Marked As His Slave

by Terri Pray

  Not with the mood he was ever in, if she was going to be honest about it.

  The man was a dangerous one. He'd kill her if he had to. Then again, so was Davien. She'd seen that in his eyes more than once when she'd been with him. She'd seen it again only a few moments ago when he'd been in the cabin.

  She was trapped.

  “Move it, whore.” He rested one hand in the small of her back then shoved her forward toward the door. “I don't have all day. They'll be waiting for me.”

  For us you mean.

  “Out there, now.”

  Celeste took a deep breath and pushed open the door before she stepped out, barefoot and nude beneath the blanket. Whatever would happen next she'd live with it. Deal with it. No, she'd do better than that, she'd survive and come out well on the other side of it.

  “I told you to get her dressed,” Davien snapped.

  “She is dressed.”

  “A blanket isn't dressed.”

  Celeste frowned as she listened to the two men. Picking a fight over her dress, or lack of it, that wasn't like Davien. Not from what she knew of him so far.

  “It's all there was to put her in, or I could strip her off and she could do the trip naked.” Tearlach's voice dropped into a harsh snarl. “The dress was damaged on the journey over.”

  “Is that true, Celeste?”

  She tensed and glanced up at Tearlach, then back at Davien. “Not entirely, it— it was damaged before we reached the shore. The trip over to the boat soaked it through and then I was told to strip off here.”

  Davien growled. “She'll be chilled to the bone by the time we reach the shore.”

  “And I would care why?”

  “Because if she becomes sick there's a chance that she may die.”

  Tearlach laughed and shook his head. “She won't die. She's a hardy creature. Good peasant stock, isn't that what you think of women like her? Not a drop of noble blood in her veins. She's nothing more than a quick roll in the hay, then you'll toss her to one side. The only reason you came after us is because I stole her out from beneath your nose. I've beaten you.”

  “And that's why you're returning to the island with us? To show us that you won? That you know how to beat me?” Davien's voice dropped into a low, cold whisper. “Well then, get in the boat, we'll see who wins in the end.”

  Tearlach took hold of Celeste's arm and led her to the side of the ship, leaning in to whisper to her. “If you show me up I'll strip the skin from your back.”

  She paled, for one long, terrible moment, she forgot that once back on the island he wouldn't have the right to touch her without her consent. With his help she clambered into the waiting boat, knowing that the men would be close behind her.

  One of the men who were already in the boat, helped her down. She tried to keep her body covered beneath the blanket but it didn't work. It parted as she climbed, revealing her legs and hip as she climbed, but the minute her feet touched the bottom of the boat she tugged the blanket back over her legs.

  One of the men whistled, then stopped the minute that Tearlach climbed down. Davien followed suit.

  “Sit down, Celeste.” Tearlach pointed to the spot on the bench. “I don't need you tipped into the water.”

  She didn't argue. Not right now. There'd be time enough to fight him later, once they were on the island again. Once there she'd be able to find her feet. Not to mention clothes. God, she'd been a fool not to call out when Tearlach snatched her. Not that she'd really had the chance to do so.

  She glanced over at Davien as he settled himself on the bench opposite Tearlach. His gaze never flickered away from the highwayman. Not even when the boat pushed away from the ship.

  Tearlach settled one arm about her waist.

  She flinched, but didn't say a word. Now wasn't the time or place. It would be far too easy for him to toss her into the water. Not a pleasant thought, she was already chilled with the spray that washed up into the boat.

  “So, Jamezen sent you?”

  “Yes, he did. When it was discovered you'd snatched Celeste he was, quite rightly so, furious.” Davien smiled, calmly.

  “Interesting. I'm surprised he'd react so.”

  “You agreed to follow the rules of the Island.” Davien smiled calmly. “You broke the laws.”

  He frowned, slightly. “Did I, indeed?”

  “You stole a woman from the Island.”

  “No, she came with me of her own free will.”

  Celeste tensed. She hadn't joined him in such circumstances at all. Until she was on the Island, safe and sound, she didn't dare say a word about the situations. Her hands clenched, fear knotted her stomach as she tried to focus her gaze on the floor of the boat.

  “Well, we'll get to the bottom of this with the trial, won't we Tearlach.”

  Tearlach smirked.

  God, that man was a fool and then some. Couldn't he see that he was walking into a trap? Or was there something she was missing?

  Whatever was going on she had to deal with it and find a way to survive.

  The small boat cut through the water back toward the island, the swells and waves growing with each passing moment. They half threw her up into the air as they hit one large wave, only the grasp Tearlach had about her waist kept her within the confines of the boat.

  “Now now, if you're going to leave the boat it will be when I say so and not before.” He growled and pulled her in closer against his side. “I went through too much to get you. Not going to lose you now. Not when we're so close to being together for the rest of our lives.”

  The thought sent a chill through her soul.

  Spending the rest of her life with that man— no, she couldn't. She wouldn't.

  No matter what he threatened her with, she'd speak the truth at the trial. Tearlach was a nightmare. She knew he'd do something. He wasn't completely stupid. There'd be a problem, or threats, or worse, but no, she'd find a way past all of this.

