The Taming

Her Curiosity

Eyes reddening in the dim light, she gave him a long study. But he caught the hint of fear there.

She looked away and quickly aimed for an aisle a few down.

Pursuing her step, he waited for the next subject she'd pursue. Undoubtedly something nosy.

"Why are you in fancy clothing?" She snapped a book shut and slid it back up on its shelf.

Ah, and there it is.

"I've been trying to find a friend."

Raese Merlinus. He drew a long breath.

Without luck. But it was doubtful she'd even care to hear that.

"A woman?" She asked, her voice sounded strangely forced.

Jealousy? He wondered hopefully, before reminded himself how unlikely that'd be.

"Nay. Not today." He watched her reaction carefully and was intrigued to see her eyes flick to him and her hand tremble slightly as she pulled another binding out.

Why would she care if I were to see another woman?

She's shown no interest in me other then just enough to try and find a way out of my castle. He frowned at that thought.

Relenting, he explained. "I attended a ball...An undercover mission if you would."

"Like the one you were at-"

"When you tried to steal my pendant?" He gave her a sideways look as he absentmindedly pulled one of his favorite books from the shelf. Brushing the dust off the cover. "Aye."

"Why?"

"I told you." He shot her a quick look. Wondering what she was about. "To find my friend. Raese."

"How many women do you go see?" She pursued the subject as though he'd lied, so doggedly that he found himself a bit affronted.

She doesn't believe me?

That's fine. She doesn't have to. He shrugged off the flicker of desire to reassure her.

Let her wonder. For now.

His brows shot up. "There's only one I'm currently interested in seeing."

She huffed. "And I suppose you're implying that's me?"

It's only you.

He gave a sideways nod and a shrug. "Think what you will."

Moving the ladder forcefully, she slammed it against a new shelf and eyed the row intently. "And I suppose you think I'll swoon at your feet like some ridiculous maiden of the first shade?"

Not in the least.

He sighed as he held the ladder for her. "Wouldn't that be nice?"

"It'd be foolish." She was concentrating hard on the book in her hand.

And even harder on ignoring me.

Staring at the top shelf, she was careful to go no higher than the second, lest he get an opportunity to see beneath her skirt again.

He could admit her attempts to disregard his presence only piqued his interest.

Females usually find me irresistible...But her...She is something else.

"Have you found your tether restricting?" He changed the subject.

Her eyes narrowed warily. "Have I misbehaved?"