Page 27 of Forbidden Desire

“How did she get here?” In my mind’s eye, I envisaged her dealing with the creepy ferryman who had taken Charlie and me across the angry sea. She wouldn’t have appreciated his hospitality.

“I do not know all the details,” he confessed. “But it seemed she sailed here on her own.”

Of course. Why hadn’t I known that? Elodie was an accomplished sailor in her own right.

“She was silly to come.” I grazed the side of her cheek with my palm. “Now Rasmie will make her stay here as well.”

“Hmmm.”

I tensed at his rumbling growl. “Has he said what he will do with her?”

“Our maighstir has not decided yet.” Jeemie’s jaw stiffened, suggesting the two had exchanged words on the subject, and the younger brother was less than impressed with the outcome.

“Thanks for bringing her to me.”

An abrupt wave of emotion surged, and as I gripped her limp hand, a fresh urge to go home overwhelmed me. I’d managed to keep myself together for so long, reserving my tears for private moments when Rasmie and his men left me in peace, but now, in the claustrophobic space of the bedroom I shared with Rasmie, the grief of that loss was devastating.

“Mathair.” His brows knitted with concern. “What troubles you?”

What troubles me? Was the man as mad as his brother? Were my woes not cast open for all to see?

“I’m okay,” I maintained. “It’s just a shock to see her again.”

“I understand.” He nodded sympathetically. “Siblings can be a challenge.”

Laughter broke through my angst as I realized what he inferred.

“Don’t let our maighstir hear you say that,” I chided, wiping my eyes with the heel of our hand. “He will not see the funny side.”

“I fear you are right.” Jeemie blew out a breath, tension easing from his huge shoulders. “I must return to him.”

“Naturally.” I nodded as he retreated to the furs concealing the cozy chamber.

“Desiree...” He halted by the fur, the terse quality of his tone drawing my attention back to his face.

“Aye, Jeemie?”

“Do not try anything foolish.” Once more, his brow cocked. “Our maighstir will have men guarding his chambers.”

“Foolish?” I feigned a sense of indignation I certainly didn’t feel. Given half the chance, I’d use Elodie’s boat and ingenuity to my advantage and leave this island in a shot. “What do you mean?”

“Please.” He shook his head as if I was a child. “I know you have considered fleeing on more than one occasion.”

“I have to look after my sister.” The hissed snarl that escaped my throat was more convincing than I’d hoped. “What do you think I have in mind, Jeemie?”

His chin rose as his lips pressed into a hard line, and I realized this part of the conversation was going to be relayed back to Rasmie. The thought hardened my resolve. To hell with him... to hell with them all. I was done with the confines of this island and its stupid rules, done with the weight of Rasmie’s endless expectations. Elodie was here, and she needed me to revive and rescue her from whatever plight the men here had in mind for her. My future was my problem, but I wasn’t about to sit here and allow her to settle for the same fate.

“I offer only a warning, my Mathair.” He lowered his head humbly. “I meant no offense.”

“None taken.” I had no wish to argue with Jeemie. Better he leave Elodie and me alone. “Please, attend to whatever matters demand your attention. We’ll be fine.”

The last I saw of Jeemie was his strapping form as he turned and strode from the chamber.

Chapter Fourteen

Elodie

THE POUNDING IN MY head and its incessant throbbing stirred me from the deep and pleasant slumber I’d enjoyed. The light, followed by the sound of another person, their soft, regular breathing jarred me from contented sleep. In a split second, a thousand shards of recollections returned, and an image of the beast who’d flung me unceremoniously over his shoulder burst into my mind.

---