by Isa Fae
“He threw me on the bed. At first I thought he was going to just beat me. That would have been fine. He’d beat me before many times. But this time…” She paused so she could take another drink of wine. She set the glass down and sat up straight. She could do this. “He unbuttoned his pants and came toward me. I fought that man with everything I had, but he still managed to pull up my dress. He was going to rape me, Eric. Take away the only thing I had left.” Her hands were now shaking as she grabbed her glass and placed it to her lips, sipping the wine this time. She sat the glass down. “I refused to let him do it. And then…I used my magic to stop him.” Miranda looked down at the table, knowing how Eric felt about a witch using their magic on a Fae.
“Look at me, Miranda,” Eric demanded, squeezing her hand gently.
When she looked up, his eyes captured hers. “You did the right thing. As much as I feel magic shouldn’t be used on a Fae, he deserved what you gave him. But, you still murdered his son.”
“No, Eric.” She shook her head. The wine made the room spin. “I didn’t mean to kill Huffington. You have to believe me. He was in the doorway when I tried to escape. I only meant to push him away, like I’ve done to you. But somehow, my magic killed him. I never had anything against Huffington. He was nothing like his father. In fact, he was the opposite. Do you not think I feel bad about what I’ve done? I think about it all the time.” Her gaze dropped back down to the table. “I even thought I killed you when I pushed you out of the way. I wanted to help you.”
Eric pulled his hand away from her. “But you didn’t. You kept running, and I had to save you.” He paused for a moment, as if he didn’t believe her. “Now here we are. How can I trust you after that?”
Miranda didn’t know what else to say. Yes, Eric was right. She had kept running instead of turning around and making sure he was all right. She lifted her eyes to him, tears running down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Eric. I won’t run away again.” This time she meant it. As much as she didn’t want to be returned to Mason, she swore to herself she wouldn’t use her magic against Eric again. Besides, she was tired of running.
He didn’t say a word as he got up and walked over to the stove, pouring the box of noodles into the boiling water. She wanted to know what he was thinking. Wanted to know if he still thought of her as a disgrace to the faction?
Leaning over the counter, he grabbed a spoon and stirred the sauce, then he dropped it and turned around, leaning against the counter. His blue eyes studied her, and it made her nervous. Did he hate her for what she’d done? Like she had hated herself?
“Maybe, you should just kill me now.” She swallowed around the lump in her throat as she placed both palms on the top of the table. “That would probably be better.” Miranda really didn’t want to die, but if she had the choice, it would be by Eric’s hands and not Mason’s.
“Actually.” He walked over and sat down in front of her again, taking her hands in his. “I really don’t feel like killing anyone tonight. Not only am I starving, but I’m also exhausted from chasing a witch through a snowstorm today.” He gave her hands another squeeze. “So, I say we eat and go to bed.”
Miranda smiled, definitely liking this new version of Eric. More compassionate. Less violent. She was more than happy to step away from the fighting. Besides, she had no idea how much fight she had left in her. But she did wonder about the sudden change. He went from angry to compassionate so quickly. As much as she wanted to trust him, she knew she couldn’t. Yet.
Miranda caught a whiff of something burning. “Shit, the pasta!” She jumped up from the chair and rushed to the stove, grabbing the spoon Eric had on the counter.
The noodles were clumped together in the pan. Sticking the spoon in, she attempted to break them up. “Haven’t you made pasta before? You’re supposed to separate the noodles.”
She could feel Eric’s presence behind her. And then a hand touched the small of her back, making her body stiffen in defense.
“Actually, no.” He appeared beside her, his hand still on her back. “I rarely cook. I normally do take out.”
“I guess you need some lessons.” Miranda laughed, something she hadn’t done in a very long time. And it felt good to have that release. She’d almost forgotten how wonderful it felt to be free, not have to worry whether or not what she said would put her face to face with the belt. Or worse, Mason’s hand.
Eric smiled at her, flashing his pearly white teeth. “Yes, I definitely need lessons. Are you game?”
