LITMIR.BIZ

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      “The way Gray talked,” Nick continued, “you and Stevie boy were already planning the wedding.”

      Mouth agape, her gaze skidded to Jorlan.

      He crossed his arms over his chest, a storm cloud of fury brewing in his expression. Nick continued talking, saying something about flowers and churches, but she barely heard him. She continued to watch Jorlan. He looked ready to pounce on someone—namely her—and he was soaking up every word Nick uttered as if it were gospel.

      Her fists clenched, crushing the bottle. Just what kind of woman did Jorlan think her to be? Only moments before, she had kissed him, touched him, almost made love to him, and now he thought her capable of marrying another man?

      Did he actually think her so lacking in honor? Obviously. Hadn’t he thought her capable of wanting him so that he could make her a queen?

      Men were idiots!

      “I’ve never even met the guy,” she told both her brother and Jorlan stiffly. “And I have no interest in meeting him, either.”

      “Good. That’s why I came to see you.” Nick worried a hand over his clean-shaven jaw. “I wanted to tell you to keep away from Steve. I don’t want you to hook up with a cop.”

      His tone made her suspicious. She placed her hands at her hips. “And just who do you want me to hook up with?”

      “I was going to recommend a buddy of mine. Nice guy. Girls go wild for him.”

      “’Tis enough!” Scowling, Jorlan advanced on Nick, willing to rip out the man’s tongue to keep him from saying another word. He felt…disbelief? Mayhap. Fury? Most definitely. Katie and her brother spoke so blithely of another man—of her marriage to another man—and he did not like it! In fact, the thought nearly drove him mad. He did not believe her capable of making love with one man while being promised to another, yet his fury did not lessen.

      He needed her, and he would allow no other man to touch her. Not because the thought of another man feasting from Katie’s sweetness sent a cold rage storming through him, but because she belonged to him now, her time, her body, and her heart, and he would not share!

      Jorlan had almost reached Katie’s brother, his intent to pulverize shining brightly in his eyes. Grinning, Nick held up his hands to ward off the oncoming attack. “I’ve since changed my mind, Jordie. You’re perfect for her. Honest. My buddy pales in comparison.”

      Jorlan stilled. Nick’s retraction mollified him somewhat. Yet that wasn’t the reason he had stopped. He had just come to a startling revelation. He did not simply lust for Katie, did not simply need her to save him. He cared for her. Despite his efforts to prevent such a thing from happening, it had taken only a few hours for his obsession to deepen. He’d shared his life with her, had watched her writhe as he gave her body the ultimate pleasure, and now he had sunk deeper under her spell. The knowledge blistered through him, and he cursed his own stupidity. Why? Why had he allowed himself to care about this woman? Had he learned nothing from Maylyn?

      At least he hadn’t been foolish enough to fall in love with her. Still, he cared for Katie and wanted her with him. If only for a time. He’d thought before of taking her home with him. He had discarded the idea because he had not wanted to make her his life-mate. But now, the idea held merit. He could wed her, not permanently, of course, but a temporary joining of mutual benefit.

      On his world, a temporary joining had never been considered before. He was willing to make an exception, however. Katie was mayhap too bold, too outspoken for his homeland, but with the proper guidance such qualities could be corrected.

      Never had a solution been simpler. He would wed her. She would confess her love for him, come home with him. Then she would come for him, again and again. When he no longer cared for her, he would send her home.

      Perfect.

      Jorlan grinned, suddenly contented.

      No longer the source of his wrath, Nick settled himself comfortably atop the speckled counter behind him. “You do anything besides modeling, Jordie? Like security work? Or military intelligence? I swear to God you’ve got the same guarded look in your eyes that Gray and Erik have.”

      “Who is Erik?” Jorlan demanded, his fury bursting forth anew.

      Katie slapped him on the shoulder. “What’s wrong with you? Erik is my brother.”

      Jorlan leveled a frown her way. “Just how many brothers do you have?”

      “Five. Four are scattered across Texas, and one lives in New Orleans.”

      “Well?” Nick interjected, obviously not liking that his question had been ignored. “Do you do anything besides modeling?”

      Katie answered for him. “He’s a handyman. He’s taking a break from cover modeling and has become my temporary employee.”

      Her brother clicked under his tongue. “Exactly what type of services are you paying him for?”

      This time, Katie slapped her brother’s shoulder. Unlike Jorlan, who had barely reacted, Nick winced. “Say another word along those lines,” she growled, “and I’ll personally kick your ass.”

      Jorlan grinned, glad such threats were not reserved for him alone.

      “I have a feeling I’m going to leave here a rich man.” Nick’s brown eyes glistened mischievously.

      Katie punched him again, harder this time. “You’re not getting any money from me.”

      Enjoying their byplay, Jorlan settled back against the wall and merely watched the two interact. A twinge of regret and homesickness washed through him. Regret because he’d never thought to tease his own sister in such a way. Grace was his father’s only child born by the first queen. After, or maybe because of, her mother’s untimely demise, Grace had grown to be soft, skittish and wary of men. Jorlan had always treated her with care. Mayhap teasing her would have helped her.

      Mayhap he would upon his return—if she still lived, he thought darkly.

      Both Katie and Nick were regarding him expectantly. He must have missed some of the conversation. “I am staying in Katie’s house,” he said, hoping that answered whatever question had been placed before him.

      Katie gasped.

      Nick lost his grin, but quickly managed to collect himself. “That’s good to know. But for the third time, are you up for pool later? After work, of course. We wouldn’t want to piss off the dragon lady.”

      Most of the man’s words confused him, yet Jorlan realized some type of invitation had been issued. Why could these people not speak plainly? “I thank you for the offer, yet I must decline. What time I have left here will be spent with Katie.”

      Nick’s gaze sharpened. “You’re going back to Anguilla?”

      “Aye.” He did not correct Nick’s pronunciation of his world, for he did not wish to embarrass Katie with her mistake.

      “Soon?” Nick pressed.

      “’Tis my hope.”

      “I see.” For some reason, Nick seemed unhappy, even angry, at that fact. “Well, the invitation is open all night if you change your mind. Katie has my number. Call if you want a ride.”

      Call? By shouting? Jorlan nodded.

      “Well, my work here is done.” Nick hopped from the counter and kissed Katie on the cheek. “Don’t forget the family luncheon on Saturday—and bring your date. Dad’ll love him.” With that, he tossed a wink over his shoulder and disappeared out the door.

      “Oh! Wait!” Katie called. “Stay here,” she told Jorlan, then quickly added, “Please. I want to talk to my brother alone for a moment.” Without waiting for his reply, she raced outside.

      “Nick,” she shouted, the sun beating down on her shoulders.

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