The serious facial expressions stare at her with sudden understanding. It was the same expression she'd had from that day when she'd been rescued at Glenhouse. The sense of security he conveyed was all she could want. They had never been concerned about her well-being.
She was just a foster child left behind and unattended. How many times did she wonder why they had received the child? He was everything she had ever dreamed of. Someone to whom it was important. Not even Lizandra showed such care for her.
-No... I didn't say that to you... - The words came slowly between the sobs.- I won't...
Richard toasted her with an overwhelming smile that could take her breath away. His strong, warm hands touched her face in a silky-smooth caress.
- I'm sorry about everything, honey. Couldn't have imagined... - The voice was low and velvety. Rick had his mouth on hers as he held his face in his hands.
Cassie cringed with complete credibility that it was a hallucination. Never in her dreams could that man be there beside her. His appearance was terrible too. The borrowed dress made her look pitiful. His hands... God! No girl had hands like her. They were delicate and beautiful and everything she would never be.
-Non ... s'il vous plait ...-she said feeling his breath tingling on her face.
She needed to keep control. If there was any chance, even the slightest, to escape the confusion, would need to keep her wits about her. Daydreaming about impossible hallucinations wasn't going to help.
But also… Ah… it was a tempting hallucination. So what if it was just a hallucination? She had gone mad and lost all reason. A small, treacherous voice inside told her to at least enjoy the delirium before waking up and coming back to reality once more.
-Why not? Pourquoi pas ? Morgan asked hoarsely. His mouth bit his trembling lips.
-I'm hallucinating. - She concluded astonished. - This is not real...
She had sometimes heard comments from sorcerers who were completely out of their minds because of wrongly used magic. She closed her eyes, miserable. - I'm just delirious and talking to myself out loud. This is not a good sign. I went ...
Richard took a deep breathtaking in her scent. Jasmine. There was a scent of jasmine around her that was intoxicating. And cinnamon.
- I'll prove it's not a hallucination. - The man promised.
He let his mouth drop to her lips in teasing surprise as he deepened the caress, exploring and teasing.
She slowly reciprocated with such abandon that the blood burned in her veins. Her heart pounded in her chest as her hands slid down her slender neck, down...
He sighed with genuine satisfaction as he leaned her against the wall, controlling the wild desire. Her body reacted with every sense aroused by her proximity. He was looking like an awkward young boy. God! Not even Mayra!
He was losing control with the girl in his arms. Again! The caress was not like before. He had hoped Cassie would put an end to this madness. Because that was total madness. He could easily possess the girl right now. Just thinking about it made him experience stings in his groin.
His body against hers was soft with delicate curves and she moulded to perfection against him. Naturally, the girl was going to push him away indignantly. He held her against him, his manhood rigid as he intensified his hand strokes. Her skin was satiny like silk. Die! He never lost control like that.
He needed to put a stop to it before he allowed himself to be swept up in more daring caresses that weren't going to end anytime soon. There were witch hunters in the tavern. The place was not safe with a sorceress so they decided to raise or profit from illegal smuggling. He pulled away reluctantly, his body shaking in indignant protest as he took a deep breath, resting his hands on his knees.
Just the feeling of touching… his breath was laboured as his mind took control over the haze of desire that enveloped him. Mayra was a skilled lover. Only she'd never made him lose control like that. She could have given vent to the damn desire in a single thrust. Just pry her up against the wall and… she shook her head in amazement.
Hell! What do you do with me? You won't do it that way, Morgan.
The feeling was new and unfamiliar. It was a pheromone. The girl aroused her instincts intensely, even the sense of smell was more sensitive around her. She was corroding with jealousy. Just remembering the merchants' comments made him experience hatred. Her kiss was just an outburst, her wolf marking territory. A caress and punishment.
-I need to get you out of here! - Rick said panting. His hand shook as he searched for the pistol in his belt.
Her lost, dreamy gaze was a source of carnal and sensual promises.
Keep control, man. How old are you a boy? And it was just a kiss... Dammit!
