Page 64 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

His words were like a strike to the face, especially after that heated kiss earlier. And after he'd been so kind to her while her memory was gone. "Believe what you wish. I was only trying to help you." Determined to escape him and his bitterness, she turned and strode back toward her chamber.

"Elsea," he hissed, following. "I'm nay done questioning you."

She quickened her pace and entered her chamber. He pushed in behind her and closed the door.

"Leave me be if you're nay going to believe a bloody word I say," she snapped.

"What proof do you have that Margaret is Wilona?"

"None. If you could have one of your guards escort me to Kincreag, I would appreciate it. I cannot wait to leave this godforsaken place."

"Nay."

She gave him her most severe glare. "What do you mean nay? Are you holding me hostage?"

He snorted. "Cease your silliness. Do you remember why you were out on the galley?"

"Aye. That's what I was going to tell you when you rudely informed me you would not believe a word I say. So, why should I tell you anything?"

"Elsea," he said in a warning tone.

"Are you saying you'll believe me?"

"Mayhap."

Keeping her lips sealed, she placed her hands upon her hips.

"I will try." His dark, tormented eyes tugged at her heart.

She had to admit she had hurt him far worse in the past than he had ever hurt her. In fact, he had never harmed her. And she had loved him so much she would've given up her life to save his. Her eyes stinging, she turned away.

She owed him so much... everything, and she must keep her emotions in check.

Getting herself under control, she faced him. "I was on the galley because I was trying to help the female selkies."

He frowned and drew back as if 'twas the last thing he expected to hear. "What do you mean? How did you ken they were being abducted?"

"Talnaroch is doing it."

"Talnaroch!" Brodie roared loud enough to rattle the windows.

She backed away from his burning glare. Would he strangle her as he'd threatened? She had never feared him, but who knew what sort of battle rage might seize him?

"Tell me everything!" he ordered. "Now!"

"Everyone will hear you," she said in a low tone.

"Do you think I care?"

Obviously not. She couldn't tell him about the betrothal contract with the despicable man, could she? He might kill her in truth, then.

Brodie sucked in a deep breath as if he might be attempting to calm himself, and let it out slowly. "Elsea, tell me everything you know about that bastard and the selkies. Their lives are in danger," he gritted out.

"I know. The earl came to visit Will. In the stables, I listened to one of his men telling Will's guard about abducting selkies. He also mentioned a clan chief training them, who was also one of them. I figured 'twas you."

"I am training them."

"When he and his garrison left, I followed at a distance all day to a derelict castle on the coast. I slipped on board one of their galleys and hid beneath the sail."