Page 17 of A Touch So Wicked

“I wish to see my mother and sister.”

“I’m afraid that’s impossible. You’re to see no one until I’ve decided what’s to be done with you.”

“I thought that had already been decided.”

“I’m not sure the convent’s the wisest choice. I need time to mull over the options where you’re concerned. As you so kindly pointed out, convent walls are not secure enough to keep you from escaping and running to Gordon. Perhaps I should wash my hands of you and send you to London for the king to deal with.”

Elissa recoiled in horror. “Nay! You’d be sending me to my death.”

“Not necessarily. Perhaps the king will find an English husband for you. Someone who would beat you into submission.”

The fiery sparks in her green eyes all but singed him. “I willna go to London and I willna marry an Englishman!”

Damian’s answer was forestalled by a discreet knock on the door. He strode forward, flung it open, and stood aside as servants rolled a large tin tub into the chamber and placed it before the hearth. While Damian looked on, the tub was filled with buckets of hot and cold water. The lass, Maggie, remained behind, casting anxious glances at Elissa.

“You may go,” Damian said dismissively.

“Nay, stay,” Elissa said. “The Demon Knight means me harm.”

Damian swung around to face Elissa, one dark brow winging upward. “Your lies are beginning to annoy me. No harm will come to you at my hands.” He turned back to Maggie. “You have my word on it, mistress. Kindly shut the door behind you.”

“Donna believe him, Maggie! He means to ravish me.”

“Out!” Damian shouted.

“What’s amiss?” Sir Richard asked, poking his head into the chamber. “I could hear you shouting all the way down to the hall.”

“Mistress Maggie has duties elsewhere, Dickon,” Damian bit out. “She’s not needed here.”

“Damian…”

“Nay, Dickon, I know what I’m doing. Escort Mistress Maggie from my chamber and close the door behind you.”

Dickon looked as if he wanted to object but apparently thought better of it. Grasping Maggie’s arm, he drew her out into the passageway. Damian turned the iron key in the lock and placed it in a pouch he carried on his belt.

“Get in the tub,” Damian ordered. “You’ll catch your death in those wet clothes.”

Elissa glanced longingly at the tub and shook her head. “Not until you leave.”

He cast her a dark look. “Shall I undress you? I’m quickly losing patience, lady. I intend to use the tub after you and I don’t enjoy bathing in cold water.”

He took a menacing step forward.

“Nay! I…I’ll do it myself. Turn your head.”

Damian stared at her, then turned his back and walked to the window. “You needn’t worry. Your dubious charms hold little interest for me.”

He nearly choked on the lie. When Elissa sat between his thighs on Cosmo’s back, he’d been painfully aware of every tempting curve beneath her wet dress. Not even his anger could make him forget the kisses they had shared, or the way her rounded bottom filled his hands. He remembered her soft, supple body and firm, tempting breasts. He’d wanted her then and he wanted her now.

Damian heard the rustle of clothing and felt a tightening in his groin. She was undressing. Blood swelled his loins. A splash of water was followed by a contented sigh. Torment rode him as he visualized his hands sliding over her slick flesh. Suddenly the window and the scenery beyond held little appeal for him and he whipped around. His gaze found her.

Her eyes were closed, her head resting against the rim, the upper curves of her rounded breasts visible above the water line. Because the tub wasn’t large enough to accommodate her length, her legs were bent, revealing dimpled knees. Damian’s heartbeat accelerated. What in bloody hell was wrong with him? He’d seen more than his share of naked women in his lifetime, so why should this insignificant woman affect him?

As if aware that he was watching her, Elissa opened her eyes and met his heated gaze. She gasped and pulled her knees up to her chest, denying him a view that pleased him greatly.

Her voice rose on a note of panic. “What are you doing? Turn around.”

Damian’s silver eyes darkened with ill-concealed desire, but he forced himself to remain motionless. Had he succumbed to his body’s dictates, he would have swept Elissa from the blasted tub and carried her to his bed for a night of unbridled passion. This wouldn’t do. He had to find a willing woman soon or go crazy.