“Miss Gordon,” she corrected. “And nay,” she lied as she retreated another step only to find the hardness of the wall at her back.
With lightning speed, he was in front of her, pressing his body against hers. She pushed against his chest, disgust making her stomach turn.
“Come now. Do not fight me. After all, this is what you agreed to.” He brought his mouth down to kiss her, but she pushed against him.
“I most certainly did no’ agree to such a thing.”
“You did. And if you want those damned sheep to live, you will.”
Her heart skipped in her chest. She would not allow him to follow through with what he’d threatened, nor would she allow him to touch her. Reaching into her sleeve, she clasped the handle of the knife she’d tucked away there.
“Cease your advances, Baron.” She pushed against him again, one last warning.
He answered her with a slap that rattled her teeth and took her by surprise. With her free hand she clasped her cheek with a cry, her skin burning. That was the only time he would be touching her. As he came at her again, she raised her hand holding the knife and slashed out, catching him on his cheek. A trail of blood formed, and he cursed.
“You bitch!” Smacking the knife out of her hand, she yelped as it clattered to the floor.
She turned to run, and he caught hold of her hair, pulling her back to him.
At that moment, a loud crash sounded.
“Clarissa!”
It was Alexander. He’d come after her!
He rushed through the door, Nicholas, Gunn, Finlay, and Malcolm following on his heels. She nearly fainted in relief.
“If ye want to live to see another day, I suggest ye let the lass go, Kitt,” Alexander growled, his dark eyes black as he glared at Jacob.
“What the hell are you doing here? Did you kick down my door, you bastard?”
“I am no’ going to tell ye again.”
Shoving her from behind, she stumbled forward, her arms pinwheeling out to steady herself. Alexander caught her in his arms. “Are ye all right, lass?” He asked, concern furrowing his brow as he studied her.
“I am fine.”
His eyes paused on her cheek, and he lifted his hand to caress her skin.
She winced and Alexander’s eyes flared, snapping to Jacob. Cupping his face, she drew his head to hers. “I really am fine. He is hurt worse than I,” she said with a smirk.
“Ye scared me half to death, lass. Dinna e’er do that again.” He crushed his mouth to hers and she melted into his arms. She didn’t care that Nicholas was here and that he disapproved of a match between them. She loved this man. No matter what her brother said, it wouldn’t change that.
Winding her arms around Alexander’s neck, she drew him in closer. His tongue sought entry and she parted her lips, their tongues meeting and doing a decadent dance that left her gasping for breath when they finally broke the kiss.
Her skin felt heated, and her stomach was doing flip flops. He rested his forehead on hers and whispered, “I want naught but to continue this, but there is an issue I must attend to.” He nodded in Jacob’s direction. “Are ye sure ye arena hurt?” Herubbed his hands up and down her arms as he looked over her, making sure she really was okay.
“I really am,” she stated. “Truly. I think I defended myself well.” She smiled and stepped away from him, joining her brother, who, surprisingly, didn’t appear to be angry with what had just transpired between her and Alexander. She walked into his open arms, and he hugged her, placing a kiss on top of her head.
“I am glad we got here in time.”
“Me, too, brother.”
“Ye fought.” It wasn’t a question.
“I did. Did ye think I wouldna?”
He smiled. “Nay. I had no doubt.”
