Page 27 of Highlander Lord Of Vengeance

Torrance.

That she begged her husband was like cold water being thrown in his face and he sprang up off her. He stood staring at her, his shaft hard and aching, his desire for her unbearable. He silently cursed himself for foolishly surrendering to what? His need or his desire for her and her alone?

With thoughts of dropping over her once again, he yelled, “Get out of my bed!”

Esme was too shocked to move.

“Are you deaf, woman?” he said, his voice as powerful as his muscles that grew taut.

She sat up, her eyes wide and settling on his protruding shaft. “But you are?—”

“Angry,” he growled like a beast warning his prey, “that my wife refuses to obey my orders. Now—GET OUT OF MY BED!”

Esme wisely jumped out of bed, standing on the side opposite him. “I don’t understand.”

“Either do I. Why am I saddled with an ignorant, disobedient wife?”

Esme stared at him bewildered. “But your shaft is ready. Why do you not want me?”

“GET OUT!” he yelled, pointing to the door. “Get out now!”

Esme rushed to the door so fast she tripped over her own feet and the floor rushed up to meet her.

She never hit it. Her husband’s arm snagged her around the waist and stopped her from crashing to the floor. He spun her around as he brought her to her feet, keeping his arm around her to steady her. She was shocked for a second time when she saw concern mingle with the anger in his green eyes.

“Go now, wife, before I do something I will regret,” he ordered and released her.

Esme turned and with quick, yet cautious steps, fled the room.

Torrance slammed the door shut behind her, then dropped his brow to rest against the door. His chest heaved and his manhood throbbed. He would ruin everything if he did not think wisely about this. It wasn’t only his shaft that throbbed for Esme, it was his heart as well. He had feelings for her, strong feelings.

What was it his da had told him about women?

You will know when you find the woman who steals your heart, for you will do anything for her, even give your life to save hers.

He felt a punch to his gut and his anger soared thinking of Esme possibly being in danger, her life threatened. She was an innocent in all this and nothing more than chattel to her father who had carelessly given her in marriage to benefit himself.

He needed to do as planned. It was the only way. He only hoped she would agree.

Esme threwherself on her bed when she reached her bedchamber and screamed her frustration into the pillow while her fists pounded the mattress. She was a fool, ten times a fool—twenty times—a fool for thinking Torrance had changed. Thatsomething had happened to him on the battlefield that brought him home a different man.

He was playing one of his games with her, but why when he needed an heir and his manhood was stiff and finally ready to mate. Why did he refuse to couple with her? She had gotten so excited to see his shaft swollen. They could consummate their marriage, and she would have a chance to get with child. She groaned. Worse was how she responded so eagerly to his touch, his kiss. She had desired him, and he knew it. That he refused her upset and frightened her since the possible reason that he would not couple with her, get her with child, shivered her cold. Could he truly be searching for a new wife? Had he already found a woman? If she got with child, she would stand in his way. Is that why he had gotten off her so suddenly and sent her away? But why then did he have her sleep with him each night? Did he want to make it look like he was doing his duty?

Nothing made sense. Nothing at all. Unless…

She rolled on her back and scrunched her face as a sudden thought hit her. A nonsensical one, or was it? Could it be possible? She shook her head. Her sudden thought was nonsense. There was no one who could disguise himself as Torrance and get away with it.

Ryland.

She sprang up, the name exploding in her head. Ryland, Chieftain of Clan MacLeish. He and Torrance could pass for brothers they looked so much alike. There were rumors that they were half-brothers, though no one dared speak it aloud. But Ryland had suffered serious wounds in the battle he lost to Torrance. He was home healing, waiting for Torrance to decide his fate.

She wrinkled her nose as if she smelled something funny.

What if it was all a lie? What if Ryland had killed her husband and decided to take his place? But what reason would he haveto do that? Besides, he would be placing himself in danger with how many enemies Torrance had made and would be only too glad to see him dead.

It was a foolish thought.

But why did Torrance avoid coupling with her when he had berated her endlessly for failing to get with child. He told her it was her fault his shaft could not grow hard. That she was not attractive enough, obedient enough, that she sparked no desire in him.

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