"I'm not upset.” I'm feeling things I shouldn't be feeling, especially towards a man who irritates the hell out of me!
"Good. Because upsetting you would upset me."
She raised one brow in disbelief. “Right."
"Nay.” The tie holding the hair at his nape slipped a little when he shook his head. “Truthfully, Des, I would never deliberately upset you. You mean too much to me."
Shocked, she stared at him, her mouth falling open. Surely she couldn't have heard correctly?
"Aye,” he said calmly. “You mean more to me than a friend."
There was no sign of teasing in his level gaze, just sincerity. The flutter this time started deeper inside her, and she swallowed. “Simon, you can't possibly..."
"'Twould seem impossible, considering that we've done nothing but rub each other up the wrong way from day one,” he acknowledged. “But ‘twas the other day that I realized you meant more to me—"
Disappointment, unwanted and confusing, swept through her, making her scowl and retort crudely, “Since I sucked you off, you mean?” Her jaw clenched. “I guess I did such a good job, I made a lasting impression."
Simon didn't retaliate heatedly, as she expected. Instead, that same calmness remained in his expression. “Before you gifted me, do you remember what I told you?"
All she remembered was losing herself in the heady sensation of power, of having Simon at her mercy. Inhaling his scent, tasting his essence, pleasuring him ... She swallowed as a little tendril of heat trickled through her.
It didn't matter, anyway. She wasn't going to allow him to make a fool of her.
"To refresh your memory,” he said quietly, “'Twas that I was attracted to you, and wanted to get to know you more."
Yes, she remembered that now. “So?"
"So, it still remains. I am attracted to you.” Reaching out, he laced his fingers through hers, ignoring her tugging efforts to extract herself. “And I realized how much you meant to me when I heard you fighting for your life out in that damned nest of outlaws."
"You honestly expect me to believe that?” she scoffed.
For the first time, she saw a flicker of something else break through that calmness. In one smooth motion, he got up and turned to sit on the ottoman directly before her. This placed him on eye level, and directly facing her.
He was also close enough that his knees bracketed hers, and it was either retreat back against the sofa, or remain sitting stiffly upright. She chose the latter. Why she didn't just get up and move away she had no idea, but something made her stay where she was and look him straight in the eyes.
There was no hint of teasing in his gaze, but there was a steely determination that strengthened his jaw, firmed his lips, and intensified his eyes.
Her heart did another jump. Could he really be serious?
Reaching out, Simon took her other hand in a strong grip so that he now held both her hands in his, his thumbs brushing caressingly over the backs of them.
Silence fell between them as he studied her face, then simply looked at her with that calmness now combined with quiet determination. There was no amusement in his expression.
Des couldn't tell if the shiver that went through her was nerves or anticipation. She'd never had a man look at her with such intensity and honesty, and it was the honesty that was shaking her. For she had no doubt that whatever he was about to say was the truth.
Hot tempered and impatient she might be, but she was a good judge of character.
Did she want to hear what he said? Hell, I'm scared. Of what? Words can't hurt me. But he could...
"I can see your thoughts going a mile a minute, lass,” Simon said quietly. “But before you get yourself into a state, just listen to me. All right?"
"I think you might have said enough already.” She gave her hands another tug.
Ignoring her attempts, Simon stated, “I'm attracted to you. I've said it enough times for you to know. I want to get to know you better. ‘Tis so hard to understand?” One brow quirked up. “Am I that repulsive to look at?"
She nearly laughed outright. “You know you're not. What, are you fishing for compliments?"
"I'm trying to understand you."
"You're not that easy to understand yourself."
"I am what you see. No pretenses.” He shrugged. “If you want to know something, ask me."
Fine. “You're being blunt, so I will, too. Not that that would stop me, anyway."
Simon's lips quirked faintly in amusement.
