Mystic Mountains

eyes filled with jealous fury and he began to come their way.
    "Yes, you have spirit, I'll give you that," Cecil Houghton said, his fingers biting into her flesh. He brought his face so close Isabella could see every blue vein patterning his blotched skin. Could feel his vile breath fanning her cheeks. With a cry of despair she turned her head away. "If my memory serves me right, too much spirit for your own good. Put up a fight, didn't you? But I like a wench with plenty of go in her. Come, let's be off." His grip on her arm tightened until she felt as if the blood ceased to flow.
    "Leave me be. " She tried to force his fingers loose.
    "Take your h ands off the wench." Fergus reached their side and Isabella had to admit his interruption was welcome, even if he was as abominable as the man who'd sent her to New South Wales in the first place.
    "This wench, who has the appearance of an angel, but is in truth a daughter of the devil, is responsible for this." The thumb sitting at an odd angle was prodded under Fergus's nose. "Beware, man, she's a careful wielder of a blade. But for the grace of God, and a small miscalculation on her part I would not be here in one piece to tell the tale. Guard your manhood well."
    "So?" Fergus shrugged. "What the chit did to get herself transported is no concern of mine. Just as long as she keeps her knives sheathed and her talons under control. I must admit to having a yen for a spirited woman."
    "What's she worth to you, Brunt? I'll pay whatever you ask for one night in her company. I have unfinished business with her." Houghton's eyes took on the glaze of a wild creature on the hunt and his mouth went slack as he cast his eyes from her head to her slippered feet.
    " 'Tis my first night with the wench. Best see Selena and you can have my leavings when I tire of her. But I should warn you it may take some time before I grow sated by her charms." Fergus bestowed a twisted smile on Isabella as he patted her cheek with a sweat damp palm.
    Isabella shuddered, her insides churning. All men should be tossed through the gates of hell. They stood discussing her as if she was worth nothing. Merely a vessel to satisfy their lust. Dear God. Was this what life held for her? Was her future to be spent being handed to the highest bidder? She would throw herself from a cliff before she would let this evil man touch her again.
    "What say you to a turn at the gaming table, Brunt? The chit as the stakes, hmm?" Houghton suggested, finally releasing her arm.
    Isabella rubbed at her sore flesh, sure she would be bruised by morning. But if this fiend managed to arrange time with her she would end up with more than a few bruises, she knew.
    "I beg leave to go to the ladies ' room," she said, turning her attention on Fergus, who at the moment seemed the lesser of two evils.
    "Run along then, but be quick." Fergus gave her a wet smile. As she fled she heard the two of them still bartering over her.
    Going through the nearest door she found herself on the verandah at the rear of the house. Tears misted her eyes as she stood in the fresh air, inhaling the scents filling the night air. A multitude of stars sprinkled the heavens. How could her life be so desolate on such a perfect night?
    Leaning on the rail of the balcony she thought seriously of picking up her skirts and making off into the night, running until she came to the ocean. The thought of wading into the sea and walking until it devoured her held appeal. Yes, that was the only s olution. She would rather face the danger of natives and wild animals than the fate planned by Fergus Brunt and Cecil Houghton, bickering over her at this moment as if she was horseflesh.
    "I ought to kill you now," a familiar voice said from the shadows.
    Isabella was so startled she nearly fell over the rail to land on the roses below. So, she hadn't been mistaken. While she stood undecided he pushed himself away from a tree and strolled to the steps a few paces away.
    "How charming you look. " His voice was devoid of emotion. "So you chose to sell your body, eh?" Climbing the steps he reached her side, and the gaze he swept over her was full of contempt. "Tell me, how do I match up to the other men? Found me wanting, eh?"
    Isabella could only stare, her fingers clamped onto the rail. He looked so imposing, so daunting. Was this the man she 'd lain with and cried out her love for? How did she ever think he might share her love? His face said it all. He held her in such