Page 27 of A Touch So Wicked

“In the kitchen! You’re really asking for trouble, aren’t you? I’ve said this before. Rid yourself of the problem. Send her to London.”

Damian’s frown deepened. “I can’t, Dickon. My way is better. She’s where I can keep an eye on her.”

“What makes you think she won’t cause further trouble?”

“Two reasons. Her mother and sister.”

“Two good reasons, I suppose, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. The Maiden of Misterly is no ordinary woman. What do you suppose will happen when your bride arrives?”

“I’ll work it out,” Damian said grimly. “No woman is going to defeat me.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve found the secret tunnel. The entrance is cleverly disguised by stonework beneath the solar staircase. You’re the only one I’ve confided in thus far. As you know, I’ve been searching for just such an escape route since Elissa disappeared. One day, knowledge of an alternate route in or out of the keep may come in handy.”

Dickon grinned. “Good work! Don’t worry, I’ll keep your secret. I’m off now to find Dermot and Lachlan. Mayhap I’ll encounter mistress Maggie. She’s a winsome lass I’d like to get to know better.”

Damian laughed. “You’re an irredeemable rogue, Dickon. Leave the virgins alone.”

Dickon took himself off just as Elissa entered the hall. Damian’s appreciative gaze followed her until she disappeared into the kitchen. He drained his cup and slammed it down on the table.

This was madness!

He rose abruptly and followed her.

Elissa was up to her elbows in dishwater when Damian arrived in the kitchen. He took one look at the mess the soldiers had left and spat out a curse. Elissa dropped the pan she was scrubbing and whirled to face him.

“What are you doing here? Have you come to help?”

“Leave that for the servants,” Damian barked.

“I am a servant.”

“Aye, but not a scullery maid. Leave it, I say.”

Elissa sent him a scathing look and turned back to her pots and pans. Damian took exception and spun her about. Her eyes rose up to meet his, the challenge in them unmistakable.

“Make up your mind, my lord. I am but following your orders.”

Confusion rode Damian ruthlessly. Watching Elissa perform physical labor bothered him. His gaze sought her lips, remembering how soft they had felt, how sweetly they had clung to his.

Before he could call back his words, he said, “I like it when you follow orders. What if I ordered you to kiss me?”

She glared at him. “I would refuse.”

“What if I ordered you to come to my bedchamber tonight?”

Indignation stiffened her shoulders. “That, my lord, will never happen.”

Damian merely smiled as he turned and strode away.

Chapter Six

Damian prowled the hall, his patience wearing thin as he waited for Elissa’s kinsmen to appear. If they refused to return to the fortress, he might have to force them to it, but he didn’t really want that. To his relief, people began drifting through the door. Within an hour, villagers were clustered together in the great hall, waiting for Damian to address them.

Damian motioned for silence. “Who is your spokesman?” he asked.

Dermot pushed through the crowd. “I speak for the Frasers, me lord. Ye asked us to come, and here we are. What is it ye wish to say?”

“Only this. I need you, all of you.” He made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “I’ve asked you here to offer a compromise to this impasse.”

“All we want is for ye to free our lass,” Dermot challenged.