“For the sake of my innocence…” She couldn’t finish her thought. A halfhearted protest made her look stupid. “For my own protection—”
“I’llprotect you.” He stopped kissing her long enough to say the words. Then his lips made contact with her skin again.
A second wave of excitement washed over her as she leaned back. Snaking his arms around her waist, he gripped her so firmly she expelled a breath involuntarily. Then his grip loosened.
Chills rippled up her spine. She must rebuff him now. “I don’t like being touched by a heathen.” She jerked free.
He gave a deep throated chuckle, then spun her around to face him. “Don’t agonize over something so insignificant,” hesaid. “I suffered throughprima signatiolong ago so I could trade freely in Christian lands.” He dragged her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
Stop.
Now.
Breaking the kiss, she sighed in displeasure. How could she have forgotten about prime-signing? As if the act of a priest breathing over a pagan’s head to drive away malevolent spirits and signing the cross upon his forehead could cleanse his soul of evildoing. This wasn’t an act sanctioned by God, of that she was sure.
“It doesn’t better your chances of intimacy with me. I condemn that practice as many Christians do. Priests are too eager to overlook abominations when they are in dire need of silver and gold.”
“The whole world is in need of resources,” he said waving her off. “Do you consider yourself better than people living in impoverishment? Would you have them starve or trade so they can buy bread to feed their families? Did you reject the sustenance I gave you? Is it a sin to be touched by the same hands that feed and clothe you?”
His admonishment nearly changed her mind.
“What answer do you offer?” he asked impatiently. His golden brows jutted upward.
He’d outwitted her again. She felt ashamed and stupid. “If I had one, it would be wasted here.”
He encircled her wrist. “Why this forced resistance? Haven’t I treated you kindly, and listened to everything you told me?”
She couldn’t think of an instance where he hadn’t showed patience. “I misspoke. I admit you’ve tolerated my opinions. However, if you were truly sympathetic, you would have never brought me here.”
“This arrangement has nothing to do with personal feelings,” he informed her for the first time. “Can your delicate sensibilities handle the truth, Rachelle?”
“There’s little chance of me liking anything you have to say on the subject. It’s better for me to know the truth.”
“You’ve spoken wisely. I’ll tell you. This is a matter of financial obligation. Someone must absorb the cost of my losses. Who better than your uncle? Initially, I rejected you because I didn’t need the added burden of a woman. Then I realized the value in taking you. The price I’ve set on your pretty head will help replace my lost ships.”
Minutes felt like hours after he spoke. What a heartless bastard—such indescribable cruelty. Knowing her uncle couldn’t afford to pay a ransom, she scowled. “The only thing that assures my freedom is your death.”
Staring at her long and hard, he clenched her shoulders. His eyes turned frightfully dark, pupils dilated. Fear spiraled down her spine. Without speaking, he suddenly let go, then tramped across the room. Riveted by this change in attitude, she waited helplessly to see what he would do.
Returning with a handful of linens, he flung one at her. “Cover yourself.”
Grateful for his spite, Rachelle wrapped the material around her body. Once again, her defenses were intact. She’d found a way to repel him. Bitterness and lust didn’t mix well.
Drying himself, he dressed quickly. “After you finish here, Onetooth will take you back to your chamber. Stay there until I summon you.”
“How long—?”
“Don’t question me further.” His stormy expression threatened unspoken punishments if she challenged him again.
“You’ve made your feelings known. My generosity has been wasted. If I were true to my reputation, I’d lock you in the cellarand feed you bread and water until you recanted your death wish for me.”
She remained silent.
After muttering words she couldn’t hear, he left.
Chapter Eight
The Guest
