Page 91 of What a Scot Wants
Silas stared at her with overbright eyes. “You should have been mine, Gennie.”
“That’s not my name,” she said, her skin crawling with revulsion. “Lady Beatrice killed herself to get away from you.”
“And my child,” he snarled.
“You did it on purpose, like you were going to do with me, to entrap her. Charmed her, seduced her. You’re nothing but a parasite.”
Rage snapped in his eyes, his mouth going hard. “Don’t speak to me like that.”
But before Imogen could form any reply, demanding that he get out of her house, a small whirlwind bounded into the room, nearly crashing into the man. Imogen’s eyes went wide as Rory drew back from Silas with a laugh, her stare riveted on the tray of tea and cakes that had just been delivered and meant for the previous visitor.
“Pardon me, sir,” she squealed. “Just in time for afternoon tea! I’m starving.”
“Rory, would you give us a minute?” Imogen asked, keeping her tone even.
But it was too late. Silas’s fingers slid around the girl’s wrist, and Imogen had to force herself not to throw her body at him and wrench his arm away, every protective instinct inside of her screaming with panic.
“Who are you, then, poppet?” he crooned.
“What’s it to ye?” Rory scowled, yanking her hand to no avail. “Let me go. Dunnae ye ken it’s rude to grab a lady? Back off, ye stinkin’ hog grubber!”
He laughed. “A lady, are you?”
Imogen’s skin crawled, fear for the girl tightening her throat. “Don’t, Silas. Please. She has nothing to do with this.”
“I think I’ll hold on a minute longer,” he said, not relinquishing his punishing grip. Rory was a strong girl, but she was no match for the strength of a grown man. His eyes narrowed on her. “You’re one of Stormie’s, aren’t you? I recognize those odd yellow eyes of yours.”
Blood thundered in Imogen’s ears. How could Silas have knownthat? How did he even know the flash man? Dread was quick to rise in her belly. “How do you know that name?” she asked.
Silas shrugged. “I told you. A man has needs.” With that, he tightened his grasp on Rory, peering at her. “He’ll be missing you, that’s for sure, if he even knew the treasure he had in his grasp. Since when are you a girl?”
“Don’t touch her!”
“I was always a lass,” Rory yelled at the same time, struggling harder. “Let me go, ye bleedin’ ugly clotheid.”
“So much spirit,” he said. “I’m sure Stormie would welcome you back, at a steep price, of course. But first…a lesson.” He glanced down, and Imogen saw the moment his fingers twisted. Saw the contortion of Rory’s mouth when pain shot through her and a keening cry escaped her mouth. “Fight me, and I’ll snap your wrist like a twig.”
“Rory, darling,” Imogen said. “Do as he says. Don’t struggle.”
Defiant eyes met hers, but the girl must have seen something in her face, because she promptly went limp.
“Good girl,” Silas said. “Obedience is a virtue.”
“So’s no’ being an arsehole.” Too quick for the man, Rory slammed her heel down into his instep and jabbed her elbow into his stomach as hard as she could. Silas hunched over, and she yanked her hand from his grasp. She rushed to Imogen’s side.
“That’s the toff whose man took ye,” she said, cradling her bruised wrist. “And been followin’ ye.”
Imogen blinked. How didsheknow that? Rory’s statement also made Silas straighten, a calculating expression coming over his face. He replaced his hat and his gloves, looking like a cat with a bowlful of cream. “Never mind, Gennie. My offer is off the table. I have a better plan, after all. I’ll get rid of the Highlander, and then come back for you.” His smile filled her with dread. “Both of you. Stormie’ll be pleased.”
“I’m no’ going anywhere with ye, ye soddin’ sheep sniffer,” Rory screamed.
Silas’s face went dark with rage, and he lunged forward to grab the girl, but Imogen shoved Rory behind her and reached for a letter opener lying on the nearby desk.
“Get out of my house!” Imogen snarled, brandishing the small weapon.
“What do you think you’re going to do with that?” he taunted.
Rory cackled, peeking around Imogen’s skirts. “I dunnae think it’s her ye have to fash about.”
