by Amber Garr
I made a face as Jeremiah’s laughter echoed through the room and he walked away with several females following close behind. My second wine glass was almost empty, so I finished it with one gulp. It wasn’t until I put it down that I caught Graham’s wry smile.
“I’m thirsty,” I said in defiance.
“I see that,” he replied with a smirk.
“He gives me the creeps.”
Graham tilted his glass back and swallowed the wine. I think it was at least his third. When finished, he lifted the empty goblet toward me. “Me too, luv.”
“Why do you always say that?” I asked without thinking. Perhaps two glasses of wine were one too many for me.
“Say what, luv?”
“Luv,” I imitated in his English accent and raised my eyebrows. “It’s kind of condescending.”
“I thought it was kind of adorable,” he replied instantly.
“It’s not.”
“Well, what should I call you then?”
“Mistress Dumahl,” I said instantly with a sinful grin.
“No, I think not.” He rubbed his hands on his chin like he was smoothing his beard. “How about birdie?”
“No.”
“Well then maybe you prefer wench or hussy?” he continued teasing.
“Or how about you don’t need a nickname for me at all?” I twirled the empty wine glass in my hand deciding whether or not it was worth having another. As though reading my thoughts, Graham jumped up and walked around the head of the table. He reached down and pulled me out of the chair.
“Come along, tart. I have just the remedy for you.”
I tried to resist but his hands tightened on my shoulders. “Oh, that is so not going to fly with me.”
“Tart it is then!” he exclaimed with satisfaction. “We need something much stronger than that wine if we’re going to survive the week with Jeremiah.”
Those words instantly sobered me up. “Do you really think it’s going to be a whole week?” Even though I’d assumed longer, after the dinner tonight, I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.
“Afraid so, tart.” I elbowed him in the ribs and he seemed to be genuinely hurt.
“Why did you do that?”
“I’m not your tart,” I replied, imitating his earlier comment to Jeremiah.
“Where did you learn to fight?” He was still rubbing his side but his face filled with curiosity.
“Palmer’s been teaching me.” I sighed, thinking about how much I was going to miss being away from our little boot camp in California.
“Yeah?” I nodded. We passed through the foyer and into a room that I could only describe as a study or library. Three of the four walls were covered with dark wood bookshelves, but Graham directed us toward the bar on the far side of the room.
“Yes. And I’m going to get behind now.”
“Well, I’ll teach you, tart.”
“Stop calling me tart,” I replied before really listening to his comment. “You’ll teach me what?”
“To fight.”
I stepped away and looked him up and down like a boxer eying up her competition. “You?” I huffed dramatically. Apparently all of my apprehension about being around one of the most gorgeous guys in the world had remained in the dining room along with my inhibitions. “I just about killed you with an elbow to the ribs. What could you possibly teach me?”
“Oh, so much,” he said with a growl. Heat instantly darted through my body and my heart hammered in my chest. “But when it comes to fighting, I’ve been well trained.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” he scoffed. “You’re not the only one who wants to be able to protect herself.” I thought about that. Training with Graham would at least keep my mind off of why I was here in the first place. Plus, it might make this entire trip a bit more fun.
“Okay,” I said.
“Yeah?”
“Yep. When do we start?”
“Right now,” he said while pouring a clear liquid into two shot glasses. Holding one up to me he said, “Come over here, tart.” I rolled me eyes and he laughed. Taking the tiny glass in my hands, I sniffed the liquid and instantly wrinkled my nose.
“What is this?”
“Doesn’t matter. If I beat you, you drink.”
“Beat me in what?” He stepped back, leaned down, and placed one elbow against the bar with his hand up in the air. I snorted. “Arm wrestling?”
“Scared?”
“No.”
“Then let’s go. Best of three. Consider it your audition.”
“Audition for what?”
“To see if you’re worthy of my time.” His arrogance was astounding and without hesitating, I grabbed his hand and slammed it down into the bar. “I wasn’t ready!” he cried.
“Losers drink,” I said with a smirk. He stared at me with something that bordered desire. Once he refilled his glass, he grabbed my hand again and the challenge was on.
Five minutes later, it was all over and I’d been forced to take two nasty shots. I don’t know if it was the wine or what, but for some reason they didn’t seem as potent as I’d expected.
“Okay, so try and attack me,” Graham said while standing in the middle of the floor in a wrestler’s stance. He crouched low to the ground and I had to laugh at seeing him in this position. “What’s so funny, tart?” That got my attention and I lunged.
Either he wasn’t ready, or I was getting better, but after only a few blocked punches I had the clear shot to the back of his legs. He went down with a bang and I landed on top of him to attempt a choke hold. It seemed a little too easy.
“Why aren’t you fighting back?” I sat straddled over his waist and leaned close enough to smell the alcohol on his breath. Instead of pushing me off, he smiled.
“I am. I’m resisting temptation.”
“What?”
And then I got it. I tried to move off of him but his hands were on me so fast I didn’t even know what happened until my back hit the ground and Graham was the one on top of me. He had my arms pinned to my sides and for all intents and purposes, I was trapped.
“Get off of me.”
