Page 36 of A Touch So Wicked

“Some other time, sweeting,” Elissa said. “’Tis time to resume your lessons. Shall we go up to the schoolroom and begin?”

“If you say so,” Lora said without enthusiasm. “Can I come back out and play later?”

“We’ll see how you feel,” Elissa hedged.

The day passed slowly for Elissa. She spent two hours teaching Lora her letters and visited a few minutes with Marianne. Afterward, she went to the kitchen to assist with the midday meal. Many hours remained before she was to meet Tavis, and she wondered where he had hidden himself. Had he come to take her away? She wouldn’t leave without her mother and sister. Though Damian treated them well, that could change in a heartbeat should she leave them at his mercy. Had Marianne been well enough to travel, she would have attempted to take her away through the secret tunnel long ago. Dimly she wondered if Damian had found the escape route or if he was still looking.

Damian watched Elissa through shuttered eyes. She appeared distracted and he knew she must be up to something. And it couldn’t be good. She refused to meet his gaze, though she had to be aware of his scrutiny. He knew she wasn’t worried about her family for he’d checked on them earlier and they were fine. Lady Marianne’s spirits had seemed good, and that had pleased him. He had been shocked to find Sir Brody in her chamber and moreso to discover that it wasn’t the first time the grizzled old knight had visited with Marianne. Was something going on that he should know about? Or was his imagination running away with him?

Damian waited until the hall emptied after the evening meal before confronting Elissa. He intercepted her as she headed toward the solar to seek her bed.

“I’d like a word with you, Elissa.”

“Your words weary me, my lord. I’d like to retire.”

“In a moment. Is something amiss?”

Elissa regarded him from beneath hooded lids. He thought her deliberately evasive and was convinced that she was hiding something from him.

“I’m a prisoner, my lord. What could be more amiss than that?”

His probing gaze lingered on her for a long moment. “If it is treachery you’re planning, forget it. You can’t win. Go seek your bed, lady. Should you wish my company, you have but to climb the tower stairs.” Then he turned and strode away.

Elissa stared after him, admiring things about him she had no business noticing. She had seen him naked; she knew what lay beneath his clothing. How could she not remember the knotted muscles beneath skin marred only by battle scars? It was difficult to believe a man existed who was more physically attractive than the Demon Knight.

The memory of the long, thick lance between his thighs called forth the shimmering pleasure his kisses and caresses had brought her. She gave an angry toss of her head. Lurid thoughts about her enemy were wicked; she had to stop this nonsense.

Elissa reached the top landing and decided to bid her mother good night before seeking her own chamber and preparing for her meeting with Tavis. She was stunned to find Sir Brody sitting in a chair beside her mother’s bed. He rose immediately.

“Lady Elissa.”

“Sir Brody. How kind of you to keep my mother company. I know she gets lonely confined to her bed so much of the time.”

“Sir Brody seeks my opinion often about the daily workings at Misterly. He is doing a good job as steward, but…”

“I couldn’t do it without Lady Marianne’s advice,” Sir Brody was quick to add. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll bid you both good night.”

Elissa was dismayed to note the way Marianne’s gaze followed Sir Brody’s substantial form.

“He seems like a nice man…for an Englishman,” Elissa ventured. “He appeared comfortable here with you.”

“As I said before, we confer on castle business. I was mistress here for many years and know everything there is to know about managing an estate this size.”

“Just so his visits donna tire you, Mama.”

“Is there something you wanted to discuss with me, dear one?”

I want to tell you about Tavis. “Nay. I wanted to make sure you have everything you need for the night.”

“Nan and Maggie take good care of me.”

“Then I’ll bid you good night.”

Marianne grasped her hand. “Wait! You appear troubled.”

“Is it so obvious?”

“To me it is. Is it Lord Damian? Does he mistreat you?”