Des frowned. “You've seen me in action, you've heard me. I swear, I'm rough, I don't give an inch and I'm not some dainty lady. Contrary to what happened between us the other morning, I'm not an easy lay. I don't give oral to every man I meet. In fact, you're only the second man I've ever done it to. And even that was unexpected.” Let's see how you like that. She couldn't tell anything by his pleasant, patient expression. Might as well continue and get it all out into the open. “I've killed outlaws and won't hesitate to do what I have to do as part of my job. I'll arrest friends and family, and I'm known to be stubborn and bad tempered."
His lips quirked even more, and a twinkle appeared briefly in the depths of his eyes.
Des's frown grew. “And to top it all off, I have more time for animals than people. I have a few friends, some relatives I don't acknowledge, and I give my all for my job. Up to a point. So what do you think of that?"
"You're asking my opinion?"
"I'm asking why you would be attracted to a woman like me, when everything I've just said describes me. I'm not a lady, I'm not sweet and I'm not a fragile woman. A lot of people don't like me but you profess to be attracted to me regardless. I want you to answer that."
"Easy.” His smile was open. “I see a tough wench who does her job well, in difficult circumstances. I see a wench who cares about those who work for her, has a sharp sense of humor, and ‘tisn't afraid of standing up for herself. You have qualities I admire, loyalty one of them."
Des studied his face intently, looking for any sign that he was lying.
"Nay, by other men's standards, you're not fragile and a lady. But I don't judge people by other's standards. You're beautiful, prickly, intriguing, and everything you say you are. And I'm still attracted to you.” He leaned forward a little. “Des, are you scared of me?"
"Hell, no.” I'm scared of what might happen.
"I'm here only for another week. ‘Tis longer than planned originally, true, but some merchants have been delayed.” His fingers slipped from her hands to her wrists. “Des, ‘tis not too much to ask that you allow me to spend a little time with you, getting to know you, getting you to know me. What ‘tis the harm? I'm not asking for commitment. I'm not asking for all your time. Just let us see if ‘tis something stronger between us."
He wasn't asking for commitment. But still ... for the first time, she glanced away.
"Des?” His tone was gentle, persuading. “Talk to me."
Taking a deep breath, Des looked back at him. Her father had brought her up to face things head-on and not be a coward. Now looked like one of those times.
"Fine,” she finally replied. “I'm going to tell you something now, and I'm warning you, if you laugh, I'll knock your block off."
"I won't laugh."
"I don't even know why I'm going to tell you this.” And she really didn't. No, she did. Don't lie to yourself, Des, sheesh!
"Because now's the time?"
It was her turn to give him a steady look. “Because you're being honest with me, and I'm no coward. I value honesty."
"Fair enough."
Here goes. “I've only ever had one man I cared enough about to share some of my life. He died a few years ago."
"I'm sorry,” he said sincerely.
"He understood me, and accepted me for who I am and what I was. In some ways, we weren't that different. We went our own ways and met up when he was in the settlement. Since he died, I've never been with another man.” She shrugged. �
�Never wanted to. I'm not comfortable with all this courtship and crap. It doesn't suit me. Besides the fact that apart from a few men wanting to screw the famous Demon, no man has been interested in me.” She smiled faintly. “Not many men like a woman who towers over them and can beat them in a fair fight."
Simon's gaze was gentle, a trait she was starting to recognize as being a part of him. “Des, if you were a foot or more taller than me, ‘twouldn't bother me at all."
"You're taller than any man I've ever seen, Simon, so how would you know?” she asked tartly.
He grinned. “I know. Lass, when I find a wench attractive, ‘tis not their height or looks that make me interested."
"You honestly expect me to believe that? Come, I've seen men look twice at a pretty woman, and hell, I've snuck a second peek at a good-looking man a time or two.” Let's see you deal with that.
Unfazed, Simon nodded. “Aye, I've looked twice at a pretty wench, I'll not deny that. But looking and wanting to get to know them are two different things. In fact, when I first met you, you annoyed the hell out of me."