“Sure.” She leaned down to the lower cabinet and pulled out a colander. “We need something to do while we’re stuck in this cabin.” Miranda placed the colander in the sink. Then she lifted the pot of noodles and poured them into the strainer. Hot steam rose into the air, and she closed her eyes and turned her head to the side to avoid getting burned.
When she opened them, she was so close to Eric that she could feel his warm breath on her lips. The small space between them filled with electricity, making her body tremble. She raised her gaze, and he was already there. His blue eyes capturing hers. The moisture building in between her thighs screamed out for him to touch her, but her mind was spinning out of control. And she couldn’t lose control.
16
Eric
She’d wanted him to kiss her. Eric could see it in her eyes. In the way her body responded to him. He could take her here in the kitchen if he wanted. Throw her tight ass up on the table and make her wiggle and squirm. Lose himself in her while she lost herself in him. He’d be in control and she would willingly submit to him. He wanted to do all of that. Lord, he did. But he couldn’t. Eric’s new objective was to gain her trust. And he would do just that. No matter how much he craved to be inside of her. He had to hold back and not give in to his body’s demands.
Damn this is hard. He took the colander from her trembling hands, and turned around, placing it in the vacant side of the sink. “I’m pretty sure I know how to do this part.” He heard the sigh she let out behind him. Not knowing if it was because she was upset he didn’t kiss her, or because she was relieved he didn’t kiss her. He’d never know for sure. Unless he asked her. No. He couldn’t think about that right now. Eric had to stick to the mission. It seemed to be working so far. Gain her trust and find out her secrets.
Lifting the noodles out of the sink, he dumped them back in the pan. When he went to reach for the sauce, Miranda already had it.
“Here, scoot over.” She flashed him a grin. The motion chiseled a little piece of ice from his heart. But only a small piece. It would take much more than that to completely thaw him. Much more.
Eric backed up and Miranda maneuvered in front of him, her rear end lightly brushing into the front of his pants. This holding back shit is going to be tougher than I thought. He wondered if this was pay back for not kissing her, or if it was the wine. Regardless, she was still teasing him any way he looked at it. And he wouldn’t let her get away with it.
He stepped closer, putting his hand on either side of her hips, showing her he was serious about what he said earlier. How he was much better at playing games than she was. As soon as he touched her, her body tensed up. But she continued what she was doing—dumping the sauce into the pasta. Eric knew she was trying to ignore him, pretending not to be affected by his touch. But her body gave her away again. Miranda was much easier to read than he thought she would be.
Pushing the limit even more, he pressed into her, making sure she was aware of his erection, and placed his chin on her shoulder as she blended in the sauce. “So that’s how you do it?” Eric let out a soft laugh, pretending to be interested in the art of making pasta. But he was more interested in her reaction to him pushing against her ass.
“Yes.” She attempted to echo his own laugh, but failed. It came out more of a squeak. “Now…go set the table.” Her voice shook as he pressed his hips into her again.
Eric wasn’t used to being ordered around. But for some reason, it was quite a turn on to him. He’d alway
s wanted a girl who would challenge him. Not the clingy ones he would bring home every now and then. They were boring. He’d craved for something new. Someone strong and independent. Someone with fire.
Someone who wasn’t a witch.
Someone who wasn’t Miranda.
Eric had to remind himself he was only doing this so she would open up to him, tell him her secrets. But, shit, who was he kidding? This woman was really starting to get to him. For the first time in Eric Winters’ life, he was confused. And he didn’t like it.
17
Miranda
“We’re sleeping in the same bed?” Miranda’s gaze scrolled over the sheet, pillows, blanket, and finally stopped at the headboard. She’d never slept with a man before. And she wasn’t sure if she wanted to start now. Yes, Eric Winters was amazingly good looking. She couldn’t deny that. Toned abs. Broad shoulders. Muscular arms. Crystal blue eyes. The word good looking wasn’t enough. Sexy. Kissable. And desirable. They fit him a little better. But to sleep in the same bed with him? No, she couldn’t do it. And it wasn’t because he was Fae. It was because…well, he was Eric.
