Part 21 (1/2)
In one quick movement he looped the linen rope about her neck and drew her roughly toward him, until their faces were nearly touching.
”I could be persuaded.”
Meredith's heart lurched. There was no mistaking Hol- den's meaning.
While he held the rope with one hand, his other hand moved to the fasteners of her s.h.i.+rt. When she resisted, he caught at the collar and pulled. With a ripping sound the fabric gave way and tore open, exposing a delicate lace chemise beneath.
”Please. I've...” She swallowed down the hard lump of fear. She must not scream. That would bring the entire staff of servants down upon her. And there was still a chance that she could break free and escape.
”I've never been with a man.”
She saw the light that came into his eyes as he regarded her.
”All the better.” He twisted the rope until he heard her sudden intake of breath. With mock seriousness he whispered,
”Forgive me, my lady. Am I choking you?”
Her hands clawed at the rope but he only twisted it more until her eyes swam with tears.
”Please.” She struggled for a breath.
”I cannot breathe.”
”Would you like me to loosen it, my lady?”
She nodded her head and clutched at his hands but he only laughed and gave the rope a final vicious twist.
”Do not fight me, Meredith MacAlpin. Soon you will lose consciousness.
And when you awaken, you will find out what it is that men have enjoyed from the beginning of time.”
”Nay.” She felt the floor tilt and the room begin to spin and still he would not relent. Though she kicked and fought and clawed at his hands he never loosened his hold on the rope.
She heard a strange buzzing in her ears, and tiny black specks seemed to float through the air. Though she fought the feeling, she was slipping, slipping. Her hands went limp and she felt her knees buckle.
As she slid to the floor he knelt over her and loosened the rope, then reached both hands to her torn s.h.i.+rt.
In some dark corner of her mind she heard the ripping sound as the s.h.i.+rt was torn from her.
Chapter Seven
Though she was barely conscious, Meredith continued to fight her attacker. She felt a sense of outrage as strong hands tore at her breeches. With no weapon, she used her fingernails to scratch and gouge at the offending hands. And when Holden ignored her feeble attempts, she sank her teeth into his hand, drawing a spurt of blood.
He was stunned by her determination. Though he had seen traces of her fire and spirit, he had convinced himself that this female would be cowed by his superior strength.
”Stupid wench.”
He slapped her so hard her head was snapped to one side. Pain danced through a haze of bright stars before she fell back defeated.
As Holden's hands reached for her, a voice from the doorway caused him to pause in midair.
”Step away from the woman.”