Page 113 of Ruined By the Ruthless Highlander
So close.
Her fingers stretched forward, grazing the handle ever so slightly, just as Edmund’s hand closed around her arm.
“No!” The word tore from her throat in a shout as he yanked her backward, spinning her so violently that her shoulder slammed into the wall.
Marian fell to the floor before she realized it. The impact stole the breath from her lungs, and she gasped, her vision blurring slightly.
Edmund crouched beside her, a low laugh escaping him. He tangled his fingers in her hair, yanking her head back until her neck arched at an unnatural angle.
Marian clawed at his wrist, her fingers slipping against his sleeve uselessly as she tried to pry him off her.
“You… you do not have to do this.” Her voice was thin and desperate as she pleaded with him.
“On the contrary,” he said, tightening his grip on her hair until she winced. “I very much do.”
Marian’s throat went dry.
He’s going to kill me.
Her body shuddered at the realization, and she thought of something, anything that could possibly distract him. Even for a moment.
Her eyes landed on the twine in his free hand—his weapon, perhaps—and she swallowed, an idea coming to her mind.
My mother…
She only had one shot, so she allowed herself to feel the pain of her mother’s betrayal, hoping her attempt would be convincing enough to distract her uncle.
I can grieve later.
“My mother,” she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper. “She would hate you if?—”
“She suggested I use this twine,” Edmund interrupted, a faint smile curving his mouth. “Do you not understand? Juliet does not care?—”
Marian twisted hard. She pulled the twine off his hand and threw it across the room with all of her might.
Edmund released his grip on her hair for a moment, and she twisted, tugging herself free as quickly as she could. Only then did she realize how difficult it was to stand upright after two hard falls.
She dragged herself backward until her back hit the wall, breathing heavily as a tear rolled down the side of her cheek. Her limbs shook as she tried to stand, refusing to cooperate as pain spread deeper through her bones.
It is over.
A shiver ran down her spine as she looked up, meeting Edmund’s gaze.
I have made it worse.
“You foolish girl,” he gritted out as he rose to his feet, supporting his weight with his cane.
His tone was more terrifying than any fury could have been.
Marian swallowed. She tried to stand again and failed, a gasp escaping her lips.
“Did you really think I would let you walk away?” Edmund walked slowly toward her, his cane hitting the floor loudly with every step. “You had your chance to do this the proper way, Marian. I gave you every opportunity to be useful, and you refused. Now, it is over.”
Marian shook her head, her breath coming faster. “You cannot do this.” Her voice was almost a whimper now. “I will?—”
The words died in her throat as he stopped in front of her.
“You will what?” he murmured, bending slightly to meet her gaze. “Marry the brute?”
