Page 26 of Forbidden Desire

“Elodie?” My heart skipped a beat as I took in the look of her, hair face ashen as it slumped against his huge arm. “Wh-What is she doing here?”

Even as I asked, I knew the answer, knew my sister. The only possible explanation for her sudden appearance burst into my brain like a sledgehammer.

“She came looking for me.”

Of course, she did. It was so like Elodie to be impetuous, to act first and ask questions later, but that wasn’t exactly fair, was it? I was the one who’d gone missing, arrived on some godforsaken rock, and never returned. She must have been overcome with worry and would have had Mum to deal with. Guilt twisted in my tummy at the thought of our mother. Christ, she must be beside herself with concern, and now she’d lost not just one but two daughters to this infernal island.

“Is she okay, Jeemie?” I didn’t know much about Rasmie’s brother, other than the fact he was younger, blonder, and seemed inevitably loyal to his leader, but watching him now reassured me. He carried Elodie past me with care and reverence I had rarely seen in these parts.

“She is only sleeping.” His voice was soothing. “Apparently overcome on our route from the north of the island.”

His twitching lips suggested there may have been more to his explanation, but I didn’t pursue the matter. My little sister was here, and though a part of my heart was fit to burst with the joy of seeing her again, another part knew what fate awaited her. Rasmie had made his rules more than clear, taking me for himself as soon as he’d had the opportunity. I had little doubt Elodie would not escape his judgment.

“Please, bring her to my bed.”

Our bed. It is yours and Rasmie’s. I ignored the shrill, nagging tone as he transported her into the smaller chamber and left her body sprawled on the covers.

“Our maighstir has asked you to take care of her for the time being.” A dark glint shone in Jeemie’s gaze, and I knew he had set his sights on her.

“Of course.” I climbed onto the bed beside her, resting my palm on her forehead. She was neither too hot nor too cold, and I was pleased to see her chest rising and falling in a normal, rhythmic way. “How long has she been unconscious?”

“I suppose a little less than an hour.” His brow creased. “We were on our way back here when the journey overwhelmed her.”

“You have seen Rasmie?”

“Aye.” He met my eyes. “I have seen and spoken with him.”

“Then be assured your burden is relieved.” I had started to take on some of their odd ways of speaking, even managing some of their native language from time to time. “I shall do as he bids.”

“Aye.”

His tone was knowing, as well it might be, considering the many humiliating times Rasmie had seen fit to spank me in front of him for my so-called offenses. I inhaled at the excruciating thought, knowing I had to see past the shame. I was Rasmie’s wife in Jeemie’s eyes, and even though the reality didn’t always enthrall me, it afforded me new, elevated respect among his people. I had sway over the brooding giant, whether he liked it or not.

“Take care of her.”

I had the distinct impression Jeemie stopped short of adding the words for me. My concentration flitted from my sleeping sister to him in a heartbeat.

“Have you, Jeemie?”

“Have I what?” One dark blond eyebrow arched in a gesture exquisitely similar to the one his brother so often used against me.

“Have you taken care of her?”

“Of course.” He seemed offended by my inference, and fleetingly, I wondered if it would see me once again thrown over my goliath husband’s lap. Only time would tell, but these days, everything seemed to amount to a transgression. “I did nothing to cause the lady harm.”

I stifled a smile. No one had ever referred to either of my sisters as a lady.

“What amuses you?” he asked, taking a tiny step in my direction. “You doubt my intention?”

“No, Jeemie.” My palm rose in a signal of conciliation. “I do not doubt you. I have just never heard Elodie called that before.”

My gaze fell back to her peaceful face, and I could only imagine what she would say when she awoke. If I had struggled with the customs here and the transition to island life, what the hell would Elodie make of it all? She wasn’t exactly the sort of woman who sat around weaving. None of us were.

“A lady?” His voice was etched with confusion.

“Yes, she’s not especially demure.”

“I noticed.” He grinned. “She is certainly resourceful.”

---