FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

She cleared her throat. Shaking her head to dispel what’d held her. She gave him her back to assess the rain. “I shouldn’t be out here with you.”

You’ll not dismiss me so easily as that. He grinned as he stepped closer to her back. Tipping around one side of her shoulder.

His breath caressed along her neck and hair as he asked. “Why?”

She shivered.

He watched goosebumps rise along her skin. He reached up and lazily gripped a beam of the wooden frame above.

“My friend would be upset.” She murmured.

“Widow Valentine? Why?”

“She’d have you court her. She wishes you for herself.”

“Well, I’m not for the taking.” His brows knitted and a dark tone entered his voice.

I’ll not be prevented from closing in on you by some lascivious redheaded gnome planting a flag on me.

“You’re already courting someone.” Disappointment tinged her voice at his prolonged silence.

What?

In a sense, I suppose…

“Who would I be courting?”

She didn’t answer.

He moved to see her face, but she turned away.

“Ah. Is that the way of it?” He laughed. “You’re a peculiar Lady. First chastising me then snubbing me.”

“I’ve not snubbed you!” She faced him to defend her actions. Her eyes fell when she realized their closeness.

“Haven’t you?” He tilted his head to appraise her.

Lifting her gaze to his, she was surrounded by his wild scent. Without intending to she leaned forward to take it in.

He was immediately drawn back twenty years to her nestled in the crook of his arm. Her face buried in his neck.

“That smell…” She’d sighed back then. “It haunts my dreams…” Then she’d fallen asleep. Her soft breathing coating his skin as he’d stared at the ceiling.

Blissfully unaware of what’d soon come.

“Got you talking.” He forced his thoughts to focus on the present. Evading painful reveries.

“You refer to me as peculiar?” She looked at him askance. “According to the gossips, you barely leave your house?”

He lifted a brow. “And just where did you hear such a thing?”

She notched her chin up.

“I like my space.”

“You could’ve fooled me.” She gave a meaningful look to the arm hanging over her head, a silk-clad warm bicep nearly against her cheek, and his long length almost pressed against her. Overcoat hanging open to shield them both, though she was now warm under his heavy cloak. His sheer black shirt was laced at the collar. A silver chain glinted under the laces. The amulet nearly visible beneath the fabric. Breeches were fitted.

It occurred to her that the clothes would suit him more aptly if his hair was black rather than brown.

It is. But it wasn’t in this disguise. Not as Derrick.

“Without exceptions what fun is it?” He whispered. Giving her a meaningful look.

“I believe in following strictly set guidelines to reach your goals.”

“Then why are you out walking in the rain?” He lifted a brow.

She sputtered. “Perhaps I like the rain.”

"I certainly do. Yet walking in it is a wee bit different than drowning in it.”

“I was angry.” She confessed.

He feigned a shocked expression. “I’d no idea!”

She gave him a dark look. “You’d already guessed?”

“What irks you?”

“My brothers.”

“They’re supposed to irk you.”

“Not to this extent.”

“What have they done?”

“They’re always quarreling!” She blurted.

“Have you queried as to why?”

She gave him a look. “It doesn’t justify what they did.”

“Was their intention to aggravate you?”

No, they were protecting you. And Thank God for it. But he needed her to come to that conclusion.

“No.” She admitted. “They think they’re looking out for me.”

“Do they think you need looking after?”

“Yes. But I don’t.”

You do. More than you know.

“Doesn’t sound like their intention was to cause you suffering?”

“They’re not trying to.” She sighed. “But it gets them in more trouble than it’s worth.”

“Boys get in trouble every day. At least they’re doing it for an honorable purpose and not spite.”

She shrugged and looked away.

“So perhaps you should consider being a nicer elder sister.” He pointed out teasingly.

“You’re saying I’m cruel? I-” As his jesting dawned, she swatted at him, but he danced out of reach. “I was not.”

“You’re right. You are sweet-tempered.” His sarcasm was apparent.

“I-”

“Am often short-tempered?” He offered helpfully.

She gave him a sullen look.

“Oh, there’s a pretty smile.” He gushed.

“Are you enjoying taunting me?”

He nodded emphatically with an unabashed grin before sobering. “Give them a bit of a break, would you?”

“Do you find yourself their defender? Had you met them, you might not be so generous.”

“I’ve many...brothers. I’ve dealt with their quarreling for...forever, it seems.”

She gave an unladylike snort.

“Do you feel better?” He probed.

“Yes.” She answered in surprise. A smile brightening her face. “Thank you.”

“You’re quite stunning when you smile...for a drowned rat.”

“Don’t try to lure me with flattery.”

I’ll use any means necessary to land you in my arms again.

I’m above nothing.

“I believe only sweet words should touch a beautiful woman.” Reaching to lightly lift her chin. His brows raised flirtatiously with a wild grin on his face.

“I had noticed.” She retorted.

He grinned. Pretend you’re not susceptible. I’ve known you too long, Sweetheart.

“You’re ridiculously rude!” But she was laughing.

“And you were so gracious when I arrived.” He said ruefully.

Blushing slightly, she lowered her head in apology.

“Yet you didn’t slosh me with punch today. Which was generous of you.” His eyes brightened with humor.