“Have you worked for Tristan for a long time?” She had asked between bites of smooth potatoes and warm venison.
“Oh aye, years and years. I wasn’t a slave. My father and Tristan’s father were friends and after my wife died, Tristan asked me to stay with him. Said he needed help with the horses.”
Ian had looked with distaste at the cooked carrots on his plate before pushing them from his plate on to Bree’s. “Marian’s always trying to get me to eat vegetables. I’m a Lycan for the gods sake – we’re not supposed to eat vegetables.”
Bree had stifled a smile as Ian continued. “Tristan didn’t really need help. He just knew how much I was missing my Anna. He gave me a purpose and a place to call home when I thought I would go mad with loneliness. And he paid me a fair wage for it.”
He had suddenly grinned at Bree. “Of course, then the lady Avery came along and suddenly everyone was getting paid. She changed him for the better she did. Tristan loved her from the start I think. Why, she used to help me in the barn from time to time and more than once, Tristan felt the need to remind me that she was off limits.”
“So you never married again?”
“No. I never found another Lycan who caught my fancy the way my Anna did.”
He had finished eating and stood. “I’m just about finished in here. You best be heading back to the house before James shows up and feels the need to remind me that you’re off limits.”
She had blushed brightly, and he had laughed loudly before shooing her out of the barn.
Now, she took a deep breath and smiled at James. “Did your mother not tell you she gave me permission to stay here?”
“Aye.” He nodded. “But I would prefer if you joined me in my bed.”
Her stomach gave a funny little lurch and warmth flooded through her pelvis. Just the way James was looking at her was heating her up. She pushed the image of being under his hard body out of her head, and made herself remember the way Martine had kissed him in the common room.
“I can’t James. I don’t regret what happened between us last night, but it’s not something we should do again.”
“Why not?”
She blinked at his bluntness. “It’s complicated.”
“Explain it to me then.” He leaned against the wall and folded his arms across his chest.
She sighed. “My brother hates the Lycans. If he found out I was sleeping with one he would be angry with me. Worse – he would be disappointed and hurt.”
“You’re a grown woman Bree. You should stop letting people tell you what to do.” He frowned.
That made her laugh. “You try and tell me what to do all the time James.”
“I don’t.” He protested. “I just – I want to keep you safe.”
“Aye, and so does my brother. What is the difference?”
“The difference is that I do it because – “
He stopped and she watched as redness crept into his cheeks.
“Because what?”
He didn’t answer her. Instead he gave her a look of frustration. “If you won’t join me in my bed then at least sleep in my room. You’ll freeze to death in here.”
“I won’t. I have plenty of blankets and rocks.” She grinned at him.
He scowled at her. “Rocks? I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about Bree but please, stay in my room. I’ll sleep in another room.”
“All the other rooms are full.” She pointed out.
He grunted in frustration and stalked across the room. He pulled her up against him and cupped her face, rubbing his thumb across her mouth. “Then stay with me Bree.”
He kissed the tip of her nose and gave her a hopeful smile. “It’s lonely in my bed without you.”
She was so close to giving in. His voice and warm hands were breaking down her defenses. As he tilted his head down to kiss her, she closed her eyes and parted her lips. Immediately, the image of Martine kissing him invaded her mind, and she opened her eyes and pushed free of his arms.
He looked at her with barely-concealed frustration, and she could feel anger seeping into her. After years of fear and anxiety, she welcomed the foreign feeling. It felt so good to feel something other than fear. She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him.
“I’m sure you can find someone else to warm your bed.”
“What are you talking about?” He said innocently.
She raised her eyebrows at him. “I was in the common room when Martine kissed you James.”
He blushed. “Martine and I are old friends. I’ve known her since I was a pup. She’s just a very friendly girl.”