by Kari Thomas
“Marissa is with my sister, Riana,” he replied. “I thought we should talk before you two met.”
She frowned at his arrogant tone. “I have every right to see her.” But, she knew he was right. It would be better to get this discussion over with first. “Sonia—’’she paused and took a bracing breath, slowly exhaling before continuing, “expressed some concern about leaving Marissa here, if something should ever happen to her.” That wasn’t the exact truth, since it had been the corporeal Sonia who had mentioned her concern, but he didn’t need to know that detail. “I’m sure it centered on Marissa’s safety, being around your animals.”
“My niece is perfectly safe here.” Aiden’s countenance grew fierce, his brows slanting down harshly. “She was born in this house. She has an aunt and two uncles who would protect her with their lives, as well as a household of servants who see to her every whim, or need.”
She knew he’d play the servants card. There was only one way to fight back.
“She lives in a house where you allow wild animals to roam without control, both in and outside your home. All of you – you, Gavin, and Riana – have careers that keep you too busy to care for a small child. You are away from home, sometimes for long periods of time. How can you guarantee her safety when you’re not here?”
“You’ve obviously thought this through,” Aiden murmured cynically, “but so have I. Do you think any judge is going to grant custody to a woman who has been estranged from her own sister for over five years? Someone who never bothered coming to visit the niece she’s trying to adopt? A woman who didn’t even attend her sister’s funeral?” His smile was slight, a hard slash to his sensuous mouth that effectively belied the dangerous softness of his tone. “A woman who is a professed witch, who has no other skills, who’s income comes from running a magic shop?” His eyes narrowed, his black brows slanting downward again. “Think again, Kira. This is a battle you can’t win and you already know it.”
She wanted to scream at him. Everything he said was true and, at that moment, she hated him for his smug confidence. Arrogant bastard! Her thoughts flew in countless directions. She couldn’t – wouldn’t – just walk away defeated, with her tail between her legs. There had to be a way around this obstacle. She lifted her chin stubbornly, determined to take her best shot. “Would you stand in the way of Marissa’s happiness?”
Aiden’s gaze seared her. “What kind of question is that? Of course not.”
She shrugged her shoulders, keeping her expression and tone neutral. “What if you gave Marissa a choice, instead of making it for her?”
He chuckled. “Nice try. But I have no doubt what choice she’d make. So why bother?”
“What if you gave her the chance to get to know me?” When he muttered something under his breath, she hurriedly continued. “Since I’m living here, in Sedona, it’s about time my niece and I became better acquainted. You do realize that I plan to see her as much as possible now that I am here. And, if sometime in the near future, she decides she’d like to come live with me, then—’’
“Don’t count on it, little witch,” he growled, straightening to his full height and glaring down at her. “I won’t allow you to try and blatantly influence her. That is blackmail. She’s only three years old. Exactly how callous are you?”
“Callous?” Kira clenched her hands tightly, holding onto her temper with hard-won determination. She had a strong urge to reach up and smack the irritating man and was hard-pressed not to let her want override her need. She had to hold onto her calm, be rational. “You can call me that when you’re the one being so insensitive to what her future needs might be?”
He sighed, obviously fed up with her reasoning. “This is all a moot point.”
“Coward.”
The low growl he answered her challenge with sent quivers of fear sinuously crawling over her body. She thought she heard an echoing sound come from Gavin, standing close behind them, but she didn’t dare take her eyes off Aiden.
“Your witch sister caused this family much grief,” Aiden stated harshly, “and her insanity kept her own daughter in danger every day of her life. We have kept Marissa safe, even though we failed to protect Kyle. Sonia threatened Marissa’s life, murdered my brother, and you call me a coward? She was the coward, totally heartless. Never thinking of others, and more than a little crazy. The truth is, Kira,” his voice deepened, roughened, “I’d have killed her myself if she hadn’t beat me to it. So watch what you say to me, little witch. I have no tolerance for your last ditch efforts to become mother to a child you haven’t bothered ever knowing.”
Kira bit back angry words.