“Yes.” He took off his pants, leaving him in nothing except his boxers.
She’d seen him with less clothes on than this before, but that was different. There wasn’t a bed in the scenario last time. Besides, cornering him naked in the shower was the only way she could try to get some answers from him then. There was a purpose behind it. And that backfired on her. Just like everything seemed to do when Eric was involved.
“I told you I can’t trust you. And just to let you know, I’m a light sleeper.” He got in the bed and pulled the blanket over his waist, as if none of this bothered him. Like sleeping with a woman wasn’t anything new for him. Which, in reality, it probably wasn’t. Miranda was sure he’d had plenty of women. All of them being Fae, of course, since he hated witches so much.
“I can’t.” Miranda looked at him as she stood next to the mattress, pleading with her eyes as she tapped her fingers nervously on her thighs. “Eric, I’ve never slept with a man before.” Fear and tension bubbled up inside of her, causing her to feel slightly nauseous.
Propping his back up with the pillow, he pressed his lips together as he studied her. She was well aware he was holding back a smile. He could see through her, she was sure of it. See that he had finally found a weakness in her. “Miranda, get in the bed. Nothing is going to happen between us. I’m not going to touch you. You have my word.” While his words did seem true and sincere, they did nothing to calm her.
She clasped her hands together in front of her. Still not liking this situation. There had to be a way out of it. Maybe, if she promised to stay in the chair while he slept in the bed. The only way for her to find out was to present the idea to him. “But—”
“In. The. Bed. Now.” He refused to let her finish her sentence. “Or I will tie you up again.” He lifted his arms and placed them over his head.
She wasn’t sure if he was playing or not. More than likely not. Either way, she didn’t want to chance it. Miranda slowly sat on the mattress and swiveled around until she was the long way on the mattress. She covered herself up with the blanket and lay on her back. Her eyes focused on the ceiling and her body trembled. She wasn’t afraid of being tied up. Been there. Done that. And escaped. But she knew, either way, she was getting in that bed. If she wouldn’t have done it on her own, Eric would have put her there. By force. Not that it would have taken much effort. The room was already spinning from all the wine she drank at dinner. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Not only was she in a bed with an attractive man, but she was also drunk. Those two things never seemed to work out together.
“See, not too bad.” Eric’s voice was much lower this time, as if he was trying to ease her nerves. “Plenty of space for both of us.”
While there was a giant gap between them, being in a bed with him caused her body to react in ways she didn’t like. And she wasn’t used to wearing pants while falling asleep, but she was too afraid to take them off. The energy around her caused moisture to pool in between her legs again. She had no idea how this one man could cause her to have this reaction. Especially, since no man had even come close to exciting her. It had to be the alcohol.
“Miranda,” Eric whispered from beside her as he shifted in the bed.
“What?” She did nothing to conceal her anger toward him right now. She didn’t want to be in this bed with him. Didn’t want these strange feelings that were coming over her. If anything, she just wanted to be alone. Away from him. Away from this cabin. Away from every damn thing.
“Why are you different from the other witches?”
She let out a deep sigh, wondering why he had to ask her that question now of all times. Was it because she was in the bed next to him with no other place to go? Because there was no escaping him? Sort of like the same thing she did to him in the shower? “Can we not talk about that right now? I’m tired and I want to go to sleep,” she lied. Well, only part of it was a lie. She was tired, but she didn’t want to go to sleep. And she didn’t want to talk about it.
While she felt Eric would keep his word about not touching her, since he had more than a handful of chances, she still couldn’t feel completely comfortable sleeping beside him. Just like she didn’t feel like discussing her secret with him. Not only was he Fae, but a hunter as well. Sworn to serve the Lord and his rules for the faction. Which weren’t in anyone’s best interest. But they were all too naïve to see it. Except her.
