Page 80 of A Touch So Wicked

“I refuse to wed an English butcher.”

Damian scowled. “I’d prefer not to be called a butcher. Your kinsmen have come to respect me. I am slowly gaining their trust. I feel certain they will approve of our marriage.”

“You canna abandon the woman who carries your bairn.”

Damian’s eyes glittered with amusement. “I’m not abandoning her, I’m marrying her.”

Elissa glared at him. “You are mistaken, my lord, I am not carrying your bairn. Believe me, I’d be the first to know.”

Damian sent her a smug smile. “If you’re not with child, you soon will be. You’re going to marry me, Elissa, and that’s final.”

“Why?”

Damian assumed a thoughtful look. “Why? Because I’d rather have you than the woman the king chose for me. Is that so strange? You’ve always known I wanted you.”

“I’m a Jacobite and the daughter of a traitor.”

“You’re a woman, a beautiful, passionate woman.”

“I hate Englishmen.”

“The war ended years ago.”

“My countrymen are still being oppressed.”

“You can’t blame me for that. Think about it, Elissa. We both love Misterly. I’ve made it mine and I won’t give it up without a fight. We can join forces and do what’s best for your clansmen.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Truthfully, Elissa, do you hate me?”

Elissa bit her lip as she considered Damian’s question. The answer was as complex as the man who stood before her. After considerable thought, she knew there was but one answer. “I donna hate you, Damian.”

“I’ve never hated you, sweeting.”

“What do you feel for me?” Elissa blurted out. “Do you love me?”

Elissa saw the subtle change in Damain’s expression and gave way to despair. Only a fool would believe a man like Damian wanted anything from her but her body. He believed their marriage a good political move, one that would unite her clansmen against the Gordons and protect his claim to Misterly. The Demon Knight didn’t love, he possessed.

“You’re asking for more than I’m prepared to give,” Damian muttered. “Love makes a man vulnerable, and I can’t afford to become weak. I care for you a great deal and promise to honor our vows. How many men would make that kind of concession?”

Elissa stared at him in blatant disbelief. Damian had just promised to be a faithful husband. Should she believe him? He might honor their vows as long as he remained at Misterly, but would he be able to resist bedding other women when he traveled to London, or Inverness, or any other large town? She’d be stupid to expect him to remain at Misterly and not seek diversion elsewhere from time to time.

“Elissa, did you not hear me? I vowed to remain true to our marriage vows. Can you make the same promise? You’re still not infatuated with Tavis Gordon, are you?”

“I want nothing to do with that man,” she spat. “He has room for naught but vengeance in his heart. You appear to bear no malice for my kinsmen. And my mother and sister are kindly disposed toward you.”

“Then ’tis settled,” Damian announced. “We’ll speak our vows in five days hence.”

“I haven’t agreed!” Elissa cried.

Damian’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t try my temper, my lady. I said we’ll marry and so we shall. I warn you, it would be unwise to refuse. I’m sure you know what I mean.”

“Must you hold my mother and sister over my head like a sledgehammer that will crush me if I donna do as you wish?”

“If I have to. Would you bring a bastard child into the world?”

Elissa gave a disgusted snort. “How many times must I tell you that I donna carry your bairn?”