"I have that reaction on men. And women."
"Seriously, Des. Your attitude when we saved Oriel rubbed me right up the wrong way. Aye, I noticed your looks, but there was no thought apart from anger at your attitude."
This intrigued her. “Really?"
Sliding his hands further up her arms, Simon lightly traced circles on her inner arms with his thumbs, but he didn't appear to realize he was doing it. “My wanting to get to know you has naught to do with wanting to conquer the mighty Demon. ‘Tis an attraction, a yearning to know you more.” His smile peeped out again. “If you're so suspicious of my intentions, I promise not to seduce you."
What more was there to say? She could either believe him, and allow them to spend some time together, or simply give him the heave-ho and continue on her way. But there was no real reason to reject him outright. She had to acknowledge that she found him interesting, a man who wasn't put off by her attitude and language, her way of life, her height and strength. And as long as he didn't interfere in her job, what harm was there in seeing how far he'd go?
She was Head Peacekeeper, but she was also a woman who, deep underneath, found it flattering that this handsome trader was attracted to her. She wasn't about to lie about that to herself.
But she was also the Head Peacekeeper trying to figure out what was happening in and around her settlement.
"All right.” She nodded finally. “All right, you say you want to get to know me while you're here. Fine. But I can't promise to be around whenever you want to see me. I have a job to do, and it takes a lot of my time. If you can handle my time table, and my bad moods, feel free to see me."
The smile that lit his eyes made her breath catch. It was utter delight and ... yes, a hot promise. Uh-oh, what have I done?
"You won't be sorry, lass.” Closing the distance between them, Simon pressed his lips to hers. The kiss this time wasn't as light, but demanded a little more. But again, before she could retaliate, he pulled back and smiled at her. “Hungry?"
For a second, she wasn't entirely sure just what he was getting at.
Interpreting her suspicious look correctly, Simon tsked and tapped her lightly on the nose with one finger. “I meant for food."
"Oh. Yes.” She looked pointedly at him. “If you'll get up and out of my way, I'll get something to eat."
Standing upright easily, he held out one hand to assist her. Ignoring it, she stood stiffly and side-stepped around him.
Without a murmur, Simon followed her, but before she could head for the cooler, he pulled out a chair from the table. “Sit down. I brought some food earlier."
"Really? What?"
"Something to sweeten you up.” He winked.
Rolling her eyes, she eased herself into the chair. “You wish. There's not much that can sweeten me."
"You've yet to taste the delights I can dish up.” His face was perfectly serious, but devilment danced in his eyes.
"Yeah, well, we'll see.” Leaning one elbow on the table, she pushed the tangled mass of her hair back over her shoulder. “Crap. Where'd I put my hairbrush?"
"Eat first, worry about that later.” Simon pulled the tie from his hair and handed it to her.
"Don't think you can boss me around.” Taking the tie, she lifted her arms to try and pull her hair back, only to grimace at the sudden painful pull in her injured shoulder. “I can still kick your arse."
Plucking the tie from her hand, Simon expertly pulled her hair back and secured it at her nape. She started when he dropped a kiss on the top of her head, but when she looked quickly around, he was already opening the cooler door and pulling out a tray of food.
* * * *
Studying the map on the wall, Canute rocked back and forth on his heels, his hands clasped loosely behind his back.
Gally was curled up in an armchair, sulking. Well, let the bitch sulk. I'm not here to please her, but for her to please me. And right now, she doesn't please me at all.
"You were rough in bed,” she complained again.
He didn't reply, his gaze going from one to the other of the four settlements within the glowing circle he'd drawn around them.
"Really rough. I've got bruises forming, and I bled a little.” She sniffled.
"If you don't like my methods, Gally, go home."
He felt her angry look. “Why are you always such a bastard to me?"
"I pay you well for your time.” He cast a disinterested look at her over his shoulder. Her cheeks were shiny with the tears she'd recently shed. “You're not pleasing me."
