Page 49 of Her Beast

“Apology accepted,” he said in a cool, brisk tone that made her feel like an obstinate toddler who’d just been put in her place. His lips flexed into a faint smile at whatever he saw on her face. “I can see you find my company repellent, so I won’t force my presence on you.”

Julia’s heart leapt. “Then you’ll let me go?”

“No, I meant I won’t force my company on you for the duration of your stay.”

“But you refuse to tell me how long that will be?”

“I won’t release you until you’ve served your purpose.”

“Until I’ve served my purpose,” Julia repeated flatly, any regret she felt about stabbing him quickly draining away. “A purpose you refuse to—”

“There is no point in continuing with this subject. I’ve already answered all the questions I will answer.”

Julia’s head buzzed she was so angry. Before she could do something else that she would regret—like throw her entire plate—she pushed to her feet and strode toward the door.

“You need to eat, Miss Harlow.”

She whipped around at his words. “I’m afraid being held hostage has had a negative effect on my appetite,” she lied.

“If the food is not to your liking, you must tell me what you want and you shall have it. I’m sure my chef can find something to tempt your appetite.” His cold eye narrowed. “I will not have you starving yourself.”

“Are you saying that you willforceme to eat if I refuse, Mr. Barton?”

His lips twisted into an unpleasant smile that made the hair on her neck stand up. “If you are trying to test my patience you will quickly discover that I don’t have any, Miss Harlow.”

Julia wisely held her tongue.

“You don’t need to eathereif you don’t wish to, but youwilleat. Understood?”

Self-preservation and rebellion roiled in her belly and self-preservation won out.

“I understand,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Good. Kemp will inquire into your food preferences. You may ask my servants for anything you need—books, clothing, paints, musical instruments, a pet poodle—whatever it will take to keep you happy.”

“A carriage ride home?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“How about a loaded pistol?”

He gave a surprised-sounding chuckle. “Perhaps I should have saidanything within reason. This part of my house is completely at your disposal; Kemp will give you a tour. If you need to ask me anything, you may send word by any of the servants.”

Without further ado, he dropped a brief bow and strode from the dining room.

Julia stared after him.

How was it thatshefelt guilty whenhewas the one who’d abducted her?

∞∞∞

“Bloody hell,” Malcolm muttered beneath his breath as he made his way back to his office. Julia Harlow had been beautiful asleep, but she was incandescent awake and angry. Temptingly so.

It was a good thing she hated his guts—which was certainly what knife hurling had indicated—because it would be torment to be in the same room with her and not touch her.

She’d not flinched from him in horror or been afraid like most people when they were forced to look at him. No, she’d just glared right back at him.

And then thrown a knife.

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