Page 12 of Dragon Touched
“Whatever.” He turned to leave then stopped. “Has she been in the bathroom this entire time?”
“Yes, I encouraged her to take a long soak.” Margaret’s pudgy form pushed Fin out of the way, toward the kitchen’s threshold, and she dug around in a cabinet. “And don’t be getting any ideas. She’ll be out soon, and maybe you can act like a civilized gentleman for once instead of a brooding, controlling oaf.”
Or maybe I can remind her who’s roof she’s under and have a little fun in the process.
He turned and headed toward the bathroom’s wooden door.
Chapter 7
Sacha
Bang.Bang.Bang.
The loud rap at the door caused Sacha to jump. Tepid water sloshed over the sides of the tub and onto the stony floor.
Her lids sprung open, and tension weighted her body.Where the hell am I?
The almost-marriage, turbulent storm, and rude guy named Fin crashed her mind to reality. Why did he want her to stay the night—andwhywas she even considering the offer? Not only was he a grouch, but he was odd, in the way a beautiful antique piece of furniture would be out of place in a hip, contemporary apartment.
“Just a moment.” She jumped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. The thought of someone walking in before she was covered spurred her to wrap herself with lightning speed.
It’s probably only Margaret, but still.
A deep voice rumbled. “I know you’re dirty, love”—a shadow pranced between the base of the door and frame—“but I figure even little rats need their cheese.”
“You’re a jackass.” Her mouth clenched into a small pucker.
“Yes, well, one who’s about to feed you, if you’d deign to grace us with your presence, Princess Scabbers.”
Oh no, he didnotjust call me the pet rat from Harry Potter.
“Know what?” Angry, short yanks of the towel wiped the last traces of moisture from her skin, and she wrapped it around her chest. “I’ve had enough of your pissy attitude, you scarred, red-eyed lizard.”
The knob rattled, and the door flew open.
Sacha gripped the cloth so tight, her fingers ached. “Get out!” Fury coursed through her veins at the gall of the man.
His gaze landed on her curls, then down to her hips and legs. When his red irises traced her bare toes, they stopped for a moment, then backtracked to her face. He cleared his throat, and for a moment, his hard, strange gaze seemed to soften before a mask of disdain slammed into place.
“Sorry, thought I heard the squeak of vermin in here. Wanted to make sure my guest was safe.” He tongued the small scar on his upper lip. “You know how these old buildings get. All kinds of wildlife find their way inside.” A satisfied smirk flashed before he stepped out and shut the door with a soft click.
She stomped to the wood and slammed the ancient latch into its bracket, chest heaving and body tingling. How did it come undone in the first place?
Who the hell does he think he is? What a creeper.
There was no way she was spending the night in this tower, having to worry if he was going to lurk outside the room while she slept—or worse, invite himself inside.
“Storm or not”—she gripped the knob—“If you think for a minute I’m staying, you have another—”
A soft rap on the door made her jump.
Prepared for a verbal battle with Fin—the peeping Tom—she jerked the latch out and flung the door open.
“Here ya go.” To her relief, the aged woman placed a tied bundle of clothing into her outstretched arms. She dipped her head and lowered her voice. “Hopefully, they’ll fit. We haven’t had a lady visitor here in quite some time.”
“Yeah, I can’t imagine why not.” Sacha smothered the pile to her chest with one hand and held the towel with the other. “It couldn’t have anything to do with the fact he’s a pervert, bursting in on women while they bathe, could it?”
“W-what?” Margaret’s eyes widened. “Surely, he didn’t—”