  She had to.

  Nothing more was said as the boat cut through the water to the shore. Once the boat touched the sand Davien got out of the boat first and offered his hand to Celeste before Tearlach could move. She didn't hesitate. Silently she took the offered hand and stepped out of the boat, all too well aware of how angry that made Tearlach.

  He can rot in hell for all I care.

  Except there was a part of her that did, indeed, care. For all that he'd done to her, and would do again given a chance to, she couldn't quite shut out the feelings she'd once had toward him. She'd hung her dreams on him for a long time, and shaking them off, fully, was harder than she'd ever thought possible.

  She hated him, and yet a part of her still wondered what might have been.

  What could have happened if he had been the man she had once cared for, dreamed of...

  “Stop daydreaming, slut.”

  “Daydreaming?” She glanced back over her shoulder at Tearlach. “I— I wasn't daydreaming.”

  “You've forgotten a word,” he growled and stepped out onto the beach. “You've forgotten what you're supposed to call me.”

  “No, I haven't, this is the island, I'm not yours here, and I'll address you as I would anyone else.” She shook even as she spoke. She knew how dangerous it was to speak out against him but she managed it.

  “Why you!” His hand lifted as if to strike her.

  “Hold!” Davien stepped forward and grabbed Tearlach by the wrist.

  “She's mine to do with as I wish.” Tearlach snapped.

  “Not here she isn't, not unless the trial finds for you.”

  “Like hell!” The highwayman pulled his hand free from Davien's grasp. “She's mine, I've made that clear. She's staying with me and... ”

  “If you want to end up with a musket ball between the eyes you're going the right way about it.”

  Tearlach lowered his arm and flashed a quick look from Davien to the guards. His gaze lingered on the muskets in their hands. “I'll not forget this, Blood.”

  “
I'm sure you won't.” Davien smiled, though no warmth touched his eyes. “I suggest we return to the castle, Lord Jamezen will be waiting for you.”

  “I presume I am to be well treated and given quarters with my property?”

  “You will be well treated until the outcome of the trial, and Celeste is not your property at this time, she'll sleep in her own room unless she chooses otherwise. You would do well to remember that until the trial is over you have no claim on her without her say so. No more than I do.”

  Celeste sighed in relief, her voice weary, limbs aching. “Thank you, Lord Blood.”

  “May I offer you my arm, Celeste, you look about ready to drop where you stand. Not surprising after what you've been through.” Davien ignored the growl that came from Tearlach even as he held out one arm. “You need a bath and some clean clothing before you speak to Jamezen.”

  Celeste tipped her chin and took a step toward Davien.

  “Remember who you belong to, Celeste.” Tearlach rested one hand on her shoulder, his fingers squeezing tight into her flesh. “Your place is at my feet, one way or another.”

  “My place is where I wish to be, Tearlach. Not where you dictate I should be.” Her voice shook even as she spoke. “The decision will be made during the trial, and have no doubt I'll speak the truth, the full truth, Tearlach. No matter the cost.” She met his gaze, one hand resting on Davien's arm.

  “I know the truth, you do too, so I'll hold you to this, that you'll speak the full truth regardless of the outcome. I've felt your body tremble in my grasp. Seen how you move for me. How you submit to me and writhe beneath me. Such things can't be faked, or denied, Celeste, remember that.”

  She lifted her chin a little more. “You've heard my words, the rest you must wait to hear at the trial.” He's insane, he really thinks I'll declare for him. I don't understand it.

  Davien turned and led the way back toward the castle, resting his hand on hers for a moment. “He believes you will submit to him. And perhaps a part of him is right. You can't deny there is something there, but I don't believe it is the same something that he craves from you.”

  She didn't have the strength to put her words into order. Not with how she felt right now. Her legs felt weak. Her stomach rolled after being out on the boat twice now. She was cold, clammy, and drained as she walked with Davien toward the castle.

  “He should have offered you something else to wear, even if it was only one of his shirts, or a cloak,” Davien growled as they walked, neither of them sparing a backward glance at Tearlach.

  “He wasn't in the mood to be kind.” That was an understatement and she knew it. Men like Tearlach didn't think past their own pleasure.

  “He never has been, not as long as I've known him. Even when you were mine I never let you become ill from neglect. Never.” His voice was cold but she knew that coldness was not aimed at her. “He'll pay for that stupidity.”

  “Yes, he will.” Celeste murmured, but didn't look at either man. She could hear Tearlach following them, his steps heavy and his voice carrying through the air.

  Nothing more was said by either Celeste or Davien as they walked toward the castle. She shook with each step, her body tired and aching. What she'd been through was more than anyone should have to deal with in one day and she was paying for it.

  By the time they reached the entrance to the castle she was ready to drop completely.

  “Open the gates.” Davien called out.

  The gates opened up in front of them and Davien led the way into the castle, holding her up as they walked.

  “You're about ready to drop, aren't you?”

  “Yes,” her voice little more than a whisper.

  “You've held up well.”

  She nodded, unable to do anything more as she was escorted through the castle. More than one set of gazes followed her path and she tried not to blush. Whatever they thought she didn't care. She couldn't afford to care. Not with what she'd already been through.