His words shocked her but they held kernels of truth. Anything she said now would only be fruitless, ineffectual. She closed her eyes for a moment to block out the mercurial darkness swirling in his gaze, the black anger that glittered there. His words explained so much more than she had known before. He had cause for his ire and she couldn’t fault his reasoning. So maybe it was time to change tactics. She’d try anything to get to know her niece, to show her that she was loved by her other family.
“Give me a chance to get to know her.” Kira purposely softened her voice, hoping to calm the raging beast. “Please, Aiden. For now, just give me that opportunity. Nothing more.” Outwardly calm, she gazed at his face, seeking any relenting. The roiling turmoil his dark glares were causing in her stomach had her clenching her teeth until they ached.
An ominous silence reigned, relieved by Gavin muttering words under his breath. When Lena hissed at him, hitting his arm, he suddenly grabbed her by the wrist and yanked, pulling her off balance. Before she could utter any words of protest, he pulled her roughly from the room.
Kira ignored their odd exchange.
She couldn’t tear her gaze from Aiden’s. She realized she was holding her breath waiting for his answer and she sighed it out. If begging was what it took… “Please, Aiden.”
“I can’t trust you, can I, little witch,” he asked quietly, staring deep into her eyes. “I’d be a fool to allow you the chance to—’’ He paused and ran a hand over his face. His cool, assessing gaze zeroed in on her expressive features. “Marissa uses that same beseeching expression whenever she wants something. It must be a Douglas trait.”
Kira felt elated, hopeful. “Does it work?”
The anger slowly receded from his handsome features and he actually chuckled. “Yeah, it does. I can’t refuse her anything. And she uses that little trick shamelessly.”
“So she has you wrapped around her little finger, does she?” Kira smiled teasingly, feeling more confident. She quickly moistened her dry lips, leaving glistening moisture behind. “You do have a soft spot in you, despite your nasty growl that indicates otherwise.”
Aiden’s gaze narrowed, this time focusing on her lips. His look was so intense, so sensual, that Kira felt a blush heat her cheeks. Something passed between them, something almost tangible. She felt his hot stare like a physical caress across her mouth and took one, then two steps back, wary and uncertain.
Aiden allowed his smile to widen, a soft growl rumbling as his prey retreated.
Chapter Four
The little witch has a way about her. And she’s too alluring for a man’s peace of mind.
He’d never been this affected by a woman, much less a human one. Despite his mind not wanting to admit to their attraction, his body responded to her on a purely physical, almost primal level. Each step she took, her backing away, unintentionally fired his urge to chase, to catch, to hold. When she had innocently licked her lips, a sharp bolt of desire had hit him in the gut, making him catch his breath.
Were her lips as soft as they looked? Would their taste be sweet? Damn, if he didn’t desperately want to find out the answer.
Aiden’s smile widened at her reaction to his soft growl. Her blush deepened, and her long lashes lowered to conceal her thoughts. His palms itched with the urgent need to touch her skin, to caress the silkiness of her features, feather over
her lips. The scare Gavin had given her wouldn’t compare to her reaction if he touched her.
His earlier assessment, that she exuded innocence as if it were a cloak, nudged him. Aiden had marked Sonia for the conniving, troublemaker she was long before his brother had married her. No matter what Kyle believed, Sonia had ultimately proven she was not to be trusted. She tricked them all into believing she was something she was not. He stared at Kira. Maybe she wasn’t as innocent as she appeared to be. What if she was using some trick, some magical glamour to fool him?
Her lovely, entrancing features were far too seductive for his peace of mind. Would she be above using seduction if she thought it might get her what she wanted? What if she had other reasons for wanting custody of Marissa? Had ulterior motives that threatened his niece’s wellbeing? Just how far would she go? No time like the present to find out. His body clenched in anticipation. He stalked her, watching with increased interest as her eyes darkened before widening at his continued approach.
