Page 75 of A Touch So Wicked

“Come, Lora,” Marianne said, rising. “’Tis time we left. Lord Damian said the danger is over so you can play in the courtyard with the other children today.”

“Aye,” Damian concurred. “Misterly is safe now; you may move about as you please.”

“Is there anything else you require, Elissa?” Maggie asked before she followed Marianne and Lora out the door

“Nay, thank you, Maggie. I should be up and about tomorrow.”

“You should be exactly where you are,” Damian said sternly. “I’ll leave so you can rest.”

Elissa was startled when Damian bent and kissed her fully on the lips. It was a strange kiss. It tasted of carefully controlled passion, of possessiveness, and something else. When he finally released her mouth, Elissa couldn’t help wondering if he’d kissed Kimbra in the same manner. Then he was gone, leaving Elissa longing for something a loyal Highlander shouldn’t want.

Elissa was almost asleep when she realized someone was standing beside the bed. She opened her eyes, startled to see Kimbra standing over her.

“You haven’t won yet,” Kimbra hissed venomously. “The king will be told how you used your wiles to turn Damian against me. Damian is mine. You can’t have him.” She touched her stomach, a sly smile curving her lips. “I’m almost certain I’m carrying his child.”

A cry of dimay shot past Elissa’s lips. Kimbra was carrying Damian’s bairn? “Nay, how can that be? ’Tis too soon to tell.”

“A woman knows her own body,” Kimbra replied. “Even you must be aware that a child usually results when two people couple. I will insist that the king punish you harshly for your deceitful ways.”

“I’ve done naught!” Elissa protested. “You’ve brought this on yourself.”

Kimbra made a derisive sound in her throat and whirled on her heel. “Enjoy your freedom while it lasts,” she threw over her shoulder.

Elissa remained in her chamber the following morning until Kimbra and her party had left for London. She watched from the window as they rode off, then made her way below to the hall. Her legs were still wobbly but her head didn’t hurt nearly as badly as it had the day before.

Elissa saw Damian speaking with a group of men and slipped past him to break her fast in the kitchen with people she knew and loved. For some reason she was hungrier than usual this morning and ate with gusto. When she left the kitchen, she walked headlong into the hard wall of Damian’s chest.

“Were you trying to avoid me?” he asked with amusement.

Elissa’s cheeks reddened beneath his disarming smile. Suddenly recalling the startling news Kimbra had revealed to her last night, she pushed herself away and glared up at him.

“Should you be out of bed?” Damian asked.

“I’m fine,” she answered coolly.

Damian nodded but didn’t look convinced. “I’ve been looking for you. I thought you’d be pleased to know that the damage to the village was minimal. The rain prevented what could have been a tragedy. Only six cottages lost their roofs and the rest were only slightly damaged. Some furnishings were lost, but nothing that can’t be replaced or repaired. At least no lives were lost. Father Hugh said the church had been spared.”

“What about the tradesmen? Did their shops survive the fire?”

“Most are intact. I’ve already sent to Inverness for materials and supplies not readily available at Misterly.”

“I’m sure my kinsmen are grateful,” Elissa said. “If you’ll excuse me, I promised Nan I’d help with the wounded.”

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you,” Damian said.

“We have nothing to discuss.”

Damian sent her a curious look. “What’s wrong? You sound angry. I didn’t shoot you intentionally, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

Elissa bristled. “That’s not it at all. You shouldn’t have sent her away.”

“Are you referring to Kimbra? I thought you’d be happy to see the last of her.”

“That was before…”

“Before what?”

“If you donna know, ’tis not my place to tell you.” She marched away, head held high, shoulders squared.