"Are you unwell, Ruby?" Jane asked, seeing Ruby's pale face.
"I, er--" Ruby touched her head and gritted her teeth. Nightmare! Only a nightmare!
"Hangover," Alec supplied. "See you at dinner."
"Okay," Jane replied before disappearing into the drawing room.
In the bedroom, Alec lay Ruby down on the bed, and she touched her head as she tried to concentrate. Think, Ruby, think logically what the hell is going on around here? It was no easy feat, however, because her head was now pounding like mad.
Alec exited the room without saying a word. Ruby was glad that he left because she could think more clearly; only her peace didn't last long enough.
Alec returned momentarily and shut the door behind him.
That was the final straw. Ruby shot up as Alec advanced toward her. "Why are you doing this?" she shouted at him. "Who's that blond woman? And why is Brian with her?"
Alec stood his ground and said calmly, "She's my sister. Her name is Susan. And Brian was her fiance."
Ruby absorbed the information in shocked silence. She closed her eyes. Then slowly, everything began to make sense. "And what is Brian to you?"
"We have been friends since childhood."
"Is that the reason why I'm here? The reason why you kidnapped me?" she asked.
Alec raked his fingers through his hair. "Aye." Then he shook his head. "Nay."
"Aye or nay, Alec?" Ruby shouted. "So you think I'm a threat to your sister? Is that why you did this?"
Alec had no answer to that. He just stood there, looking at her, his body tensing.
"How could you do that? How could you?" She was so angry, she rushed at him and hit his chest with her fists. "Why? I'm not your puppet, Alec!"
Alec continued to stand there, enduring her tantrum. He knew she needed to release her steam, and that was perhaps the best way.
When she tired of hitting him, she rested her head against his chest and sighed. "I hate you. I'm not your puppet."
"Nay, you're not."
Ruby drew her head back to look up at him. She saw that he was looking down at her in a very bizarre way.
Alec caught her left hand and brought it up to his lips. He kissed the back of her hand gently as Ruby watched him; his eyes seemed soft and tender.
"I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry I used you, Ruby."
Ruby wondered if he were truly apologizing for his wrongdoing, because he was acting very strange.
"But you are my fiancee," he said as he inserted a diamond ring on her third finger.
Ruby gasped. She stared in bewilderment at the big diamond sparkling in the afternoon sunlight on her finger.
No! This could not be happening. He was using her all along. How cruel! The passionate kisses, the gentle touches, they were all lies.
"You bastard!" she screamed, shoving him away on the chest. "I hate you!" Then she made a motion to pull the ring from her finger.
Alec seized her left arm in time and pulled her toward him. "You're not taking off that ring."
"It's on my finger. I can take it off if I want to," she snapped as she tried to extract her wrist from his tenacious grasp.
Alec wouldn't let her. He tightened his grip on her small wrist and his other hand came to the back of her neck. His head drew closer to hers and he kissed her on the lips, hard.
Ruby struggled inside his embrace. The more she fought, however, the harder he kissed her and the tighter his grip became.
Her whole body trembled, and her knees buckled.
Alec, still kissing her, bent down and lifted her up. He stopped kissing her only momentarily and drew his head back. Carrying her to bed, he put her down and came on top of her.
"Please, Alec, enough is enough! Do you love your sister so much that you would do even that to help her?"
He stared at her in silence. His eyes were on her lips. Before he knew what was happening, he kissed her again; his tongue pushing against her sealed lips. When she weakly surrendered to his insistently demanding urges, his tongue slid inside her mouth and he kissed her passionately.
He moved his head back, and Ruby touched his face with her shaking hands. "Please, Alec, I'm so confused," she said softly.
Alec couldn't go on. My God, how it hurt. He never felt so much pain before from hearing a woman beg him.
He gritted his teeth and swiftly moved away.
Ruby bit her lip and rolled over, giving him her back.
Alec couldn't stand seeing her suffer because of him. He stalked out the room, down the stairs, and left the manor. He ran through the garden to the lake, tears misting in his eyes.
What the hell was I doing?