-I'm not... I'm not going anywhere with you. - Cassie declared as if cold water was poured over her.
For a hallucination, he was real enough. Pride. She had to show an ounce of pride that she was. He had offered her money to leave the castle! Not satisfied, he had ordered the elders to banish her from the clan.
-But of course, you will! - Richard was categorical. - This is a tavern. A whorehouse if you didn't notice. At this very moment, Garro is deciding the best bid to find out who will bed Madame.
The warning came harsh and furious. Curse! He didn't like the way the merchants talked about his wife at all. He always had absolute control of the situation. He was the master of his destiny. It was surprising to feel this way without knowing what to expect.
Cassie's eyes widened, astonished. Like? Was Monsieur Garro deciding on the best bid to know who he was going to bed?
-Batârd! Miseráble! Now! - she reacted indignantly to Morgan's relief. -I did not agree... I did not agree with that! Phillip?!
His relief lasted only moments as he dodged his body preventing the girl from reaching for the pistol in his belt. What did she mean?
-No, ma'am. No pistols. -He spoke brusquely as he took her arm, noticing her suddenly explosive and furious temper. - What do you need a pistol for? Where do you think you're going?
Cassie still sobbed possessed.
- My deal with Garro was to work in the kitchen. - She was screaming annoyed. - You men! They believe they can do anything. They solve everything without asking for an opinion. A man cannot be trusted. They're a bunch of miserable, boastful, arrogant, unhappy and... and... brutes... Train my aim on your damn brother, for sure.
He shook his head, puzzled. The behaviour change was stark. It was another woman standing in front of him. Nothing resembled her way before, unprotected and helpless. She looked like a heathen goddess possessed with wrath with eyes gleaming like vivid emeralds. He stopped looking at Cassie dumbfounded. It was just an impression, but she could have sworn he was at the top of the list of notable qualities she enumerated. It was nice to have made a good impression with Regan's help.
-What did you think... What do you think I was going to do in the brothel, God? Ever notice how the men here look at you? Of all the damn fools I've ever seen you do...
Her indignation prevailed redoubled.
-I wouldn't have to work here if you hadn't decided... Agh... Leave me alone. I will work it out.
Rick crossed his arms against his chest blocking her exit.
-By herself? - he wondered.
-Why, you managed to get me into a witch hunter's room. - Cassie exploded even more furious. She had lived her entire life on the deck of the Star. - What the hell is a witch hunter? That...Those are eyes! I wouldn't need to work here if you'd at least let me bring my belongings. Your clan and people need resources.
He widened his eyes in shock. He was going to crush Regan for every reason.
-We'll fix it later! - he got angry. - At the time...
-I was fine alone. I don't need your help! - Cassie protested again giving vent to all the frustration she felt. - You... Agh! I don't need your help. I didn't ask for your help!
She was screaming furiously. Richard rolled his eyes actionless, seeking infinite patience. Any woman in that situation would let him handle problems.
- He was doing very well. -He observed annoyed, raising his hand in the air as if to end the conversation-I could even see how well he was doing taking care of all this mess.
His irritation was fueled by her stubbornness. There was no chance that he would leave her alone in monsieur's clutches.
- It was clear he was. - She inflamed as she walked to the door indignantly.
Morgan crossed his arms against his chest again, even more irritated. He could end the damn argument by looking for fights with merchants to vent the anger that invaded him. Of course, she had every reason not to trust him. Only he was innocent. Well, at least that time.
-I didn't send... hell, woman! - he vented. - I didn't agree with the advice. I can guarantee that...
Cassie laughed bitterly.
-Sure. Wolves! Always so noble! I don't need your help! - she screamed even more furiously and opened the door with all her strength and almost fell to the ground in front of the armed guards.
Finally, her scream echoed loud and alarming.
Rick cursed a string of curses, gripping her firmly and resolutely, heedless of her protests, and managed to pull her back before slamming the door violently. It was the guards who guarded the tavern. The loud shouting, at last, drew attention.
-Were you doing well like that, sweetie? - he wanted to know, firming the door with his body, to block the entrance of the security guards.