“I thought a lot about what you said earlier, and I think I’ve come up with a solution that would give us both what we need.”

I’m not sure what Ronan needs right now, but I sure as hell need a solution because I’m all out of answers and fight.

He steps closer, the legs of his trousers brushing my skirts. “If I tell them that you spent the night with me, all of this goes away.”

Give us both what we need.

That lie only helps me. “And in return?”

“Your birthday is in a few days, isn’t it?”

What does that have to do with anything?

“If you were to propose to me⁠—”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Perhaps you should consider your response before turning down my offer.” He leans in to whisper against my ear, “I think it would look very bad if the inspector were to find the dress you left in Trevor’s bathing room. You know, the one covered in blood.”

Heavens… I did leave behind the dress, didn’t I?

A cool sweat breaks across my brow. Leaks down my spine. “It’s wolf’s blood,” I say through trembling lips, realizing this day could, in fact, get even worse.

“Maybe…” He inclines his head toward the man with the badge. “Maybe not.”

Only a few hours ago, he wanted nothing to do with me. What changed between now and then? Even if I did propose to him, why would he willingly tie himself to me for all of eternity? It makes no bloomin’ sense.

“Why would you help me?”

Malice sparks in his too-blue eyes as his mouth curves into a mocking smile. “Do you know how it feels to be rejected by a woman with nothing? The daughter of a fucking goat farmer? To have her cast you aside in front of the entire city in favor of a fucking monster?”

He cannot be serious. “This is about your wounded pride?” Does he even care that Trevor was murdered? Is he truly so selfish that he would use his friend’s death for his own benefit?

“Do you know what I heard when you left the pub earlier? People were saying that you’re the only woman in Rosehill I couldn’t have. And despite the way you’ve treated me, I still want you.”

“I’m not going to marry you, Ronan.”

“Then by all means, plead your case with the inspector. Maybe he’ll believe you about the wolf’s blood. Maybe he won’t. Or maybe he’ll think your Unseelie lover killed Trevor in a fit of jealous rage. Who knows.” He shrugs as if he doesn’t care either way.