Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Esme threw herself on her bed when she reached her bedchamber and screamed her frustration into the pillow while her fists pounded the mattress. She was a fool, ten times a fool—twenty times—a fool for thinking Torrance had changed. That something had happened to him on the battlefield that brought him home a different man.
He was playing one of his games with her, but why when he needed an heir and his manhood was stiff and finally ready to mate. Why did he refuse to couple with her? She had gotten so excited to see his shaft swollen. They could consummate their marriage, and she would have a chance to get with child. She groaned. Worse was how she responded so eagerly to his touch, his kiss. She had desired him, and he knew it. That he refused her upset and frightened her since the possible reason that he would not couple with her, get her with child, shivered her cold. Could he truly be searching for a new wife? Had he already found a woman? If she got with child, she would stand in his way. Is that why he had gotten off her so suddenly and sent her away? But why then did he have her sleep with him each night? Did he want to make it look like he was doing his duty?
Nothing made sense. Nothing at all. Unless…
She rolled on her back and scrunched her face as a sudden thought hit her. A nonsensical one, or was it? Could it be possible? She shook her head. Her sudden thought was nonsense. There was no one who could disguise himself as Torrance and get away with it.
Ryland.
She sprang up, the name exploding in her head. Ryland, Chieftain of Clan MacLeish. He and Torrance could pass for brothers they looked so much alike. There were rumors that they were half-brothers, though no one dared speak it aloud. But Ryland had suffered serious wounds in the battle he lost to Torrance. He was home healing, waiting for Torrance to decide his fate.
She wrinkled her nose as if she smelled something funny.
What if it was all a lie? What if Ryland had killed her husband and decided to take his place? But what reason would he have to do that? Besides, he would be placing himself in danger with how many enemies Torrance had made and would be only too glad to see him dead.
It was a foolish thought.
But why did Torrance avoid coupling with her when he had berated her endlessly for failing to get with child. He told her it was her fault his shaft could not grow hard. That she was not attractive enough, obedient enough, that she sparked no desire in him.
Sparks had certainly flamed his desire tonight. His manhood was swollen, ready for matting and no women had been there to entice him. So, what had sparked his passion?
She had met Ryland a few times when he visited Torrance. It had been odd seeing someone who resembled her husband so much and it was even odder that he was cordial and thoughtful. She recalled during one of his visits how her shawl had slipped off her shoulders and he snatched it up and handed it to her with a smile that sent a flutter to her heart. Torrance had quickly admonished her for being so clumsy and sent her to her bedchamber and ordered supper held from her as punishment for embarrassing him.
She later learned that Ryland had had the courage to speak up to him in her defense and it had ignited an argument for which she was further made to suffer. Two days in her bedchamber with nothing more than bread and water. She was lucky Gwen had taken pity on her and snuck food to her.
Her husband had certain traits, likes, and dislikes but she hadn’t paid them mind lately. She needed to pay more attention to him to see if she could spot any differences that may suggest her idea held merit.
His kiss was certainly different. She enjoyed his kisses, to her surprise and dismay. But now, there could be a reasonable explanation for it.
It hadn’t been her husband who kissed her, but Ryland.
She had to be careful. Very careful. If she were wrong, and there was a good chance she was, it could prove disastrous for her. She had to make sure, completely sure about her suspicions and even then, would it be wise of her to confront him? And what of his plans for her?
Fear trickled over her that she might be in even more danger if she was right.
She needed to take it slowly and approach her suspicions with caution. That was what she had to do to find out what was going on. Had Torrance returned home to her or had Ryland taken his place?