My stomach churned and I feared I may actually vomit. I swallowed hard. “What do you mean, Miller?” 

“Oh, lass, I think you know exactly what I mean.” He released his hold on my wrists.

I stiffened my back, my heartbeat thundering in my ears.

“You wouldn’t want Callum to suffer the same fate as Annmarie, would you?”

The bile rise up my throat and my vision grew dark.

He rubbed a finger across my jaw and smirked. 

Without thinking, I reared my head back and spit in his face.

He back-handed me so hard I thought I might fall out of the chair. Fire burned across my cheek, my face throbbing

He leaned down and grabbed the edge of my shirt, using the material to wipe his face. He moved closer, his breath wafting over my pulsating skin. “If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I swear to God, I will go downstairs and take Callum for a swim. By the time they find him, he’ll be floating face down in that pool like a beach ball.” 

I crumpled in the chair, sobbing uncontrollably as my body shook.

Miller laughed above me. “Oh, now you’re not as tough as you thought you were, huh?”

I couldn’t answer him, visions of Callum face down in the pool ran through my mind.”

He grabbed a hand full of my hair and yanked my head up. “One way or another, you will learn who’s in charge. You will submit to me.” He released his hold and strode toward the door. He looked back, pointing one finger at me. “One more outburst like that, Laurel and prison will seem like a vacation. Do you understand me?”

Unfortunately, I did. I nodded, my head pounding, my eyes pooled with tears. How had I gotten here?

“Keep your mouth shut and work your magic with Anders until I give you more instructions.” He surveyed my rumpled body. “You know, you acted much better when you were a blonde.”

I reached up and touched my hair. Miller had made me color my honey blonde hair to a dark brown before I left America.

“Now you just look like a cheap hooker. But I guess that’s what you’re here for.” Without another word he left my bedroom.

I stood and grabbed the apple which had fallen to the floor. As I placed it back on the tray and glimpsed my reflection in the dresser mirror. Anyone who knew me before would hardly recognize me now.

My hair was shorter, my eyes rimmed with dark circles, my cheeks hollowed. It was more than just my physical appearance that that had changed. Within my eyes I saw a haunted soul, a bleakness inside that shook me to the core.

 In order to survive this ordeal and keep Callum safe, I would have to mask my true self, become just as dark and monstrous as Miller. Tears were beyond me know. I stood for a long time, staring at my reflection as I pulled on the protective mask that would hopefully save us all.

“Oh, sweet heavens, dear.” Fiona’s voice broke through my trance. “You barely touched your apple.”

I stared at the tray, my eyes unable to focus on anything.

“Well,” she said, patting my arm, “at least you drank your milk. How about a nice hot bowl of soup?”

“What?” I asked, shaking my head.

“Soup. The others are waiting for you downstairs if you feel up to it. What do you think?”

“Others?” God, please don’t let Miller be there.

“Yes, Callum, Anders and Dr. Roddy.”

My stomach sank.

“They’ve been asking about you. I’m sure it would do you good to come down for a little while. What do you think?”

I don’t dare think anything, I was numb. It was the only way I would survive this ordeal. Miller’s words echoed in my mind.

Keep your shit together.

You’re here to create a relationship.

It would be a shame for something to happen to that little boy.

The last threat chilled me to the bone. He’d left no doubt in my mind that Callum and Mr. Lachlan were physically in danger as well. I couldn’t let that happen.

I pulled myself up straight and squared my shoulders. “Yes, I think I would like to go down stairs. Will you just give me a few minutes to freshen up?”

Fiona smiled, clapping her hands. “Oh, that’s splendid dear. Take your time. GiGi is just finishing up with dinner, it should be ready in about twenty minutes. They’re going to eat in the main dining room tonight.”

“That’s fine. Please tell them all I’ll be there soon.”

“Of course,” she said, slipping out of the room and closing the door.

 I had no idea how I was going to get through this nightmare. I walked toward the window, my knees so weak I could barely stand. I sank down into the chair and stared out over the countryside.

“Annmarie please help me. Help your mommy,” I whispered. “I need your strength, baby. Now more than ever.”