Page 125 of Tempted
Ram’s face was grim and closed. He could not rid his mind of the erotic portrait.
“Colin poisoned Damaris and Malcolm and lusts for Tina. She is in terrible danger from him,” insisted Alex.
As Ramsay’s mind searched desperately for a reason, a small niggling doubt intruded How could his beautiful vixen give herself to Colin? Ram knew him well—knew he was ugly on the inside as well as the outside He’d suspected him of keeping Mad Malcolm well oiled with whisky all these years, and when Malcolm was found dead, Ram had been suspicious He had been too concerned with Tina’s recovery at the time to investigate, but he had known better than to leave her unprotected at Castle Dangerous
Alexander was alarmed at the distance widening between them and Douglas
“Turn back, Ram! If ye love her, go home!”
The Douglas men-at-arms stared at their leader in amazement as he suddenly drew rein and pulled to a halt The great black destrier Ruffian pivoted on its hindlegs and pawed the air as he turned the animal He waved his arm and called out their destination “Douglas!”
If they thought the pace was punishing on the ride out, the ride back was brutal Though they tried valiantly, none could match his speed and determination None could keep pace, and one by one they fell behind.
“By the power of God,” Ram cursed softly, “I know she loves me and would not do such a thing”
Mr Burque stared up the staircase with dread in his heart Tina was always so headstrong, yet so courageous, she was ever unmindful of danger Colin had his arm about her throat and looked insane enough to plunge his knife into her heart
Mr Burque stood indecisively, holding his breath, wondering if he dared rush up the stairs in an attempt to disarm or wound the desperate swine. Suddenly the Boozer spotted Damaris’s cat Folly spat at the dog and flew up the stairs The Boozer rushed after it with frenzied anticipation The animal charged into Colin, unmindful of anything but the pleasurable pursuit of the feline
Colin immediately lost his balance and, because of his crippled leg, could not regain it.
Tina fell to her hands and knees on the steps. Colin pitched down the staircase and impaled himself upon the sword Mr. Burque brandished. The horrific tableau was witnessed by Ada and two burly Douglas men-at-arms who had been left behind to guard the castle.
Mr. Burque was white to the gills and visibly shaking. The men thumped him on the back, praising his skill and his courage in saving the lady and dispatching the evil that was Colin Douglas. He had been like a hidden viper in a nest, and Mr. Burque had single-handedly rid Black Ram Douglas of a formidable enemy. The Douglas guards had a new, healthy opinion of the handsome French chef.
The men told Ada to take their lady away before they took care of the gory business of removing the sword from the disemboweled body. Tina walked on unsteady legs to the hall, where Ada sat her down before the blazing fire. She sat gazing into the flames as if she were in a trance. In reality she was reliving the events that had led up to the tragedy of Damaris and Alexander Douglas. The present dissolved into the past, and she lost track of time.
Her thoughts came tumbling back to the present as a powerful dark figure strode into the hall. The swarthy Scot who came toward her was a formidable sight in leathers, chain mail, and iron helm. Tina arose from the settle, a hand at her throat as she saw the fierce pewter eyes. She took a step toward him, her hand going out in supplication. “Ram.”
Tina’s limp body slipped unconscious to the floor. He swept her up into his arms and lifted her against his heart. When Tina opened her eyes, she was in the wide bed with an anxious Ram Douglas sitting beside her. He had captured both her hands between his, and when he saw her open her golden eyes, he raised those hands to his lips and kissed them reverently. He had removed the helmet, and his black hair was wildly disheveled from running a distraught hand through it. He poured her some whisky, tasted it first, then said, “Drink this.” He brushed back the flaming tendrils from her brow. “Can ye forgive me once again for my suspicions?” he asked humbly.
“Why did you come back?” she asked, hoping for a certain answer.
“I sensed ye were in jeopardy. When my jealousy stopped blinding me, I knew ye could never be unfaithful wi’ a miserable excuse for a man like Colin.”
“Did they tell you everything that happened?” she asked.
“Aye. May I read for myself what Malcolm wrote?”
Tina handed him the pages so that he could read the fantastic account of what had taken place sixteen years ago. When Ram finished, he kissed her brow. “Thank God history wasn’t allowed to repeat itself. God’s passion, no wonder their spirits still walk this castle.”
“Perhaps now that the truth has come out, they will be able to rest peacefully.”
“I’m going tae destroy the paintings and sketches he did of Damaris, as well as the ones he did of you I can only guess at his unclean practices behind the closed door of his chamber.”
“He’s the third Douglas to die,” Tina whispered. “After Malcolm and the baby, I feared it would be you when you were taken prisoner,”
He enfolded her tightly in his arms. “And I feared it would be ye, especially when ye took the poison from my own hand.” His voice broke. He paused, then forced out the words, “How can ye ever trust me again, my little vixen?”
Tina looked into his stormy gray eyes and the corners of her lips lifted in irony. “Ram, it is you who must learn to trust.” She slipped from the bed and stood before him.
“What are ye doing?” he demanded.
“I’m not lying in bed all day. Let me help you off with your mail.”
“I forget I’m wearing the damned ugly stuff.” He stood and lifted it off himself.
“I’m sorry to keep you from the king’s business—nay, I’m not sorry at all! I’m so glad that you are here to comfort and protect me today. I always feel safe when you are by me.”