Licking at a spot of dried blood at the corner of her lip, Gally sniffed again. “You've never been this rough before."
"I don't answer to you, Gally."
She glared. “I don't like being beaten and raped!"
"Raped? My dear, you weren't complaining at the time."
"I didn't know how rough you were going to be until it was too late!"
"You're getting wearisome, Gally. Get out and leave me alone."
"That's all I am to you, isn't it?” Flouncing out of the chair, she cursed. “Damn you, Canute! You always act so high and mighty, when you're nothing but another outlaw!"
"I'm an outlaw with class, something you'd know nothing about.” The woman was becoming annoying, which wasn't a good, or safe, thing for her.
"I'm not a fool! I know your plans, Canute! It's about time you treated me with some respect!” She tossed her head. “I'm more than just your whore, you know!"
Turning around fully, Canute looked at her thoughtfully. Yes, she did know a lot. Maybe too much. And she was feeling scorned.
He could be a gentleman and soothe her, feed her tidbits of false affection until she was all docile and loving again. Or he could fix a growing problem once and for all.
Canute pressed a switch on the viscomm. “Zared."
His friend's face appeared. “Yes?"
"Gally is finished here."
"Understood."
Canute looked across the room at his mistress, who was standing, flushed and furious and close to tears yet again, but not tears of sorrow, of that he had no doubt.
"You bastard!” she shrieked. “You're sending me home?"
"You're not going home.” He looked at Zared as he came in. “Go with Zared."
"You're sending me to my room, like a child?” Gally cursed again. “You can't treat me like this!"
"Go with Zared, or,” Canute looked at her, “Go and spend time with the men outside."
Her face paled. “You don't mean it."
"Oh, I do. You can either go with Zared, as I wish, or amuse the men. I'm sure they won't mind your tears and screaming. In fact, they'd find it quite entertaining, I'm sure.” He turned back to the map. “Your choice."
There was silence for a second followed by a choked sob. Zared spoke quietly to her, and then the door shut.
Blessed silence. Canute rolled his shoulders and re
turned to studying the map. Another problem taken care of. He leaned back against the desk, and when Zared entered the room minutes later, Canute looked at him.
"It's done,” Zared said.
"Once they start threatening and carrying on, Zared, it's time to end it."
"Yes, sir. What do you want done with her body?"
"We can burn it, or send it home.” Canute rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Burn it. It isn't to our benefit to send her home."
"Yes, sir."
"Any news from the GeoSear?"
"We're starting to get some readings back."
"Ah. Anything positive?"
"A little."
"Let me know if we get anything worth looking at."
"Yes, sir. Anything else?"
"Yes. Make sure Ruan, Levi and Tyson are holding their positions in secrecy still."
"Their outlaws are getting edgy."
They were blood-thirsty outlaws, true enough, and not used to sitting and twiddling their thumbs. That would breed insubordination. But they'd just had a close call with the peacekeepers. There had to be other ways to keep them occupied.
"Tell Tyson, Levi and Ruan to send a couple of their men to other settlements and get themselves a few girls to occupy the camps with. Or a few boys, if that's what interests some of them.” Canute shrugged. “Whatever. Give them a tidbit to keep them grounded for now."
"Yes, sir."
"Oh, and Zared?"
"Yes?"
"I have no doubt we'll have to move soon."
"The sooner the better."
"Yes.” Canute stared at the map. “But we have to be sure, very sure."
Eight
"'Tis well pleased you're looking,” Torkra remarked as Simon sat down in the chair opposite him.
"Aye.” Shamon squinted at him over the mug of ale he held. “Very pleased. I'd half expected you to come scurrying back with your tail between your legs after a good tongue lashing from The Demon."
Simon just grinned and ordered a mug of ale from a hopeful-looking tavern wench.
"Not eating breakfast?” Aamun queried.
"I've already eaten."
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