Intent on His claim (Beauty and the Beast #3)

Chapter 2

"Okay, can I come down now?" I called.

Ashley was giggling which wasn't good for my nerves. From my vantage point in the tree - where Warren had unceremoniously dumped me - I tried to see what they were up to. Through the tree branches I could only see Ashley on one side and Warren on the other, both watching Roger who was crouched, doing something I couldn't see.

"Guys," I mumbled, feeling kind of forgotten.

Ashley's phone appeared at her ear just before mine rang. They'd heard me, of course, but my ears were less sensitive. "Relax, Belle. We're almost done."

"Yes, but what are you doing?"

I saw Warren laugh as Ashley said distractedly, "In a minute."

"Ash -" I stared at my phone mutinously when she hung up, then decided to find our for myself. I gingerly lowered my feet to the branch below me then stood on it and ducked under the first one so I could get a better look.

"Done."

I nearly fell back as Roger appeared right in front of me, his dark eyes glowing with excitement. Did they really have to do that? I mean yes, they basically had the speed of sound, but did they have to show off and give me near heart attacks all the time?! "Couldn't you call to tell me that?"

"Sorry, can't." His arm snaked around my waist and I got suspicious. "See, I'm your escort."

"My -"

I didn't finish that - I was too busy fearing for my life as he hopped off the branch and easily landed on the ground.

"Warren, I know I said I could handle your family but I can't. We'll have to break up."

"Don't you want to see the surprise first?" Ashley asked, presenting me with their masterpiece.

I stared for a moment then shook my head in defeat. "It's, uh, a wooden contraption thingy."

"Yes, honey, but this is a very special wooden contraption thingy," Ashley informed me sweetly.

"It brings to mind the guillotine of old as well as the wooden stakes of the Salem witch hunts," Warren mused, arms crossed as he inspected it. "Excellent craftsmanship."

Roger beamed as I mentally agreed with Warren. The thing was about seven feet tall and pretty sturdy even with its complex design. Which was surprising because Roger had assembled it in just under an hour on his own - and he spent most of that time fooling around with Ashley while Warren played reluctant referee.

Warren turned teasing eyes on Roger. "Could you be hinting at something with this gruesome contrivance?"

"We decided that Warren needs a new game for his birthday -" Ashley began, ignoring her brother.

"- because he cheats at running," Roger interjected with a dirty look at Warren.

"- so we've invented this one," she finished with a mischievous look at Warren. "You have to hit Warren with all those water bombs."

I turned to the huge basket of water bombs placed behind me curiously. Then I burst out laughing. Do what?

"Oh, don't worry," she said confidently. "We'll tie him to this thing so you don't miss."

"Much," Roger qualified.

Warren burst into laughter. "And how, my cunning siblings, do you propose to incapacitate me in such a manner?"

Roger grinned at Warren's mocking. "Oh, we have a plan."

Warren tilted his head, thinking it through, then he grinned. "Intriguing. I accept your challenge." He threw me a wink, wicked grin in place. "A moment, love."