Free Highland Soldiers: The Betrayal by J.L. Jarvis Page B

Taking hold of her shoulders, he planted a kiss on her forehead as his palms slid from her shoulders to her breasts.
    Jenny pulled away, and spun about. “Touch me again, and I’ll scream. Do you think we could marry after this?” She moved toward the door to put distance between them, but he grasped her hand firmly.
    “But why not, my love?”
    “I’m not your love, and you know it.”
    “But we’re promised to one another.”
    “It was a mistake.” She took a halting breath as she tried to steady her voice. “My father forced this upon me. It was not fair to you, and I’m sorry for that, but I cannot marry you.”
    “But you will.” His confidence galled her.
    “No, I will not. I do not love you.”
    His eyes smoldered. “You are young and know little of men. These childish dreams of romance will wane. You will grow used to me. I dinnae care about love. But I expect you to make a good show of it.” He lifted both her hands to his lips and kissed them. “Now, there’s a good girl. Sit down while I go fetch your father to tell him we’ve patched up our wee misunderstanding.”
    He strode halfway across the room as Jenny said, “Did you nae hear me? I cannae marry you.”
    Tavish paused for a moment, teeth clenched, and then took his time walking back to her, being careful to maintain the appearance of propriety, lest anyone watch through the windows. He drew so close that Jenny reached her palms out to force distance between them, but he gripped her wrists drew them close to his chest. From afar, nothing would appear amiss. He spoke under his breath. “Unless you want me to tell your father what I saw in the woods, I would keep that mouth closed, my wee whore.”
    Jenny pulled her arm back to slap him, but his grip was too tight. Her cheeks burned. “If that’s what you think of me, then release me.”
    “But my sweet wife to be, I find that I want you even more, now that I know you’ve a fire in your hearth.”
    His eyes swept down her body. “And besides, I’m a man of my word.”
    Jenny met his lie with helpless contempt. She could not let this happen. But, for now, she saw no way out.
    With the crooked smile of a victor, Tavish abruptly walked out of the room.
     
    *
     
    “He’s not here, lass.” Duncan’s mother stood in the cottage doorway, and smoothed back a stray curl. “Won’t you come in? I’ve some fine tea that Duncan brought home for me. I’ve been waiting for good company to share it with.”
    Jenny forced a weak smile and went inside. She sat down as she had many times before, but this time without ease.
    “Och, I’m out of water.”
    Before Elspeth had a chance to ask, Jenny rose. “I’ll fetch some.” She scooped up the pail and was gone. Once outside, she saw him round the corner. “Duncan!” She ran after, but it was Charlie who turned around, grinning. “No, dearie. ‘Tis your lucky day. You’ve found me instead.”
    “Charlie, what are you doing here?”
    “That’s a fine greeting,” Charlie said with a glint in his eye.
    “I’m sorry. I was looking for Duncan.”
    “So I gathered,” Charlie said, with his most charming look of regret. “I’ll have to do.”
    In no mood for his harmless flirtation, Jenny said, “Charlie. Where is he?”
    “I’m afraid he’s not here.”
    “I can see that. But where is he?”
    A voice called out from the byre. “Charlie, you lout, will you come here to help me? I cannae wait all day.” Alex emerged from the byre with a pitchfork in hand.
    “Jenny, hello! Come to visit us, have you?” he said, knowing full well she had not, but as cheerful as if he had expected her visit.
    Their easy manner made Jenny impatient. “Alex, where is Duncan? I must see him.”
    Alex reached for Jenny’s pail. “Here, let me help you with that.” The three walked toward the byre. “He left this morning for Inverlochy. He was in quite a hurry.”
    “Aye, he woke me out of a sound sleep,” Charlie said.
    Distressed, Jenny cut