Kept by the Highlander by Joanna Davis

distress in the Princess's eyes.
                  She was frightened of him.
                  He realized she was trembling in his arms. He cursed. She was probably in shock. The girl had lost her home and her father in one night, and he'd just scared her on top of it. But he had to set a precedent for the future going forward. She was his. It would be easier for both of them if she knew it now.
                  Kalila was breathing in small gasps, her wide amethyst eyes watching him distrustfully. He moved his hands up and down her back, calming her gently. But he didn't release her. Or let her push away from his embrace or the evidence of his desire.
                  "Hush, it's alright. I'm not going to ravish you."
                  He grinned down at her.
                  "Not tonight at least."
                  She gasped at his audacity, her eyes blazing in her pique. Two bright spots of pink stained her cheeks. Sweet Jesu, she was lovely.
                  "You go too far Scotsman!"
                  He made a taking sound as he stroked her velvety cheek.
                  "I do not go nearly far enough. But you should rest Lila. It is nearing dawn already. Come."
                  He took her hand and pulled her toward the bed. Then he lifted her into his arms and placed her in the center. He pulled off his shoes and climbed in beside her, eliciting another annoyed huff from his recalcitrant Princess. She scooted away from him, stealing the blankets in the process.
                  He smiled at the sight of her in his bed, a deep contentment filling him all the way to his bones. Then he reached for her and dragged her back toward him. He debated briefly about taking both of their clothes off so they could be more comfortable but realized it would be far too much temptation for him. Holding her would have to be enough.
                  Kalila lay stiffly in his arms at first. He contented himself with stroking her skin where it was exposed on her arms and collarbone. He tangled his legs with hers, sliding his thigh between hers. She gasped and tried to twist away but he held her firmly. She would get used to his touch, enough that he could show her all the wonders of making love. And then she would begin to crave it.
                  He would make sure of it.
                  It was time to pay her back for all the taunting she had done when he was her slave.
                  Now the tables were turned, and he would be the one taunting her.
                  Desire was a two way street after all.
     
     
     
     
    **********
     
     
     
                  The next few days fell into a pattern for Kalila.
                  She would wake up, remember what had happened to her father, and weep copiously. Then Aluda would tend to her and they would emerge from the chamber to walk on the deck. She took her meals with him.
                  At his insistence.
                  Malcolm. The Scotsman. Grandson of a Duke and Heir to a Highland Clan. Highborn as she, and twice as arrogant.
                  Her slave had become her captor.
                  Worse yet, her tormentor.
                  He was determined to bend her to his will. To her dismay, it was working. She was loosing strength to fight him every time he touched her, caressed her. He hadn't tried to do anything more than stroke and kiss her but he never stopped. It was relentless, the strange and overly familiar way he handled her. She'd felt his arousal pressed against her several times a day and knew there was more to mating than what he was showing her.
                  She had to admit, she was curious.
                  More than curious. She was becoming increasingly