Ruby usually felt much better after a long, warm shower, no matter what might have been troubling her. She tried to forget, and honestly, really tried not to think about what Alec was doing and why, but it didn't seem to work. As she stood there under the steamy, warm spray of water, she closed her eyes and tried to meditate. It usually worked, but not this time.
Alec, what the hell are you doing? she screamed silently. Why would he do this to her? Why her? Did he love his sister so much that he had to go to such extremes to help her?
Ruby gritted her teeth as she emerged from the shower. She was so pissed at the whole situation that she dressed herself too hastily and totally forgot to put on a bra. Oh bother! Who would notice if she wore one or not?
When she came out of the bathroom, Alec was there, sitting on the bed, waiting for her, and watching her every move. He looked as though he hadn't done anything wrong; in a word, carefree. She resisted the impulse to slap him in the face just to knock some sense into him.
Her preferred method was to give him the silent treatment. Thus, she simply glared at him without saying anything because there was nothing to say. Usually, when Ruby was very upset, she failed to find the right words to scream at the person responsible. That was because her brain got into such a chaotic state that all the words got jumbled up together. They all wanted to burst out of her mouth at the same time; and in the end, often none were heard.
Alec advanced toward her.
"Ruby, I'm sorry for what I did," he began, looking at her from his great height.
Ruby waited for him to give her a good apology, not to mention, a satisfying explanation.
"I had no right." He sighed. "I know it's a bit late, but--"
"Alec," she interrupted. "I want to go home tomorrow. Please, spare me; I don't want any part in your game."
"Ruby," he said, his hands gently touching her shoulders. "Susan loves Brian. If--"
"If Brian loves another woman?" she supplied sarcastically. She really couldn't help herself. It seemed that Susan, this blond bombshell, whom she once met back in London, managed to get anything she wanted, and Alec made sure of that. She couldn't help the bitterness she felt growing inside her toward these two loving siblings.
Alec watched her, frowning. "Ruby, I'm asking for your help."
Ruby shook her head. "No, Alec, I won't help you. Enough is enough. I want to go home. In fact, I intend to ask Brian to take me home."
"Ruby, I'm asking you nicely now. Please, help me. Susan needs Brian."
She stared at him straight in the eyes. "Really?" she asked sarcastically. Alec obviously loved and cared for Susan very much, so Ruby couldn't help feeling jealous of the woman. Ruby finally acknowledged her feelings for this brute of a man who cared not one whit for her. She wanted to cry out in anger and frustration. All this man had ever done was use her for his sister's sake. How could I fall in love with a man like that? Am I mad?
Ruby held her head high and said tightly, "But I need Brian too." Then she repeated those words again to his face so that he understood the meaning she wanted to convey. "I need Brian. I want Brian."
Ruby knew in her heart that she was saying an absolute and utter lie. She knew her feelings for Brian were nothing more than a fleeting infatuation.
Alec's eyes narrowed as Ruby took a step back. I need Brian! I want Brian! The words kep
t echoing in his head. He gritted his teeth and fisted his hands.
Ruby saw the anger rising inside him. Oh God, he looked dangerous, like a mighty Scottish warrior, ready to slay his enemy.
She took another step back.
He watched her, his grey eyes blazing with silver smoke.
Ruby's heart did a great somersault as he took another step toward her.
"Madame," he said softly, "there is no way in hell I'm going to let you go to Brian."
Ruby sucked in her breath.
In a flash, he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her next to him.
"Let go, Alec! Let go!"
Alec assaulted her lips with his to shut her up. Ruby drummed her small, fisted hands on his muscular chest, but he didn't seem to take any notice of it.
When he moved his head back, Ruby's lips were all red and sore from his brutal kiss.
"I gave you a choice, Ruby. But since you refused, then so be it."
Ruby panicked. "What do you mean?"
Alec bent down and picked her up.
"Alec, put me down! Now!"
He ignored her burst of outrage and carried her to the door.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To dinner," he replied. "And we are going to be a loving couple until further notice."
"Alec, I insist you put me down this instant! You can't do this to me; do you understand?" she shouted vehemently. "Alec!"
Ruby knew she couldn't win him over. His personality was too strong, and he was also very stubborn.
