JEOPARDY: The Cursed Soldier.

Interlude-A Work of Love

Sienna felt him way before he entered their bedroom.

Her wolf, Tanya, stirred from within her.

It had always been that way. She knew when he was walking her way, way before he ever got to her — his intoxicating scent always enveloped her while her mind filled with images of him striding his way to her.

The door opened, and finally, her husband, Landon Miller Crawford, entered the room. His tousled blonde hair a contrast to his well-ironed suit. He was tired. She could see that. But he was also as handsome as ever.

Sienna heaved a breath.

Her maid's hands paused in her natural curls, and their eyes met through the mirror. The question in her maid's brown eyes was clear. 'Should I leave?'

Sienna shook her head.

Even from her position, on the dressing table, Sienna could feel and see that he was in his head. And when he was in such a mood, she was the last thing he needed. Actually, she was surprised he hadn't stayed in his office until she was asleep like he always did. Or just slept in a separate room like he always did when he wanted his peace, but away from her.

Her eyes followed him as he walked to the bathroom while pulling at his tie. Her fists clenched to restrain the fingers that ached to do the honors for him — she longed to be his wife in all ways than just name and occasional sex.

She loved him more than anything and anyone in the world. She wanted to be there for him and with him, every second of the day and in every way.

Her eyes closed when she heard the water running. In her mind, she debated whether she should cancel the sound out, lest it tortured her some more, or imagine herself in there with him— bathing him.

She could hardly remember the last time they had bathed together. Was it 5 years ago, on his birthday? Yes, yes, it was. She remembered it. Vividly.

Of course, it was she who had initiated it and he must've been in a great mood because it had been mind-blowing... But not enough. She had wanted more. He had given her his body and energy, but not his heart. His affection. Or his attention.

"Good evening, Fey." Landon's timbre brought her back to the present. Has he bathed already?

Sienna's eyes opened and found his wet, naked-but-the-towel-wrapped-around-his-waist, body walking her way.

His green eyes were warm, only they weren't on her, but her maid.

"Good evening, sir." Fey, her maid, knew better than to meet Landon's gaze. Her eyes and hands were fixed on disentangling Sienna's hair with even greater speed and force. Her hands trembling.

"You may go and rest now. I'll help with Sienna's hair." Landon was now standing behind Sienna's chair, beside Fey, who instantly bowed and raced out of the room like she was being kicked out.

Sienna knew it wasn't out of respect for Landon but fear of her. Fey knew how Sienna dealt with women who talked to her husband. Or anyone who disrespected her.

'Smart girl,'  Tanya chimed in. Sienna smirked.

"My memory is a bit foggy, but I think I remember a thing or two about how to work your hair." Landon met Sienna's eyes through the mirror. "Please correct me when I make a mistake."

A small smile danced on his sexy lips and she almost wept. While Tanya moaned.

He was there, smiling at her, in their bedroom. Touching her forest-like hair and running his fingers and the small comb through it.