Page 34 of Forbidden Desire

“This does not concern you, Alban.”

A shiver raced along my spine at the timbre of Jeemie’s gravelly voice, and I understood all three brothers now discussed my fate. A knot of apprehension furled in my belly. I would be defiant in the face of their brutality, but I had to be realistic. I wasn’t powerful enough to defeat them.

“Then you shall be the one to strip her.”

Time stood still as Rasmie’s latest edict resonated. Logically, I had heard his words, but my brain refused to acknowledge the meaning.

“Aye, Maighstir.” Jeemie’s voice was louder.

Tensing, I jerked to break free of the guards’ grasps.

“Why him?” Alban complained. “You said we should both find wives.”

“And you shall,” Rasmie insisted. “But Jeemie is next. If the gods are willing, this one shall be his. Turn her.”

“Thank you, Maighstir.”

“What?” I gasped as the two ogres on either side of me turned me around to face them. The three brothers loomed, larger than life, as they stared at me. My gaze ran down the line, taking in Alban’s leering dark eyes, Rasmie’s deep blue orbs, before coming to rest on Jeemie’s smoldering blue gaze. “No one is stripping me.”

Jeemie smiled, stepping forward and reaching for me. I recoiled from his approaching hand, retreating until I could no longer dodge him.

“Looks like she needs some persuasion, brother.” Alban’s eyebrow cocked, his sneer directed at Jeemie.

“Do not worry.” Rasmie patted his younger brother on the back, steering Alban toward the door. “Jeemie shall do just fine.”

Chapter Seventeen

Jeemie

EYES LARGE LIKE THE does I hunted in the north, Elodie’s breaths came hard and fast as my fingertips grazed her chin.

“Leave me alone.”

There was courage in her tone, but beneath it, an undeniable tremor of fear. She was human then, this fiery animal who had washed up on our shore. Aside from her spell of unconsciousness, she exhibited so few features associated with femininity, it was difficult to tell.

“I shall not,” I soothed, wanting to reassure her. “You heard our maighstir. He is considering giving you to me.”

She screwed her face into an ugly ball. “I am not his to give away.”

“It is a lot for you to come to terms with,” I agreed, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin. “I understand, but you shall come to see the benefits of the arrangement, just as Desiree has done.”

“I am not my sister.” Her expression hardened as finally, she was forced to accept she could not halt the pursuit of my fingers.

“No, you are not.” At this proximity, she was utterly breathtaking, and I could not wait to remove the revolting attire she wore and revel in her natural wonder. “You are your own woman, and soon, you shall be mine.”

“What part of no don’t you understand?” She pressed herself forward, jaw tensing. “No offense, but you’re not my type.”

I chuckled at her tone, disturbingly pleased she was so rattled by the decision. What fun would it be to take a wife who was always compliant? A woman who knelt and obeyed on command? I would be much happier with a more challenging specimen like Elodie. I had seen how Rasmie had contended with Desiree and envied him. If I was to take a woman as my own, she would need to match me in intellect as well as vigor.

Let her have her protest while she could. In the end, she would be mine whatever she said.

“No offense taken, doe bheag.” I smiled at the pet name. Little doe. It was perfect for the wonderful, agile woman who stood before me.

“What did you call me?” Her brows knitted as she tried to decipher my words.

“No matter,” I dismissed, motioning to Rasmie’s men. “Hold her steady. It is time she was bared.”

“No!” Tensing, she flung her boot at my shin, kicking me with everything she had.

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