She started to back away but he caught her hands in his, halting her movements. He reached down and gently traced the scars on her left hand, over her wrist, and then further up her arm, his fingers skimming under the sleeve of her blouse in an obvious caress. He felt her tremble and for a moment his touch faltered. He snared her gaze with his and murmured, “How did this happen?” When she tried to pull her hands free he gently tightened his hold. A memory, obviously painful, flashed in the depths of her eyes and a jolt of possessive protectiveness flared.
Feeling his hold loosen she caught him off guard, and pulled her hands free.
He looked at her questioningly. “You’re staring at me like you think I’ll eat you, or something. Are you afraid of me, little witch?” Her blush darkened attractively and he watched the color flush from rosy cheeks down her throat.
She stoked her anger, sensing it a safer emotion than others she was experiencing. “Why should I be afraid of you?”
He grinned, delighted she still showed gumption even when outgunned. “If it isn’t fear then what is it?” He smoothed a hot hand over her arm, a purposeful caress across the softness of her skin. “You’re trembling.”
“No, I’m not.” She nervously licked her lips, all the moisture sucked dry by his hot gaze.
He groaned audibly. “That’s a very distracting habit you have. Is it deliberate?”
She uttered a small dismayed sound at her telling action. She recovered her senses with a mental shake and glared at him. “Can we please talk about Marissa? That’s why I am still here, after all, isn’t it?”
Tough, aren’t you, baby. He managed to repress his smile. Even though he liked her spunk, he didn’t trust her.
Not an inch.
“There’s not much left to discuss,” he stated. “Until a judge legally decides, one way or another, she stays here. With us. If I allow you visitation rights, it will be under the strict rule that you visit her here. And you will not be alone with her at any time. Are you willing to accept those stipulations?” He watched her eyes narrow at his terms and he couldn’t resist grinning. He could almost hear her thoughts and his body reacted, aroused at her show of defiance.
Damn, but she was making him feel things he’d never felt before. Man, she’s a fiery little thing.
“Those are ridiculous stipulations,” she muttered. “But it seems I don’t have many choices, do I? Fine, I agree.”
Aiden searched her eyes. She’d given in far too easily. “Why do I have a suspicion that you’re calculating just how much you can get away with? With me?”
She caught him off guard with a smile that was so stunning it stole his breath.
“Has anyone ever told you, you’re a first class jerk?”
Aiden recovered quickly, surprised at her saucy comeback. “What has that got to do with me asking you about what kind of sneaky ideas are forming in that pretty little head of yours?”
She sighed, the sound impatient. “Obviously denying that remark isn’t going to get me anywhere. We don’t trust each other. But no matter how much you hate it, Aiden, I’m here to stay. I will be a part of Marissa’s life.” She folded her arms across her chest and frowned at him.
She looked so adorably frustrated that he frowned back to keep from grinning like a besotted fool.
Her voice took on a no-nonsense tone, “So, how do we work around this…distrust and come to some kind of agreement?”
He knew what he’d like to do.
His pulse quickened. He was about to find out if her lips were as sweet as he was betting they were. Nothing seemed more important at that moment.
“You promise me no tricks,” he answered smoothly, “and I allow you visitation with Marissa, anytime you like. Simple enough.” He reached up and clasped her chin before she could realize his intent. “And we’ll seal our bargain.” With a barely restrained growl he leaned forward and whispered huskily, “With. A. Kiss.” He captured her astonished gasp with his mouth, sealing his lips across hers.
He only meant to push her, to see how she’d react. Had only meant to take just a small sample.
But it wasn’t turning out that way.
The moment he tasted her unique sweetness, all coherent thought flew from his mind. His lips slanted over hers and a hunger, like none he’d ever experienced, swamped his senses.
So incredibly soft. Sweeter than heaven.
He deepened the kiss, barely registering her slight whimper of protest. She started to pull away and he grasped a handful of her silky curls, tugging just hard enough to keep her leaning forward. Blood fired in his veins. His body hardened, muscles clenched with restrained fervor threatening to make him forget the reasons he’d kissed her in the first place.
He had to stop now. Before he couldn’t.
