Page 51 of A Touch So Wicked

She was still ruminating on her fate when Maggie entered the chamber. She set a fresh pitcher of water on the table and fussed with its placement, refusing to meet Elissa’s gaze. Elissa immediately became wary.

“Maggie, what is it? Has something happened?”

Maggie finally raised her head, her eyes glistening with compassion. “Aye, Elissa, I fear the news is not good.”

“Tell me.”

“A messenger arrived. Lord Damian’s intended bride is on her way to Misterly.”

Elissa felt as if a giant hand had squeezed her heart.

“His lordship is preparing for her arrival. The south tower is being made ready for her and her entourage.”

“What of my family, Maggie? What’s to become of them?”

Maggie shrugged. “His lordship hasna said. But…there’s something ye should know.”

Elissa searched Maggie’s face and didn’t like what she saw. “You can tell me, Maggie. Whatever it is, I can take it.”

“Our kinsmen are saying…forgive me, Elissa, that ye are the Demon Knight’s mistress.”

Elissa recoiled as if struck. How could she explain her dalliance with Damian? She couldn’t, so she maintained her silence.

“’Tis true, then,” Maggie whispered. “He has dishonored ye. Yer a brave woman, Elissa. Do ye think Tavis will still want ye?”

Elissa gave a snort of disgust. “Donna mention that man’s name to me. He wouldna care if I became Damian’s mistress as long as he thought it would help his cause.”

“Oh, Elissa, surely not.”

Damian chose that moment to storm into the chamber. He pointed to Maggie and said with little patience, “Out.”

Maggie turned and fled as if the devil was nipping at her heels. Damian slammed the door behind her and leaned against it, arms folded across his broad chest.

“What did she tell you?”

“She said your intended bride is on her way. I hope she pleases you, Damian. I have but one question. What will happen to me and my family?”

She could tell by his expression that he hadn’t the slightest idea how to handle the situation, and for some reason that frightened her.

Chapter Ten

Damian’s fierce expression spoke eloquently of his indecision. His responsibility toward Lady Marianne, Lora, and Elissa shouldn’t concern Lady Kimbra, but odds were she would object to their presence in her home. Therefore, Damian decided that he and Elissa should no longer share his bedchamber, even if there was nothing going on between them.

“Lady Kimbra’s arrival will change naught,” Damian said.

Elissa sent him a disgruntled look. “Unless your intended bride is dimwitted, I doubt she’ll accept the fact that I am a prisoner in your bedchamber.”

Damian’s frown deepened. “Aye. That will have to change. I’ve decided to end your confinement. But rest assured you’ll be kept under constant surveillance. You’re free to return to your chamber in the solar, but you’re not to leave the keep unless accompanied by one of my men. If you try to contact Gordon again, I’ll find a place of isolation where you’ll not see the light of day. Do I make myself clear?”

“Perfectly,” Elissa snapped. “May I leave now?”

“Soon.” His gaze shifted away from hers. “But first, there’s something you should be aware of.”

Elissa glared at him. “I know everyone is saying I’m your mistress.”

“You’ve heard? I should have known.”

Elissa’s cheeks reddened. “’Tis true I went willingly to your bed, but…”—she squared her shoulders—“that doesna mean I’ve become your mistress.”