  “I'll see you to your room.”

  “What about Jamezen?” She glanced over as they walked into the main body of the castle. “Won't he want to see me?”

  “Yes, later. He's still finding out some of the details from the guard. His persuasion methods lack some sophistication, but they appear to work.”

  “He's torturing the guard?”

  “Blue's doing it for him.”

  “Blue? Mystic Blue? My sister?”

  “I don't know of any other Blue, Celeste.”

  The color drained, fully, from her cheeks as she climbed the steps to her room and stood in front of the door. “God, I didn't think she'd— I knew it was her, from things people had said, but— oh, god, this only makes things worse. She'll speak against me at the trial. You know she will.”

  “Perhaps, if she thinks it will gain her some level of advantage.”

  Celeste reeled as she stood there her mind lost in the shock of what Davien had just told her. “Tearlach will talk to her.”

  “He'll try, but I doubt Jamezen will let her anywhere near him. He has plans for that one, as I'm sure you can imagine.” Davien leaned against the door frame, his gaze locked on Celeste. “You know what your sister is like.”

  “Yes, I do,” it was something she knew all too well. “Thank you— for walking me back to the door I mean.”

  “You weren't steady on your feet. If you'd fallen— well, I don't need to face an inquisition about lack of care, or new bruises... ”

  The way his voice hinted at a sensual growl, the play of his gaze over her body, and the rising heat within her own body, all reminded her of just how he could awaken her desires. This wasn't the time or place for such things though. Not with everything else that was going on right now.

  “You shouldn't be alone.”

  “I— I don't think it would be wise for you to be within my rooms, not right now.” Her voice trembled as she spoke. “I— I don't need more trouble, you understand that, don't you?”

  “Yes, I do, but I don't agree with your thoughts.” He reached out, and cupped her cheek. The touch was gentle, yet strong. “No one will mind if I enter your rooms with you, Celeste.”

  This wasn't like him. Normally he didn't ask, he simply took. Was he worried about the guards reporting strange, or inappropriate behavior? Whatever was going on, she needed time to rest and dress. “I'll be fine, truly.”

  A slight frown creased his brow. “I see.”

  “Davien, please. I've been through a lot, I need a little— I need time to think it all through, without distractions.” Please, don't push things right now, I've got to get washed, clean, dry, warm— god...

  “I'll call on you soon, Celeste.” He gave a slight bow before he turned and walked away, leaving the still trembling woman in the hallway.

  She waited for a moment before she turned and opened her door, and walked back into her room. Only when the door was closed did she dare to take a breath and think once more. She'd been through hell and back, that was the only real way of describing it and now she had to face a trial to see if she would remain a free woman, or be forced to spend the rest of her days with Tearlach.

  I can't do it, I can't live that way.

  He was dangerous. No, more than that. He'd destroy everything around her if it was a way to force her into his arms once more.

  It couldn't be allowed to happen.

  Celeste all but slumped onto the bed, and dropped the blanket. She was drained in more ways than she had thought possible. With how her body ached, and how her inner walls clenched, she knew it was going to be hard to stay awake. She had to bathe before she passed out and reached for the rope to summon a slave.

  Moments passed before a slave appeared in the room, the young woman's gaze wary as she glanced around the room. “Yes, mistress?”

  “A bath, I'll need hot water brought in.”

  “Yes, mistress, I'll see to it at once.” The slave bowed quickly and backed out of the room.

  Celeste sighed and
rubbed her temples. It would be a long time before she would be able to look at the slaves again before she didn't see that look of uncertainty in their eyes. Did they wonder if she had gone, willingly, with Tearlach? They had to question what was going on with the trial.

  Worse still they'd question what her part in all of this mess truly was.

  Don't think about it.

  It was hard not to. Her fate rested on the coming trial and until that was done her place in the castle would be questioned.

  The slave returned with two others and slowly they filled the waiting tub with steaming water. Celeste didn't speak as she watched them work, knowing if things went wrong that she might be amongst their number.

  Wouldn't she?

  The laws of the castle forbade those who resided here from having private slaves. The closest thing to that was a bitch. A concubine of sorts. Not a full slave, but certainly of a lesser status than the free men and women within the castle. Still, even that was something she didn't want to be, not with Tearlach.

  But with another?

  No, she couldn't think about that right now. Not with everything going on.

  With the slaves gone she headed for the tub, gathered the towels and sank into the steaming water. She hissed, pain and pleasure combined in that moment, eating into her muscles as she forced herself to remain in the water. She needed this even if her body screamed for her to get out.

  Slowly, an inch at a time, the tension eased from her muscles. Finally she was able to relax. Heat seeped into her body, chasing away the chill of the boat trip. Once this was done she'd be able to get into real clothes again. She didn't have a lot of clothing, but the Captain had been kind and she was once again grateful for that kindness.

  Chapter Four

  A sharp knock on the door dragged Celeste out of her dream state, forcing her to sit bolt upright in the tub. Cold, why was the water cold?

  “Who is it?”

  “Davien,” his voice shattered any thoughts she might have had at relaxing further.