She gasped. “How dare you lay hands on me?”
Ivan smiled toward the man at the table in front of the window who had leaned forward with her outburst and now watched them. “She’s a bit slow.”
Brighit pulled against Ivan’s clenched hand, realizing she probably did appear mad. She struggled to keep her fear in check. The door closed with a thud behind her uncle.
“Unhand me. At once.” She spoke with a tightened jaw.
“Lower your voice or I will claim you are my wife and no one will care what you say.”
“You would not!”
“Do not provoke my wrath.” His eyes narrowed. “It would not bode well for you.”
He dropped his gaze to wander along her body. She stiffened, holding her breath against the violation.
“For me, it would be quite pleasurable. I could take you to the loft and teach you how to behave correctly. Not as the bride of Christ, but as a woman intended for a man’s pleasure.” He held her gaze. “I would be pleased to teach you how to lose your noble attitude.”
Her nostrils flared. “How dare you speak to me thus. My uncle would never allow—”
“Your uncle is not here. Haven’t you noticed how preoccupied he is? You are the least of his worries. And that attitude, sweet, innocent Brighit, is exactly to what I am referring. Here you are nothing. To me, you are nothing. Do you comprehend what I am telling you?”
Brighit searched the small room, hoping to find a sympathetic face. The others pressed back against the wall, into the dark recesses, as if to hide their identity.
“You are not the treasured, virginal sacrifice of the great MacNaughton Clan here. You are little more than a warm body to these people. And me? I am your only protection.”
Many traveled these waters as men for hire and to gain political favor with no loyalty. The stories from this port carried tales of murder and kidnapping. No help would be forthcoming. Her fingers ached where Ivan held her fast.
“Where has my uncle gone?” Her voice trembled despite her best effort to show courage.
Ivan shot her a smile. “He has important matters of his own. Fear not. I will be seeing to your needs.”
A shiver of fear slid down her spine. She lowered her voice to match his. “Please release my hand.”
He raised a questioning brow. “Will you behave?”
Brighit nodded.
Ivan tipped his head, disappointment washed over his ugly face. “Are you certain? You did not wish me to announce that you are under my care? Even tell them you are my wife?”
She gasped, which made him smile. He loosened his grip and she jerked her hand away.
“I am not under your care.” She spat the words at him.
“If you are under anyone’s care, it is mine.” His face darkened. “Do you see your uncle here to offer his protection?”
Her heart throbbed in her ears. “He will return.” She spoke with more conviction than she felt.
Ivan’s smile blossomed. “All things will be made plain in time.”
Brighit began to shake uncontrollably. He leaned in closer as if sensing the overwhelming terror rushing through her. Placing his hands on either side of her face, he ran his thumb along her jaw before urging it tightly shut. He smiled pleasantly, his foul breath hot on her face.
“No one knows you here.” His voice was low and threatening. “No one will gainsay me... but please do become overwrought.” His closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He smiled and opened his eyes again. “I welcome the opportunity to put my hands on you. Give me one reason to put aside my promise to your uncle to keep you safe.Please.”
Her breath quickened and she fought to subdue her panic. His dark eyes appeared bottomless—like the pits of hell. Hell. She feared she would not be making it to the Priory.
“Please,” she begged through her clenched jaw.
He tipped his head, releasing his hold of her.
