Page 46 of A Touch So Wicked

“They canna be more difficult than they are now,” Elissa scoffed.

“I fear for ye,” Nan said, searching Elissa’s face. “But ye are strong, ye will survive. Yer son will bring peace to Misterly and the Frasers.”

Elissa went still. “My son and Tavis’s?”

Nan chuckled. But when she would have explained, the door burst open and Damian stepped into the chamber.

“Out, woman!” he roared, gesturing wildly at Nan.

Nan sidled past him. “Donna hurt her, me lord,” she warned, “lest ye destroy yer future.”

“Babbling old woman,” Damian muttered, slamming the door behind her. He spun around, his gaze narrowing on Elissa.

Elissa sucked in a calming breath, but it did little to still the erratic pounding of her heart.

“They got away,” Damian bit out. “Every bloody one of them. My instincts tell me to attack their stronghold, but my heart knows another Culloden isn’t in England’s best interest.”

Elissa said nothing, gauging Damian’s anger. She waited with baited breath for him to unleash his formidable temper as he paced before her like an enraged bull. She didn’t have long to wait.

“Everything that passed between us last night was a lie!” he charged. “Your beloved Tavis would have slain me in my bed while you cheered him on.”

Elissa recoiled beneath his fury. “Nay! I was going to warn you, not kill you.”

His sarcasm bit deeply into her soul. “Of course you were. You let me make love to you while you planned my death. Why didn’t you let Gordon in through the secret tunnel?”

Elissa blanched. “You found it?”

Damian gave her a smug look. “Of course. I told you I would. ’Tis beneath the solar stairs.”

“Despite what you think, I never wanted your death. I’d never tell Tavis about the tunnel. ’Tis a family secret.”

Damian didn’t look at all convinced. “Where is the knife Gordon gave you?”

“Still in my room. I had no intention of using it.”

“What was your intention when you came to my chamber?”

She bit the soft underside of her lip. “I’m not sure.”

“You’re lying,” Damian charged. “I believe you intended to kill me and let Gordon into the keep. For your information, the attack would never have succeeded. Gordon was a fool to think Misterly could be taken so easily. Even had you succeeded, Dickon would have avenged my death and successfully defended the keep.” His voice was harsh with condemnation. “Your life, sweet vixen, would have been forfeited. And I can’t even guess what would become of your mother and sister had I been dispatched by your knife.”

“I swear, my lord, I donna want your death.”

He gave her an angry shake and shoved her away.

“What…what are you going to do?”

“I know what I should do, but then I’d have a rebellion on my hands. I don’t want to make enemies of the Frasers, so I will think of a punishment they will accept. Meanwhile, you will be confined in my chamber, denied visitors but for myself.”

“How long am I to be confined?”

“Forever, if I have anything to say about it.”

“You canna!”

“I can do anything I please.”

Spinning on his heel, Damian stormed from the chamber.