They came into the dining room, and after Alec dropped Ruby into the chair, Lizzie looked at Ruby with real worry.
Alec saw the concerned look on the maid's face as he sat down. "Ruby's fine, Lizzie; she's just very upset with me."
Ruby glared at Alec. The arrogant beast! He said those words in such a light, friendly tone to the maid, as though nothing significant had happened! However, in truth, the world around her was crumbling down. All because of him!
"Damn right I'm upset with you. How could you do this to me? How could you, Alec?!" She was so angry that she punched him on his shoulder with her puny fist.
Alec glanced up and saw Brian and Susan at the door, observing the scene. He swiftly grabbed Ruby's wrist with one hand and put his other hand gently on her nape. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he said lightly with a smile, his eyes twinkling as he looked at her. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I promise to be more gentle next time."
Ruby blinked. What is he on about? She struggled to free her wrist, but Alec wouldn't let her go, drawing her toward him.
"Alec!" Ruby said breathlessly.
Alec moved his head toward hers and kissed her tenderly, his tongue caressing her still sore and sensitive lips. His fingers at her nape dug deeper into her hair.
Ruby felt the softness of his lips against hers and the warmth of his breath. She tried not to succumb to his gentle assault, but she knew she was losing the battle with temptation. He was such an expert in this art of kissing that she was swiftly carried away by his embrace and soft caresses.
For a moment, Ruby felt like he was the one for her. She felt like she could spend the rest of her life with this man. But the moment soon passed, and she knew, without a doubt, this man was using her--yet again. Before she could free herself, he released her.
"See, sweetheart? I told you I could be gentle," Alec said.
"Aw, so sweet," Lizzie commented, smiling. "Yer leg doin' all right, Miss Ruby?"
"What's wrong with Ruby's leg?" Brian asked at the door.
Ruby turned around to look at Brian, and wanted to die.
Brian and Susan came in and took the chairs opposite them.
Ruby couldn't help admiring how beautiful Susan was. She didn't miss seeing the woman move closer to Brian and put her hand on top of his.
Ruby glanced at Brian, who was opposite her and noticed him looking at her intensely, his eyes questioning her. She couldn't bear his gaze tormenting her like that, so she glanced away. It was rude of her, she knew, but what else could she do?
"How did you get here, Ruby?" Brian asked suddenly.
Ruby bit her lip. She knew Alec was watching her, waiting for her answer. "I--"
"I brought her here," Alec interjected.
Brian frowned at his friend; but Alec smiled, his eyes twinkling.
Brian said to Ruby, "You only have two weeks left, don't you?" At Ruby's nod, he continued, "Do you still want to come to Westwick Castle?"
Ruby knew that Alec was about to say something, so she quickly said, "Yes."
Susan stiffened at that. "Maybe we should all go."
"Go?" Jane said from the door. "Go where?"
Susan looked over at Jane as the young woman walked into the room. "To Westwick Castle."
"Why?" Jane asked, taking a seat beside her brother.
"Yes, why?" Alec repeated, nodding his head.
"Because Ruby hasn't been there before," Brian replied.
"Haven't you?" Jane asked Ruby.
Ruby shook her head. "I would love to go to Westwick Castle. Maybe we could go tomorrow."
Alec didn't like the sound of that. He leaned forward and was about to say something when Jane jumped in.
"Oh, no, Ruby. Not tomorrow. Brian promised me that we would stay here at least for a few days. Remember you told me we can visit Mr. Moore?" Jane reminded her brother. Then she turned back to Ruby. "Can you please wait for a few more days? Please?"
Ruby reluctantly nodded, and Alec smiled with inner glee.
Mrs. McKenzie and Lizzie brought in their dinner then. Jane quickly helped herself to the roasted vegetables; but Ruby just sat there, staring at nothing. Brian was watching her, his eyes still scrutinizing her.
"Would you like some roasted potatoes, sweetheart?" Alec asked.
Ruby turned to glare at him. Alec's expression was one of challenge. She gritted her teeth. She knew she couldn't win the day, or beat him, so she nodded.
