Free Two by Day, Three by Night by Breanna Hayse Page B

opposite of lust is not self-control. It is love. Wanting what is best for another over your own desires. This struggle of your heart and body must be resolved and you must learn how to resist your need for her. You said that she lured your lust into laughter last evening?”
    “ Da . It felt… odd. I could not resist her laugh. The resonance of it kept me from taking her.”
    “Your other side was being pulled to her joy, just as your intellect will be drawn to her passion as well. Have patience.”
    “These riddles confuse me. I fear for what will happen if I do not reach this peace before you pass. You have dedicated yourself to me all these years…” Marcas choked back his grief.
    “I have no regrets of anything I have done or given for you. You have made me proud and have brought me much joy. When I pass, my friend, I pass. You must find peace with that. We all have a time when we must leave this place. I only want your happiness and healing to happen. I can leave you, knowing it will occur, one day.”
    “If he doesn’t destroy it,” Marcas said bitterly.
    “ He is still part of you. You must learn to not be angry with who, and what, you are. Now go collect your treasure, we have a long trip ahead of us. Tell me, what will you do when the time for division comes tonight? We will be on the plane when the Curse shows itself.”
    “I have plans. She will not be pleased, but it must be done at this time.”
    “I understand.” Sebastian sighed, suspecting that the baron’s plans would leave Courtney beyond any reasoning. He watched as Marcas turned back to the house, noticing that the younger man’s graceful stride was more determined and pronounced. Although they both knew that Courtney would be the key to Marcas’ freedom, neither had expected that the draw to the girl would be so sudden or so undeniably strong. Sebastian prayed that, together, they would help one another accept the truth about themselves and forever break the curse that haunted both of them. He lifted his voice to the heavens and asked that both the man and woman would quickly find God’s peace.
    Marcas quickly ascended the stairs and quietly opened the door to Courtney’s room. She was on her side sleeping soundly, her golden curls tousled as she held a pillow close to her chest. Her rosebud pink lips were set in a tiny smile and her pale backside peeked out from her over-sized T-shirt. He thought back to the other evening, after she had fallen asleep while still across his thighs. It had required his nurturing side to remove her from the other’s hold after her exhausting sexual experience. The other was unwilling to release her, wanting to satisfy his own urges, but was immediately discouraged. After a heated argument, Courtney was taken upstairs, cradled lovingly in Marcas’ arms, and then tenderly dressed and placed in bed.
    His prudent side had sat next to her for hours as he stroked her hair and face, humming a Romanian lullaby taught to him by his mother when he was but a child. Courtney had snuggled her cheek into the palm of his hand, her sleeping breath sounding like the contented purr of a kitten. Marcas rested next to her for a while, enjoying the feel of her body in his powerful arms as he made his own gentle claim to her heart. Seconds before daybreak, his other side had come to remove him, the silver gray eyes angry with jealousy. Only the melding of the two had prevented a fight.
    Bathed by the morning light, he noted that she was dreaming and hoped it was about him. He knew she felt the instant pull as strongly as he, but that she struggled with her own sensibilities against the connection. Time , he reminded himself… but I want her now… Focus! What were the words she used? Oh yes , turnabout is fair play . With an over-sized grin, he smacked her exposed cheek and jumped onto the bed to shake her.
    “Wake up, sleepy head. It’s time to go.”
    Courtney groaned, covering her face with the pillow and curling her