“I know I am.”
She snickered haughtily. “Then you are wrong and very foolish.”
He moved and stood right before her. His gaze ran over her wet hat, and down her raincoat. Reaching out, he flicked the collar of her coat. Excess water fell to the floor. “Katrina, why were you outside, dressed in men’s pants?”
Hitching a breath, she fought quickly for an answer that wouldn’t let him know about Felix and the other men. They had to be aware that Robert was here with her. They would be coming to rescue her soon, wouldn’t they? “What? Now I’m a prisoner and can’t even leave the house?” she snapped.
“No, you’re not a prisoner, but why would anyone in their right mind go out into this kind of weather when you’re not used to it?”
“Perhaps I’m not in my right mind. Have you ever thought of that?”
His eyes turned a steely gray as he aimed a harsh stare at her. “Then I suggest you get in one quickly. I will not tolerate this kind of attitude from the likes of you.”
She shrugged and moved past him. Keeping her back to him, she cautiously slid her hand inside her raincoat to grasp the dagger. “Are you saying you can’t handle a stubborn female?” She peeked over her shoulder. He hadn’t moved, but his gaze still followed her. “I thoughtyouof all people could handle a woman such as myself. After all, you are all-powerful, are you not?”
“Of course, I am.”
She stopped in front of the hearth. Only a few embers were red. She needed to keep stalling—to keep Robert here for when Felix and the others came to rescue her. “Mr. Knightly was able to handle me just fine, so what’s your problem?”
Heavy footsteps boomed on the floor, coming in her direction. Panic surged through her and she turned around just in time for him to grasp her shoulders. He shook her once so hard her head snapped back on her neck. Pain pierced through her skull, and she closed her eyes, praying it would go away quickly. The hilt of the dagger dug in her palm the harder she gripped it, but she wouldn’t let go. If he so much tried to choke her, she’d kill him.
“I’m certain Knightly could handle you. After all, you are your mother’s daughter.”
It was a struggle to open her eyes because of the pain shooting through her head, but finally, she was able to glare at him through slit lids. He was too close—just as in her vision—and his nearness frightened her more than she was prepared for. She smelled the nuts and mango he must have eaten earlier mixed with the tobacco from his cheroot.
Taking a steady breath, she fought for control.He must not win!
“Indeed, I am my mother’s daughter. I’m also my father’s.”
Robert arched a quizzical eyebrow. “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
“It means, you imbecile, that I’m tougher than I look.” She nearly spat out each word as she tightened her fingers around the dagger’s handle.Not yet.
He chuckled again. “Your father was a weakling.” Robert’s fingers dug into her shoulders.
“Only because you poisoned him. Tell me,dearstepbrother,why did you poison him? Was it because you needed him weak in order to take the plantation?”
“Oh, my dear Katrina. I must admit how surprised I am, not only from your boldness, but your intelligence as well.”
She shrugged. “Like I mentioned before...I’m my father’s daughter. Here, let me show you.”
She yanked out the dagger from her raincoat and plunged the steel blade into his stomach. His eyes widened, and he stumbled backward. She wouldn’t release her weapon, so it slid free from his body as he moved away. Blood dripped from the blade, and also down his dark blue evening jacket and matching trousers.
Shock—laced with pain—darkened his expression. Slowly, his face lost color. He staggered toward the door.
“This isn’t the end, Miss Landon,” he wheezed.
“Actually, I believe it is. You will probably not live through this, Faro.”
“Even if I die, I will make sure you donotget this plantation. If I cannot have it, nobody will.”
As he headed to the door, she screamed at the top of her voice. Lunging after him, she held the knife high in the air.
He stopped and turned toward her. Just as she was prepared to stab him again, he swung his fist and knocked the dagger from her hand. The weapon skidded across the floor, underneath her father’s bed. Before she could think of what to do next, Robert drew back his fist and belted her across the face.
Excruciating pain exploded in her head. Her jaw throbbed and she fell back. Her head hit the floor before any other part of her body could. Dizziness swam inside her, causing her vision to become fuzzy. She couldn’t allow the agony to take her. She must stay focused.
Holding his bloody stomach, he staggered from the bedroom. On hands and knees, Katrina scooted across the floor toward the hallway. Just as she fell out of the room, she saw Robert going toward the corridor where his rooms were located.
