She twisted her wrist in a bid to be released. Duncan was not having it. He dragged her, cussing and kicking, to his chambers. He left the door unlocked but had his back pressed against it. She crossed her arms and regarded him like he was an ant she wanted to squish.
“Yer moves have improved, have ye been practicing?”
“Tis no concern of yers.”
“I was impressed an’ damned proud of how ye held yer own today.”
Those dots of betraying colors flared on her cheeks. Duncan hid his smile, knowing his words still had some effect on her. He advanced, a little bolder. She backed away.
“It wasnae tae impress ye.”
Frustrated, Duncan’s frown lines deepened, “Jo, why are ye bein’ difficult? We’re past this.”
She tossed that incredulous look at him, “ye cannae be serious! Dae I seem like a fool? Ye want tae play ignorant? Fine. I’m being the way I am fer obvious reasons.”
Duncan huffed out a breath, his heart twisting painfully at her words. Rushed as they were, there was an undercurrent of hurt there. He detested the fact that he’d inadvertently caused it. She was right. But now, his words and thoughts were uncoordinated. “She’s nae me choice, Jo.”
“I dinnae care. I just want tae leave. When I’ve saved enough, I’ll go.”
Shock flooded him, and he could only repeat dumbly. “Go?”
“Aye.”
“Nae.” Duncan clenched and unclenched his hands. Wanting nothing more than to bridge the gap between them. He shook his head. “Ye cannae. Dae ye want tae see a mad man?”
She tilted her jaw upwards, stubbornly, “I willnae be here tae witness it.”
Duncan closed the space between them. Her eyes shimmered up at him, her breath coming fast. Infuriated and exhilarated by her comebacks, his insides exploded with need for her, which was way beyond physical., “Ye madden me, Jo. Can ye nae see that I am deeply in love with ye? Ye! Nae her!”
Her mouth opened and closed. She did not know how to process his words. He loved her! Those words overshadowed all the other thoughts in her head.
“I dinnae want tae lose ye. Give me time, tis all I ask.”
Tears sparkled in her eyes. Duncan did not want to see them fall. He bent, curved an arm around her waist and kissed her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Stars exploded behind Grace’s eyes at the mere touch of his lips. She wanted to fight out of his hold. Intense swirling emotions kept her rooted. She placed her hands on his chest with the intent to shove him, only to meet the thundering beat emitted by his heart.
His hand crept up and covered hers over his heart, held it there and muttered against her lips, “please dinnae leave.”
Grace’s insides melted like Maisie’s porridge. Still, she muttered, with his lips an inch away, “How can ye ask that of me? Ye are engaged tae someone else.”
“Me faither is ill. Tis why this is delicate and why I need yer time. This engagement came as a surprise an’ I couldnae refuse, especially because our faithers are close friends and they are our allies. We are in the middle of a war and I have a responsibility toward the clan, not just me family. Once I have found a way that will suit both clans, I will make it right by ye. Please tellme ye understand. Ye’re nae taken fer granted an’ this isnae an afterthought.”
Grace stood there, her thoughts scattering in the presence of his words. That same afternoon, she had found out that he might not have been the culprit she was after. It might have been Bryce. Perhaps she would not betray her father’s memory if she stayed with Duncan. She wanted to believe this more than anything because, heavens forgive her, but right now, at this very moment, she wanted him. She craved this. If his words were true, then…
She could not resist him any longer and kissed him, slipping her lips between his. He made a muffled sound, then his hands tightened around her. Grace pushed into him, but it was not enough. She wanted to rip their clothes off. Feel his skin on hers, reassure her and save her from the confusion raging in her head.
“Tell me ye missed this as much as I did,” Duncan said.
“I didnae,” Grace replied with a small laugh.
He chuckled and bit the corner of her lips lightly. When she gasped, his tongue thrust into her mouth, tangling with hers.
Grace moaned, her toes curling in her shoes. “I dinnae think about ye,” Grace managed.
“Aye,” he groaned.
