Part 72 (2/2)
She finally opened her eyes. He noticed. ”Did the Maclean name scare you into a faint?”
”I didn't faint,” she snapped. ”I want to ride my own mount.”
”I want you to stay here,” he replied. ”You're very beautiful,” he added almost as an afterthought. ”I might decide to let you warm my bed.”
”That's disgusting.”
She hadn't meant to blurt out her thought, but she couldn't keep it inside. Douglas took exception to the appalled look on her face. He took hold of her chin and forced her face up to his.
Good G.o.d, was he going to kiss her? ”I'm going to be sick,” she stammered out.
He hastily let go of her.
She took several deep breaths to convince him she really was having difficulty, then relaxed. ”I'm better now,” she lied.
”All the English are weak,” he told her. ” 'Tis yet another reason we despise them.”
”English women as well as English men?” she asked.
”Aye,” he answered.
”I'm English,” she said. ”And you contradict yourself. If you hate all of us, why would you hint at wanting me in your bed?”
He didn't answer her. A few minutes pa.s.sed before he spoke again. ”Tell me your name.”
”Judith,” she answered.
”Why are you wearing the Maitland plaid?”
”My friend gave it to me. I'm here on a visitation and will return to England after my friend has had her baby.”
He shook his head. ”The Maitlands wouldn't let you leave. You're lying, Judith.”
”Why wouldn't they let me leave?”
”You're too beautiful to-”
”I'm English.” She interrupted him with that reminder. ”They don't like me.”
”Don't lie to me,” he ordered. ”Tell me who you belong to.”
”She's telling you the truth,” Patrick shouted. ”She's a guest, nothing more.”
Douglas laughed. He wasn't believing any such nonsense. His hold on Judith's waist became painful. She reached down to pry his fingers away. She saw the ring on his finger then. She let out a little gasp. Her hand flew to her bosom where her father's identical ring was hidden. ”Where did you get this ugly ring?” she asked.
”It was my uncle's,” he answered. ”Why do you persist in asking such personal questions?”
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