Page 9 of The Mating Frenzy
“I must, since Danu placed mehere.”
Danu. A friend or ex-girlfriend. “Okay, take care. I have to go or I’ll be late forwork.”
Kieran frowned. “Work? Why should you work? Are you aservant?”
Her temper started to rise. “Yeah, you might say. I serve every night, lots of customers who like steak with their beer andcocktails.”
“I do not understand what you are doing here. A woman alone, unprotected and without a guardian in this world, is not a good thing. Where are your elders? Those who protect you? Who arethey?”
Ella’s temper snapped. “Their names are Smith and Wesson, and they’re in my backpack. I can take care ofmyself.”
He shook his head. “This is a dangerous world, woman. I have experienced this. You must trust me. You are too weak in your Skin to wander about this world on yourown.”
She’d had enough. “Enough with the mansplaining, Sir Kieran. Good luck with your fantasygame.”
“Tis no fantasy of mine. I did not want to come here. This place… has bad memories for me. There are too many people for my liking, those who do not cherish what I do,” he saidquietly.
For a moment he looked sad. Lost, as if he did not belong and wasn’t sure how to get home. Ella felt a sudden jab of pity. She knew what it felt like, surrounded by dozens of people and yet so lonely she could barely stand it. As if she were different and belonged to not only a different social set, but a different culture alltogether.
“Give it a chance, Sir Kieran. Town’s not bad. Even the tourists can be friendly, sometimes more than the natives. If you get lonely later, and find some real clothes, stop by the Steak Haus. My shift ends at midnight. I can cut you a deal on some primemeat.”
“Thank you. That is most generous. I am hungry for realmeat.”
He smiled, and his entire face lit up. Her insides melted a little, until she sternly reminded herself that she was runninglate.
Ella gave him a long look. “But take my advice. Go buy some jeans, shirts, boots. Folks around these parts are conservative and don’t take tonudists.”
The smile dropped. Kieran folded his strong, muscled arms across that magnificent chest. “Being without clothing is a natural state for me. I find garments restrictive. When you are clad only in skin, it is quite freeing. And women can see, instead of guessing, what assets I have to offerthem.”
Ella couldn’t help it. Her jaw dropped. True, he did have a lot to offer a woman…that bod was to diefor.
He gave her a slow smile as if reading her mind. “Ah, you agree. I can tell. You should try it, fair maiden. I would enjoy seeing you in thenude.”
A tingle rushed down her spine at the husky heat in his deep voice. “It’s too cold to walk about without clothing, so don’t get your hopesup.”
Kieran stared at her with a male hunger she’d seen directed only at other women, not herself. “I would keep you warm,Ella.”
“Right.” Ella rolled hereyes.
His voice went even deeper. “My naked body next to yours, sliding over yours, is something you would always cherish. I would give you much pleasure before taking your virginity. It would almost be painless and you would enjoy it.” His brown eyes locked to her stunned gaze. “I would make you mine, Ella of Colorado. No other male would dare to touch you. You would never wish to leave mybed.”
Her temper snapped. “Not in your lifetime, chum. Have fun tilting atwindmills!”
Ella flipped him the finger as she pedaledaway.
