Page 36 of Forbidden Desire

“But I’ll be naked and in a cage.” She gulped as though she was truly contemplating fate. “On display for all of you to see. Why?” Her eyes were large and imploring. “Why treat me so badly?”

“You shall not be harmed,” I promised.

“I’ll be exposed and humiliated.”

I inhaled at the way she made that sound. Doubtless, she had not intended the eroticism that erupted in my mind.

“Only humbled,” I soothed, smoothing back her gorgeous mane of almost black hair. “Our maighstir wishes to teach you a lesson in humility.”

“And you will abide this?” she asked, leaning into my hand.

It was a tiny gesture, but the first that indicated a willingness to cede to my desire. My cock leapt at the sign, swelling in response.

“You’ll allow him to do this to me, even though you want me for yourself?”

“You shall not be harmed,” I reiterated. “I shall deal personally with any man who thinks otherwise.”

“Oh God.” Her brows knitted as her face fell. “You’re going to make me do this, aren’t you?”

“This is happening, Elodie, whether you wish it or not.” Grasping her nape gently, I rubbed my thumb along the back of her neck. “May I suggest compliance and a show of regret if you desire to avoid more of Rasmie’s penalties?”

“Okay.” She sniffed, her gaze lowering as if the weight of her woes had pushed it down.

“You will behave?” I clarified, tipping her chin and forcing her to meet my eyes. There was little doubt the blue orbs that met mine were filled with fear.

“If you swear to help Desiree.”

“I do so vow, doe bheag.”

Her brow creased. “What does that mean?”

“It means you remind me of the wild doe I hunt farther north.” I smiled at the analogy.

“No better than an animal?” She shuddered.

“No, doe bheag.” I barely noticed two of my oldest friends flanking her, all my concentration seized by the delectable brunette between them. “Striking, wild, and the most entertaining sport.”

Elodie’s jaw fell open. “I am not sport, Jeemie. I’m a woman.”

“Aye.” My gaze lowered to take in the look of her. Even in her peculiar outfit, she was wonderful. “You are indeed a woman.”

“What are you going to do to me?” She gasped, staring deep into my eyes. “Not just in the cage, but after.”

Stepping closer, I pressed into her body, my hand fisting her hair and drawing her head back lightly.

“Drewie, Duff, you may leave us.” I never broke her spellbinding gaze as I spoke.

“Our maighstir instructed we stay,” Duff’s dark tone responded.

“And I ask that you leave.”

Elodie’s eyes grew large, darting to the two men while mine remained fixed on her.

“This is not conventional, Jeemie.” Drewie relaxed his grip on her arm. “What if she escapes?”

“I take full responsibility for her,” I assured him.

“And our maighstir?” Duff added. “Will you answer to him?”