“Mmm,” he breathed along the side of my face. “What is it about you Eviana Dumahl?” He spoke directly into my ear and that alone sent shivers down my spine. I wasn’t scared but I was afraid of what I might do next. He slid down so that he was practically lying on top of me, forcing my arms over the top of my head and looking at me with an expression that dared me to fight. I wasn’t fighting. I couldn’t move.
“I think that you should get off of me now,” I squeezed out past the lump in my throat. He was so close that I could kiss him. But I couldn’t do that. Not now. Brendan was coming back to me and I wasn’t going to mess it up by kissing another guy.
“I should, shouldn’t I?” Graham said as he moved his mouth closer to my lips. I could always use the alcohol as an excuse but I didn’t think I needed one. I wanted him to kiss me and I wanted him to kiss me now. He suddenly rested his forehead against mine and sighed. “I win,” he mumbled.
“Fine,” I conceded wishing that he hadn’t turned his head. His eyes met mine again and we stared at each other for what seemed like hours. I still didn’t have use of my arms, but if I did, I’m pretty sure I would’ve wrapped them around his neck and pulled his lips to mine.
“Fine,” he breathed back. He suddenly bent down and kissed me quickly on the lips but stood before I even had a chance to react. Pulling me off the ground he stepped away and walked back to the bar. He didn’t face me when he spoke again and I saw him pour another shot. “You should go. You’ve got a long day tomorrow.”
I knew when I was being dismissed and something inside of me crumbled. I was being rejected. Not quite giving up I asked, “So will you train me?”
He turned around and snorted a laugh. “I’ll train you even if it’s going to kill me to do so.”
I knew I was blushing now and I couldn’t help but sm
ile at knowing the attraction was at least somewhat mutual. My pride needed the reassurance. “Okay then. Goodnight, Graham.”
“Night, tart.”
I walked upstairs to my room, stumbling a little along the way. Apparently the shots were now in full effect and it was probably a good thing my raging hormones were far away from the hot mess of temptation downstairs. I needed to clear my head fast, so I took a long shower and climbed into bed wondering if Graham would knock on my door. Pushing that silly thought away, I tried to focus instead on Brendan. He was the one I loved and we were going to get a second chance together. I hadn’t heard from him yet, but he would call. Someday soon.
I fell asleep before I knew it because the insistent knocking on my door woke me up early the next morning. Stifling a groan, I opened my eyes to see it was still dark out. The clock showed that it was just before six and I couldn’t imagine who was at the door this early.
“What?” I growled. Taking that as an invitation, Graham threw open my door and flipped on the light. I shielded my eyes with one pillow and threw another in his direction. “What are you doing? Get out of my room!”
He dodged the flying cushion and began rifling through the closet where I’d unpacked my clothes. “Time for your training,” he said although it sounded a bit muffled under the pillow.
“Did I hear you say training?” Looking at the clock again, I decided this must be some kind of sick joke. “The sun’s not even up yet.”
He threw a pair of shorts and a tight tank top on the bed. “I only have four hours with you before Jeremiah takes over. We don’t want to waste any time.” He moved around the room like a caffeine junkie. I didn’t smell any cigarettes or alcohol and he looked relatively refreshed, but he was still acting weird.
“Did you even sleep?” I asked.
He shrugged. “A little. Now let’s go.” He bent forward and pulled the blankets down to the end of the bed, exposing me to the cold air and his playful eyes. I was wearing a camisole and underwear…and nothing else. He stared and I cowered under the heat of his gaze. His mouth fell partially opened and his eyes never left my body. It took another pillow to the face before he snapped out of it.
“You don’t get to look at me like that,” I said sharply.
Running his hand through his head, he gazed at the floor. “No?”
“No. Now get out so I can get dressed.” He hesitated a moment more, not making any attempt to leave. “What?” I shrieked.
Now he laughed. “Just wondering if you’re telling me the truth or not.” Crap. I had forgotten about that little ability.
“Yes, I want you to leave now.” That really was the truth. I certainly wasn’t going to change in front of him. There had been just a few too many awkward moments.
“All right then, tart. Meet me out back in five.” Graham bounded out of the room and I didn’t move until I heard him running down the stairs. How he had this much energy in the morning, especially after drinking all night, I would never know. Succumbing to the idea that he was being serious, I got dressed, brushed my teeth and headed downstairs.
Last night had been a little too much for me and my self control, so I was slightly hesitant to delve right into physical combat again with Graham. Seeing him warming up with side stretches and fast jumping jacks nearly set my heart into overdrive. Why was I reacting this way? Apparently I was most attracted to what I shouldn’t have. First it was Brendan, although he wasn’t a bad boy per se, he just wasn’t what everyone wanted for me. Now it was Graham - the prodigal Council member who loved his women and his booze. Not to mention he had immense powers no one single merman should have. He was dangerous. And I was smitten.
He caught me staring, so he turned to face me and lifted both of his hands up over his head enough to show the lower part of his bare stomach. It was muscular and fabulous and I quickly walked past him. If he wanted to play, then I was willing to give him a show as well.
“What are we going to do?” I asked.