The startling realization struck him hard and he broke the kiss. Damn, but he’d come too close to losing all reason and taking…more. His heated gaze roamed over her flushed features, noting with satisfaction that she had been just as lost in the kiss. Her breathing was catchy, her cheeks flushed, her eyes slumberous. Her pink, moist lips were swollen from the pressure he’d used, but he couldn’t make himself feel bad about it.
She had a mouth he could easily become addicted to.
Breathing still rough, he murmured huskily, “You’re one potent little contradiction, Kira Douglas.”
Lingering tremors of unexpected desire still caressed her senses and Kira couldn’t think straight enough to respond. Her lips tingled from his kiss and her heart was skipping beats. Baffled, she finally managed to ask, “Why did you kiss me?”
Aiden stepped away in one graceful move. He ran a shaky hand through his long hair and shrugged. “Sealing a bargain. Nothing more.”
“Most people shake hands.” Good. At least her voice sounded calmer than her nerves felt!
He smiled, his lips curving slowly. “I’m not most people, little witch. You’ll soon discover that.”
Kira sighed. He was the most aggravating man she’d ever met! One moment he was confusing her senses with a kiss so hot she felt scorched to her toes, the next moment he was sarcastic and rude. Before she could stop herself, she muttered, “I hope Marissa doesn’t take after you.”
“Why?” He sounded offended.
She sent him a scathing look. “Let’s just say I hope her manners are better. Do you realize you’ve called me ‘witch’ more than once? And, every time, it’s been in a very derogatory tone. Were you always that rude to Sonia? Or is it just me?”
He opened his mouth to comment but never got the chance. A loud commotion in the hall distracted them and they turned in unison to see what was going on. Aiden muttered an expletive and Kira shot him a frown at the crude word.
“Move aside, Gavin, or I swear I’m going to –’’
“What? Scorch me with a nasty look, or shred me with that sharp tongue? Don’t push me, Lena. I said no.”
Kira looked from Aiden to the hallway. “What’s going on?” A child’s sweet laughter sound
ed above Gavin and Lena’s arguing and Kira’s heart raced with elation. “Marissa!”
She dodged past Aiden’s blocking hand and hurried out of the room. Lena stood on the bottom step of the wide staircase, holding a small child in her arms. Gavin had planted himself in front of her, blocking her way. With his hands on slim hips, he was issuing threats in a tone her cousin should have wisely been afraid of.
Kira came to an abrupt halt and stared.
Marissa was giggling, enjoying the battle with childish enthusiasm, and Kira couldn’t take her eyes off her. She was absolutely beautiful.
Her cherubic face, with dark reddish-brown ringlets of curls cascading around chubby, tanned cheeks and sparkling brown eyes were so reminiscent of Sonia that Kira was choked by the unexpected tears in her throat. She must have made a small sound causing Marissa to turn laughing eyes in her direction.
“Hi.” Her little voice was baby-soft and the sound touched a cord deep inside Kira.
Kira cleared her throat and whispered, “Hi, sweetie.”
“Marissa, this is your Aunt Kira.” Lena shot a scathing look toward Gavin before stepping around him, leaving him glaring at her back. “She’s your mother’s sister.”
Kira held her breath, waiting for the child’s reaction. Would she accept her? Fear her? Had Sonia even talked about her?
Marissa studied her closely, absently twining a tiny curl around her little finger. Kira slowly advanced and held out her arms. “Will you come to me?”
Marissa’s little brows slanted downward as she stared at her aunt, reminding Kira ruefully of the glowering male she had left behind her. With a sudden smile that lit up her angelic features, she leaned over into Kira’s outstretched arms and wrapped her little arms tightly around her neck. Kira exhaled a shaky, tearful sigh and hugged her close. It was the most precious moment of her life. Her knees threatened to buckle as emotions overwhelmed her and tears clouded her vision.
She inhaled deeply.
Marissa’s sweet baby smell, baby powder and soft smelling baby shampoo, brought a rush of overwhelming possessiveness that hit her the same time deep guilt surfaced. Why had she waited so long to come? Why had she bowed to Sonia’s refusal to allow her to see her niece?