"So where did you say you're from, Ruby?" Jane asked.
"New Zealand," Ruby replied.
"Is that where you met Alec?"
Brian leaned back in his chair and looked at Alec with narrowed eyes. The atmosphere was tense between the two friends.
"Come to think of it, Alec, you never told me when you actually went to New Zealand."
Ruby suddenly felt a spark of pleasure. Oh my God, Alec never went to New Zealand, so they could never have met until three weeks ago. She really wanted to see how he managed to get out of this one.
She popped a forkful of the lovely roasted potatoes into her mouth and chewed. Then she turned to look at Alec, who was taking his time answering. Or was he thinking of a good alibi?
Alec picked up the glass and took a sip of the red wine. He slowly placed the glass back on the table and leaned back to examine the wine as if it were very fascinating. "I was there three years ago," he said.
"Really? How come you never told me?" Brian asked, picking up his knife and fork as he began to eat his dinner.
"You were out of the country yourself, as I remember, Brian. In France," Alec said. Then his hand gently touched Ruby's arm.
Ruby bit her lip. There was a hot, thrilling sensation at the spot where his hand grazed her skin.
"Is New Zealand beautiful?" Jane asked. "I want to go now. When Brian asked me last year to come with him, I refused. Now I wish I would have gone with him."
"It is very beautiful," Alec stated, looking at Ruby. His hand moved up to her nape. His fingers and thumb were now caressing her neck.
Ruby felt like she was in heaven. She knew she should have told him to stop stroking her in front of everyone, but she couldn't seem to find the words.
Brian said, in a harsher tone, "What part of New Zealand have you visited?"
Alec moved toward Ruby and gave her a gentle kiss on her nape. Ruby jumped and shoved him away.
"Alec, stop it," she snapped.
Jane laughed. "Oh, Alec, Ruby's right, you know. After all, we are still here
."
"Sorry, it's damn hard keeping my hands off her." Alec chuckled.
"Alec!" Ruby muttered, her face red.
"I'm sorry I embarrassed you, sweetheart," Alec said as he kissed her on her forehead.
Brian gritted his teeth, and Susan watched them, tensing.
"I was in Auckland for a few days. I did bungee jumping from the sky tower. It wasn't that great. Bungee jumping in Queenstown was much better. The air and the water were lovely. Have you tried it, Brian?"
Brian shook his head, still gritting his teeth.
"And of course, I was in Marlborough for a few weeks, tasting their wine. The Marlborough wine festival was excellent. They have superb stock, I tell you."
Ruby couldn't believe that. Now she wasn't sure if Alec was lying through his teeth about his visit to New Zealand, or if he had actually been there three years ago.
"What about you, Jane? Come on! Tell us about your overseas trip," Alec said, looking over at her.
"Gladly," Jane replied before beginning the tale of her adventure.
None of them, however, were listening to her. Alec was watching Ruby, who could only stare into space. Now and again, however, she would look up at Brian. When that happened, Alec felt a burst of jealousy inside him and moved closer to Ruby, or touched her arm, or just told her that he was still there.
Susan watched Brian, edging nearer to him as each minute passed, and flashing him a beautiful smile whenever he happened to look her way.
When, at long last, Jane finished her tiresome story, Susan suggested they go into the drawing room. She offered to play the piano for them as entertainment. Before Ruby could stand, Alec picked her up in his arms and carried her to the door, saying, "Good night," to everyone.
Brian was about to go after them when Susan said, "Come on." She pulled him by the arm and led him into the drawing room. Jane followed them.
*
FOURTEEN
"You're a brute, you know that, Alec?" Ruby said near Alec's ear as he put her down on the bed.
Alec glanced at her. He couldn't really deny that, judging by the way he was treating her at the moment. He changed the subject. "Was dinner to your liking?" he asked, his face mere inches from hers.
Ruby was annoyed that he ignored her statement. He looked as though he didn't give a shit what she thought of him. She glared at him to tell him she was pissed. "Dinner," she said through gritted teeth, "was fine; thank you very much."
Alec cocked his head to one side, his gaze resting on her lips. "Come to think of it, we didn't have any dessert at all."