Page 25 of A Touch So Wicked

“I wouldna dream of escaping, my lord,” Elissa replied, her words dripping with sarcasm, “since I find your company so fascinating.”

“Keep in mind,” Damian warned, ignoring her gibe, “that your mother and sister are entirely at my mercy. Their welfare depends on your obedience.”

“Arrogant bastard,” Elissa hissed.

His smile was far from reassuring. “That is one title I cannot claim, lady. My parents were happily married. Will you or will you not guarantee your kinsmen’s loyalty?”

Elissa’s eyes fixed on his hard face. “I canna vouch for my people, my lord.”

“Then I cannot guarantee your family’s safety.”

His harsh words brought her gaze up to meet his. Her breath caught in her throat as something insidious and mesmerizing flared between them. She looked away before her expression revealed something she didn’t want discovered. Elissa had no idea what was happening, but when her gaze involuntarily fastened on his mouth, she couldn’t help remembering how those full lips felt on hers, how utterly transfixed she had been when he’d kissed her.

She shook her head to clear away her disturbing thoughts and concentrated on what was important: getting herself, her mother, and her sister away from the Demon Knight and to the Gordon stronghold. Lora was nearly well, and even Marianne appeared stronger. She’d bide her time and do as Damian asked, she decided, but only until she deemed her family able to travel.

“Well,” Damian said, tapping his foot impatiently. “What is your decision, Elissa?”

“I dinna give you leave to use my name,” Elissa said disdainfully.

“I do not need your permission, Elissa. Answer my question.”

“Verra well, I’ll talk to my kinsmen, but I canna promise their compliance.”

“Would you prefer that I banished your kinsmen from Misterly and bring families of good, sturdy English stock to till Fraser soil? I will give them the land that belonged to your ancestors. Is that what you want?”

The thought of Englishmen living on the lands that rightfully belonged to Frasers was reprehensible. “Nay, you know ’tisna what I want. I donna want you here, either. Why canna you leave Misterly in peace? We were bothering no one.”

“If you wanted to preserve Misterly for your kinsmen, you shouldn’t have conspired with Tavis Gordon. The Crown is simply trying to prevent another uprising in Scotland.”

“You exaggerate, my lord. Tavis Gordon isna planning a rebellion.”

Damian cocked Elissa a skeptical look. “Is he not?”

Elissa flushed and looked away. In truth, she knew Tavis was planning some sort of mischief, and that he needed her kinsmen’s cooperation to succeed.

“You can move back into your chamber as soon as your kinsmen return to their duties in the keep and elsewhere,” Damian continued.

“Am I free to go to the village and speak with them?”

“Nay, you will remain within the castle walls. Furthermore, I’ve decided that keeping you occupied will prevent you from wreaking havoc. A fortress this large can always use extra help. Henceforth, you will work in the kitchen and serve meals.”

“I’m to be a servant?” Elissa gasped.

“Aye, did you not understand me?”

“What if I refuse?”

“Then you’ll remain locked in the tower until you accept my terms.”

“How long am I to be a prisoner in my own home, my lord?” Elissa shot back.

Blowing out a breath of exasperation, he said, “That’s for you to decide. King George is searching for an heiress for me to wed. When she arrives, serve her well and you may remain a part of this household.”

Elissa’s lips flattened. “An heiress. How wonderful for you.”

“Aye. Finally I’ll have everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”

“I donna suppose it matters who you step on to get what you want,” Elissa muttered, turning her back on him.