Page 40 of Forbidden Desire

“Wh-What is that?” A growing unease churned in my tummy, though I couldn’t say why. A few moments ago, I’d have been happy to feel his body on mine, but something had shifted, and my heart raced for quite another reason.

“It is the reason they call it the forbidden ordeal.” He flashed something in his enormous palm as he strode back before me.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Spreading his fingers, he revealed a portion of amber fruit on his palm. I eyed the thing suspiciously, unable to conclude why the peach-like food was forbidden.

“This is for your mouth.” Jeemie lowered to his haunches, meeting my wide-eyed stare.

“My mouth?” Still, nothing made any sense. Of course, the fruit was for my mouth. How else could I eat it?

“Aye.” Reaching into his belt, he pulled what looked like a handkerchief free from his waist. “It is to silence you while you fill the aviary.”

A surge of cold dread coursed through me as his words registered—the fruit wasn’t designed to be eaten but to be shoved into my mouth like an oversized, fruit-based pacifier.

“You can’t be serious?” I met his gaze, already stumbling to find my feet, but it only took one of his hands on my shoulder to hold me down.

“I am, doe bheag.” His eyes appeased me, conveying lies about his intentions. “This is how it has to be.”

“No.” Desperate emotion soared, defiance colliding with revolted fear to motivate the tears I tried to blink away. “No, I won’t let you do this!” It was one thing to be naked and locked away like a desirable prize, but quite another to be reduced to a thing that could be muted on command. The thought was horrifying!

“Come now.” Once more, his voice lulled when it had no right to do so. “Remember, you are doing this for Desiree and should know you have little choice. How do you suppose you shall stop me?”

“Jeemie.” I didn’t like his officious overtone or the reminder that I was completely out of my depth within the confines of this strange isolated community.

“It is not such an ordeal,” he replied, waving the fruit in front of my face. “Only that you are forbidden to talk for the duration of the penance. You shall survive. Come now.” His face loomed over me. “Be my math, doe bheag, and open up.”

“I don’t want to.” I recoiled from the fruit with horror, my heart hammering at his approach. “I don’t want to do this.”

“But you will,” he insisted, leaning to brush his mouth over mine.

For an odd reason, I allowed it. I could have pushed him away, could have headbutted the fucker, but I remained rooted to the spot, mesmerized by his performance.

“You will bear it... for Desiree and for me.”

Chapter Nineteen

Jeemie

Heaving in a deep breath, her chin rose at my command. I could not be sure if it was petulance or pride I saw burning in her eyes, but still, her lips did not part.

“Is this how you treat all your guests?”

Her boldness, which should have been the thorn in my side, stirred me, turning me on in ways I hadn’t expected. Our women were so docile and compliant, it was thrilling to encounter a female with such fight. Even though she knew she couldn’t possibly win the battle, she did not back down.

“Only the beautiful ones.” I purred the response before I even had time to consider it. It was not proper to play with her this way. She should already be gagged and caged—those had been Rasmie’s instructions—but I could not resist the tremble of excitement that resonated with the reply, had never experienced the gleam in her intoxicating eyes. Standing before me with no attire, she was more than I had ever imagined, more than I could hope to gain. Being this close to her without claiming her as my own was difficult to bear.

“Jeemie.” Her voice was a sigh as her hand reached for my shoulder. “I don’t like this.”

“Trust me.” It was an unorthodox request, given that she did not know me and presumably did not care for what little she had ascertained, but it seemed natural to make. “I shall remain and ensure you are not damaged, but vexing our maighstir now will not serve you or your sister.”

Her blue gaze raked slowly over me. “Okay.” She leaned closer until our faces were only inches apart. “Okay, I trust you, Jeemie, but know this—if you betray me, I will take you and your brother down.”

I should have laughed at her pathetic threat but hesitated at the grit in her tone. How could one so diminutive have such ferocity? It was quite alien to me.

“I believe you, doe bheag.” My hand shifted into her glossy hair, tugging her head back as I pressed into her body. This was a liberty I had no right to take, but desire goaded as I held her in place, and she did not try to resist.

“Then we understood each other.” Her warm breath washed over my jaw.

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