“I thought we’d go boot camp style today.” He reached over and squeezed my bicep lightly. “You could use a little more muscle.” I bent over to touch my toes, showing him the best muscle on my body. When he hissed in a breath, I knew I’d gotten the reaction I intended.
He must have seen my smirk because he suddenly let out a laugh. “Oh no you don’t, tart. You do not even want to start playing that game.”
“Why, whatever are you talking about?” I asked innocently while bending from side to side, being sure to get in a good stretch of the hamstrings. He slapped my rump and jogged past me. I jumped up, rather taken aback by his boldness, and started to yell at him.
“I am the master of seduction. Don’t you ever forget that little syrenka.” He ran backward, waiting for me to catch up. “You’re playing with fire.”
I totally agreed with him on that one. Sprinting at almost full speed, I finally caught up with him, but that had pretty much ended our flirting session. For the next several hours we ran on the beach, ran in circles, and ran in place. He had me doing all kinds of squats, pushups, sit-ups, and weight training. Somehow, he found two fairly identical pieces of beach rock and hade me mercilessly doing shoulder presses and bicep curls. He barked out commands and wouldn’t let me rest. In all fairness, he did most of the workout too, but if this is what it was going to be like every morning, I didn’t know if I really wanted to train with him anymore.
We made it back to the house with just over an hour to spare before I needed to meet with Jeremiah. Graham told me to go shower and he’d cook us some breakfast. Surprised at the offer, I ran upstairs before he could change his mind. I was also happy to see that my suitcase from California had arrived, giving me a much better selection of outfits.
Throwing on a pair of jeans and a tank top, I came down the stairs following the smell of fried eggs and fresh orange juice. Graham was facing the stove, leaving his back toward the kitchen entrance. He’d removed his shirt and it now rested over his right shoulder. His baggy gray sweat pants hung low on his waist, giving me an ample view of his defined back muscles. There was simply no denying how gorgeous this man really was. He moved around the kitchen with ease, causing me to wonder if he had yet another talent that didn’t involve mind control. When he finally turned around and spotted me, he didn’t seem surprised.
“Here. Eat up.” He handed me a plate and I sat down at the counter across from him. There were potatoes and egg whites and something green that I assumed was spinach. Definitely a power breakfast. Fixing a plate for himself, he pulled up a chair next to me and we ate in silence for a while. It tasted delicious and I told him as much once I nearly finished eating everything.
“Thanks. I like to cook.”
“That’s good because I don’t.” I didn’t realize what that actually sounded like until he laughed and shook his head.
“Good to know. Perhaps I can be the stay at home dad and you can run the world,” he said with a smile.
I blushed again. “That’s not what I meant.”
“No?”
“No. I was just thinking that you can keep cooking breakfast for me after each horrific training session.”
“Horrific?”
I gave him a look. “I don’t think I’ll even be able to get out of bed tomorrow.”
“Well, that’s okay because I’m actually not going to be here tomorrow.”
My stomach plunged in disappointment at the realization I might not get to spend more time with him. “Why not?”
“I need to go take care of something while I’m nearby.” He smiled crookedly at me and added, “I’ll be back tomorrow evening.”
“When do you leave?”
“As soon as we’re finished here. My ride is on the way.” I wanted to ask him more about what he was doing, but I didn’t want to sound like a jealous or insecure teenage girl. If he was going to meet one of his many girlfriends, then there wasn’t anything I could say. Nor did I really want to. I had Brendan. At least I hoped I did.
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My skin suddenly shivered with chills and it was like I knew the moment Jeremiah entered the kitchen behind us. His presence alone was enough to send my senses on high alert.
“Ah, Master Forrester. So nice of you to take care of our Eviana.” He walked to the stove and lifted the lid off the frying pan. His dark red robe hung freely over a bare chest and tight pair of jeans. He’d braided his golden hair and it fell gracefully down the center of his back. “Any left for me?”
“’Fraid not, mate.” Graham shoved the last bite in his mouth and began to clear our plates. Jeremiah watched him with a smirk on his face but didn’t comment. Something traveled through his mind but I had no idea what that could possibly be. It just seemed as if Graham was the most amusing thing in the world to him right now.
Graham walked back around the island counter and grabbed his shirt off the chair. He quickly rubbed the top of my head, effectively creating a jumbled rat’s nest. I pushed his hand away and he laughed.
“See you tomorrow night, tart. Try to get some cardio in if you have time.” I watched him leave and wondered if I should beg him to take me too. A snort from across the room brought my attention back to Jeremiah.
“Interesting,” he mumbled.
“What’s so interesting?” I snapped back.
He pulled in a deep breath and pushed himself away from the stove. “It would appear that you’ve been able to tame the beast.” He shuffled his feet back and forth and looked at me curiously. “That is rather unexpected.”
I had no idea what he was talking about and I really didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of asking. So instead I said, “Are you ready?”
He raised an eyebrow and I thought he might continue speaking in riddles, but he simply nodded. “Let’s get started.”
I followed him out of the kitchen and down the long hallway toward the indoor pool in the back of the house. I’d feared this day since Mistress Lyonetta sentenced me to this place. Jeremiah had a flock of human’s here and I was sure I’d be forced to practice on them.