Page 20 of Forbidden Desire
Jeemie
WE HURRIED ALONG THE well-trodden path, or at least, I should like to have reported we hurried, but the truth was, we walked at Elodie’s pace. She was dressed for the part, unlike her sister when she had first been encountered, but her stride seemed to shorten with each passing step, her delay goading me.
“Come,” I demanded, motioning toward the south. “We still have some way to go!”
My thoughts flitted to Mawnsie. I knew how fast he would run, and soon, he would reach the village and relay the terrifying news of an unknown trespasser. Rasmie would be forced to act, to defend the village from any potential pillage, and goodness only knew what consequences would unravel as a result. I had to get Elodie back to the village and explain.
She paused at a hedgerow, her concentration drawn by the wild blooms.
“Elodie!” Impatience burned in my tone. “Come!”
“Are these wild roses?” She lowered to her haunches as if intentionally ignoring my command.
“Yes,” I sighed, torn between the urge to make her move faster and her sudden fascination with the flowers. I wandered to the hedge, towering over her as she reached for the stem. “Do not pick them.” My words thundered around the path, sending two birds fleeing into the sky in shock.
“Why not?” She glanced at me, brows furrowing. “I’ve never seen this shade of red.”
“The flowers here are precious.” I edged closer, poised to swipe her hand away should she disobey. “They have significance, and only our maighstir may command they be taken from the soil.”
Elodie rose, her focus fixed on me. “No one else can enjoy them?”
“We may enjoy them in nature, but no one may pick them without his say so.” I looked back in the direction we should be heading. “Come now, we must move on.”
“Tell me more about this man you call master?”
Her pace picked up just enough to prevent me from slinging her over my shoulder and carrying her, though I was forced to admit, the thought was alluring.
“Maighstir,” I corrected as I met her eyes. They were the most tempting tone of blue, like two deep oceans just begging to be explored. “He is my elder brother and the man in charge of this island.”
Her brow creased. “How come no one knows you’re here? Not a single book or website I referenced mentioned anything about your people.”
“Website?” I did not know the things she spoke of.
“You’re avoiding the question,” she prompted with a smile. “Why haven’t I heard about you?”
“We are a private people.” I could not say I appreciated her tone, and a facet of me wanted to tell her so in no uncertain terms, but there was no time. Panic in the village was by far the more pressing matter and fueled the adrenaline forcing my feet on.
“So, he is the man in charge?” Her voice had a knowing quality, but she knew so little.
“Aye, he is in charge.”
She tilted her head toward me. “What makes you think I care what he’ll think?”
“You shall care,” I warned with a deep chuckle. “Rasmie has a way of ensuring everyone does.”
“Are you saying he threatens people?” Her feet halted as her hands rose to her slim hips. “Is that how he rules?”
“You ask too many questions.” My head was starting to ache.
“Don’t be silly,” she chided. “How can one know too much? Surely, there is always room for more information, for greater awareness of the situation.”
I forced out a breath, unsure what she was even referring to. The only thing I was clear about was how urgently we needed to return, and there would be an explosive display when Elodie engaged with my brother.
“I’ve never met a woman like you.” Moving toward her, I was again reminded just how tiny she was.
“Really?” Her brow rose. “What are the women like here?”
Moving quickly, I bent and collected her just below her hips. Lifting her from the ground, I flung Elodie over my shoulder as her shrieks filled the air. She weighed next to nothing, even with her bag still strapped to her back.