She saw the hesitation on his face.
“Who was that you were arguing with? Were you talking about me?”
Shock flashed over his features and then it was gone.
“That has nothing to do with you, Miss Knight. Now you will drink what I give you.”
“What is it?”
“Something to keep you calm.”
“You cannot keep me drugged!”
“It is best for everyone that you stay calm. You will take it, or I’ll call men in here to hold you down and pour it down your throat.”
“How long ago did you have me kidnapped?”
“Two days. My men took you and brought you here.”
“You’re the man from the carriage. Why have you brought me here? Where am I?”
“You saw my face, Miss Knight.”
“I told you I don’t know who you are.”
“That’s as may be, but I cannot take that chance any longer now you and your brother are under the protection of the Deville brothers and their cousin.”
“W-What will you do with me?” But she knew. He would make her disappear because she knew what he looked like.
“As to that, I am unsure. But you will stay here until I do know. Drink this.” He held out the glass.
“At least untie me to do so. The door is locked, surely you can allow me that? My wrists and ankles ache, and my head hurts.” She made her shoulders sag and voice sound weak and wobbly. Not hard, as she felt panic and fear. But the anger would keep it at bay. Anger would give her the strength to get back to the man she loved and her brother. Or it would keep her safe until he found her, as she knew he would.
“Very well. It’s not like you can escape, as I have guards everywhere.”
She held out her hands, and he untied them.
“Release your feet. Don’t try anything here, Miss Knight. There are men everywhere, and most would be only too happy if they found a sweet little morsel like you.”
“That’s disgusting!”
“But true.”
He went to the tray, keeping his eyes on her, and poured some of the liquid from the bottle onto a spoon as she worked the knots at her ankles free.
“Open your mouth now.”
She wanted to refuse.
“Now, Miss Knight.”
“I don’t want to be drugged again.”
“But you must until I decide what is the best course of action for you. Now open your mouth.”
It tasted bitter. She pushed it into her cheeks and pretended to swallow. She then coughed, placing her hands over her mouth and spitting as much as she could into them. She then placed them flat on her lap.
“That was vile,” she croaked. “I need water.”
