Page 9 of Dragon Touched
“Margaret, love.” His slanted eyes moved to the older woman. “I think I’d like to put her to the test.”
“Test? What kind of test?” Sacha’s eyebrows drew together. He might be alluring, but she was beginning to think he was a little crazy, too.
A loud crack of thunder rolled through the night and made her jump.
He ignored her question. “She’s certainly got the demeanor, but she looks more like a drowned, dirty rat.” Red eyes swiveled back to Sacha, then he bent an elbow and leaned his mouth near her ear. “Actually, that’s an offense to the rats, because they’re cleaner and much more polite.” His whisper was like cords of velvet wrapping around her throat.
Her lashes lowered.Wait, what? How dare he?
“You listen here”—her finger stabbed his chest—“if you think you’re going to abuse me like this, you’ve got another thing coming.”
I’m not about to escape a house full of bullies to run into the arms of another.
“Oh, little rat, you’ve no idea the abuse I can dish out.” He raked her body with half-lidded eyes. “Coming, hmm? Interesting choice of words.”
“Do you actuallyknowwho my father is—what he’s capable of? He’d gut you like a fish if he heard you talking to me like this.” She drew herself straighter, again wishing she hadn’t tossed the shoes. They would’ve added a couple of inches to her height.
“I knowpreciselywho your father is.”
Fin’s face hardened, and he pushed her finger from his chest. The sleeve of his soft robe rubbed against the exposed skin above her breasts.
“So, don’t presume to threaten me with his reputation. You’ll find Finley Marin doesn’t scare.” He pulled back, and a scowl flitted across his mouth. “It’s easy to strike fear into the hearts of lesser men. I, on the other hand”—he rubbed his chin—“am not intimidated or impressed by your family’s connections.”
She stared at the small scar and seethed. Her mouth fell open, ready to spit a retort.
“Now, do you want a dry roof over your head or not? My patience wears thin,Princess.”
“I’d rather sleep in a barn.”
“Sorry, fresh out. I know vermin prefer rutting around in straw and dirt, but I do have a spare mattress or two that might be comfortable enough for royalty of your”—his other hand connected with the wall, and his hot lips brushed an earlobe before pulling away—“caliber.”
A delicious shiver coursed through her leg muscles, and she blinked, coming to her senses.
“I’ve never been so offended in my life.” She swiped bedraggled hair from her face and smoothed the torn dress. “You’re going to regret—”
A finger pressed into her chin. Like a delicate ribbon of silk, a chuckle rolled in her direction, breath warm and spicy.
“Oh, I thinkyou’regoing to rue this night, and many more.” He turned to Margaret. “Draw a hot bath and find some clean clothes. The stench in here is positively revolting.” He stepped away on the last word, contempt pulling the scarred lip higher.
Steaming, her mind and blood boiled with the insults, and she took a step forward.
“You’re the biggest jerk this side of the world.” She clenched her fingers into a fist and stiffened her spine.
“And you”—he breathed, smoothing the front of his robe—“are the dirtiest, most unlikely princess onanyside of the globe.” A sparkle of amusement flashed in his eyes. “Now, if you don’t want me to callDaddyand tell him where his precious little runaway is, take a damn bath.” He turned on his heels and ascended the staircase.
Chapter 4
Fin
“Gods,whataday.”Turmoil rolled through his mind like the wicked storm outside.
He poured a thumb of whiskey and nursed the glass, deep in thought. Was she really who she said she was? Could he be that lucky? The daughter of his enemy, here under his roof, delivered to him like a present? The possibilities were boggling.
Cyan flew from his perch and landed on a shoulder.
What he’d like to do to the Ninnette girl, and how he’d like to make her pay for all the sins of her family. The anger fed a black tendril of hate that coiled around his heart.
His father’s smiling, good-natured face shot a dagger of ice through his veins. The fist holding the tumbler clenched, and the alcohol began to boil.