“You’re off the hook tonight,” he said drowsily. “But you will eventually tell me.”
“Really,” she mumbled, deciding to turn over and face the doorway. It sounded like a challenge to her. And challenges didn’t scare her either. Nothing did.
Miranda watched the walls as she waited for Eric to fall asleep. Knowing he hadn’t had any sleep since he arrived, even after all the fighting, sarcastic remarks, and the multiple times of saving her life, it wouldn’t take him long. And she was right. In no time at all his breathing had steadied.
Carefully turning over to her back in the bed, she glanced at him, making sure he was in fact asleep. Once she was convinced, she reached down and wiggled off her pants, dropping them to the floor beside her. There. Now she was ready for sleep. Except, now she had to pee.
Miranda sighed deeply and looked over at Eric again. He didn’t want her going anywhere without him, but did that include the bathroom too? If she didn’t at least try to wake him up, she’d never hear the end of it. “Eric,” she whispered softly. No response. “Eric.” She tried again. A little louder that time. He still didn’t move.
She didn’t have time for this. Besides, he was pretty much out of it. Peeling the blanket away from her, she slowly sat up and spun around, placing her feet on the cold wooden floor. She stood up, and then looked back. Still sleeping.
Not wanting to chance making any noise, Miranda chose to exit the room without her pants. He’d never even know she had left.
18
Eric
Something was wrong. Eric Winter’s eyes flew open and he sat straight up in the bed. It took him a moment to push the grogginess away and to realize where he was. And who was supposed to be in the empty side of the bed next to him. Fear wrapped tightly around him. But only for a moment. Anger quickly took its place. “Fuck!” Miranda was gone again.
“That witch is going to be the death of me,” he fumed, shoving the blanket away from his body and getting out of the bed. He’d never had any problems before keeping ahold of his prey. Then Miranda Sage came along. The woman tested every bit of patience and strength he had.
Rushing out of the bedroom, he only hoped she hadn’t gotten too far. Better yet, not made it out of the cabin. As Eric stormed down the hall, he suddenly collided into her as she came out of the bathroom. Miranda bounced off his chest and stumbled backward, but before she could fall, Eric reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her toward him without a second thought.
Her b
reasts pushed up against his bare chest, and his hands gripped her exposed flesh just above her hips, causing parts of him to come alive. Eric gazed down at her as she glanced up at him, her green eyes absorbing into his blue. Neither of them spoke a word as the tension charged the air around them.
He could kiss her. He wanted to kiss her. No. He couldn’t kiss her. The battle continued to rage inside of him. And if he wasn’t mistaken, he thought he saw the same confusion in her own expression.
Then without notice, she narrowed her eyes and placed her palms on his chest, pushing him away from her. “What the fuck, Eric? What is wrong with you? Rushing around like a maniac.”
“Me? What’s wrong with me?” The heat rose inside of him, but he refused to take a step closer to her. And he sure as hell wasn’t backing away. “You know exactly what’s wrong!” She knew what he told her, and she completely ignored him. “You are not supposed to go anywhere without me! Did you forget about that conversation?”
“Oh, wait,” she said sarcastically, putting her hand up in the air, palm facing him. “You mean your order? Because I clearly don’t remember us having a conversation about it. In fact, I had no say in it. So, I don’t consider it a conversation at all. More like a way to control me.”
Eric was quickly losing his patience with her now. “You were told not to go anywhere without me!” He kept telling himself it was because he needed to keep her here and alive so he could return her to the Lord. But he was only fooling himself. He needed to keep her close so he wouldn’t lose her. The woman had no sense. And running out in the blizzard without the proper clothes proved it. She’d almost killed both of them.
“You know what, Eric?” She placed her hands on her hips, and that was when he realized she wasn’t wearing any pants. Miranda was in black bikini underwear. “Just forget about it.” She stormed by him, huffing, pushing locks of auburn colored hair away from her face. “I was going to the damn bathroom. Not that you would believe me. And I’m too tired to argue with you right now.”