Page 48 of My Highland Love

“Get away!” she shouted as she scooted backwards.

She fell back against the bed when he brought his face to within an inch of hers.

“If you do not change into dry clothes, I will do it for you.”

Elise remained motionless, but he caught the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. He pushed away from her and stood. She crawled off the bed, her gaze on him, as she fetched the dress hanging in the closet. She faced him. Marcus waved toward the screen in the corner.

“Kind of you,” she retorted.

“Do not try me,” he growled.

“Try you?” Elise snorted, then stepped behind the screen.

“All I want to know is why?” he demanded.

The rustling of clothing paused. A long moment of silence passed, then she said, “Exactly my question.”

Marcus started to reply but threw himself, instead, onto the couch opposite the bed. A moment later, she appeared from behind the screen.

“Why did you leave?” he demanded.

“Why did you bring me back?”

He frowned. “I didn't. Cameron did. I wasn't aware you had left until an hour ago.”

“Cameron?” Her eyes darkened. “So I have him to thank for scaring me half out of my wits.”

Marcus leapt from the couch. Elise retreated several steps.

“You truly have taken leave of your senses.” He stopped two paces from her. “Had I known—had I come for you—I would have given you a scare you wouldn't have forgotten. Being kidnapped by the Campbells clearly left no impression on you.”

“I was well out of MacGregor territory when Daniel found me. I was safe.”

Marcus seized her hand and yanked her close. “So safe you were accosted in an alleyway. And a woman on a ship alone—bound for America—no, Australia. No money, no escort—although, money you had in abundance. Why did you leave?”

Her lips pursed. “That is none of your business.”

“None of my business? Bloody hell, Elise, I will have my answers.” He yanked her so close he could feel her breath on his face. “Why?”

He twisted her wrist slightly and she winced.

“Elise,” he repeated.

Silence followed, then she said, “I decided it was time to go.”

Marcus tightened the tenuous hold on his temper. “Well, you can't go.” He shoved her away from him. He closed his eyes, massaging the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger.

“I can't go?” she repeated softly.

He whirled on her. “I have just spent one of the most hellish hours of my life and you think I'll be swayed by your indignation?” Marcus moved an inch closer. “Think again, my sweet.” He inched even closer and she backed away from him. “I am the master here, and I will let you push me only so far.” He slid closer.

Elise sidled to her left, but he grasped her shoulders. He forced her back against the wall and pressed himself against her. Their eyes locked. He broke the standoff, his gaze dropping to her lips. The beat of his heart pounded against the swell of her breasts. He breathed deep, then pulled her to the couch and shoved her onto the cushion.

“Now, what is this foolishness?”

“I can't stay here forever. It's time I go.”

“It is not,” he growled.