Free Mistress to the Beast by Eve Vaughn

her Garden of Eden and sample her forbidden fruit. Now as she sat in calm repose, there was a calm about her, making Hunter want to cocoon himself within her warmth.
    Unable to help himself, he took a step closer to the door. The movement brought both dogs’ heads up. Deja and Shadow jumped to their feet and ran to him, their tails wagging. Hunter gave the panting animals each an affectionate rub behind the ears, but his gaze never left Lila.
    She closed the book on her lap and wobbled to her feet, her expression wary. “I hope you don’t mind my making use of your library, or letting the dogs out of the kennel. They didn’t look too happy being cooped up behind that fence.”
    “I’d like your stay to be as comfortable as possible. Feel free to roam as you will. As for these two big babies, as long as you don’t mind, I don’t. Mrs. Coates keeps them in the kennel during dinnertime however, or they’ll steal food off the table.”
    A smile turned the corners of her full lips. “Really? These two seem like angels.”
    He grimaced. “Trust me, you’d only get a few bites of your meal with these two around. Between them trying to swipe the food from your plate, they’ll whine until you give in.”
    “Hmm, I guess that would get old pretty fast. They’re gorgeous creatures. How long have you had them?”
    “Three years. I got them when they were puppies. They were a great comfort to me after my—they’re good dogs,” he finished lamely. In a self-conscious movement he smoothed the hair covering his check. Never had he come so close to talking about his accident as he had just now—not that Lila would be interested anyway.
    The simple fact he’d basically blackmailed her to be here with him told Hunter she would probably be repulsed by his ordeal. Even now she didn’t quite look him in the face, instead keeping her attention focused on his dogs. Recalling how she’d turned her head when he’d tried to kiss her last night was all the rejection he could take in such a short period. There was no way in hell he’d open himself up to it again. He had to steel himself to not expect more from her than the limits of their bargain.

    www.samhainpublishing.com 57

    Eve Vaughn
    He ran his gaze over her jeans-clad figure. They were the same clothes she’d arrived in. “Is there a problem with the outfits I’ve provided you?”
    Lila shifted on her feet, wrapping her arms around her body. “The wardrobe is lovely, but I…I don’t feel comfortable wearing them.”
    Hunter furrowed his brows. He’d had the personal shopper pick out clothing from the top designers, nothing even the most discriminating of fashion plates could object to.
    “Not comfortable? Do they not fit?”
    “They fit fine.”
    “Then what’s the problem?”
    She rolled her eyes heavenward. “If you insist I wear them, I will, but I’m a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. Those clothes are far too beautiful for hanging around the house.
    Besides, when I was wearing that dress last night, which probably cost more than I earn in a month, I was so scared of spilling something on it.”
    “So what? Spills happen. You could have easily changed into a different outfit.”
    “That’s the thing. I don’t think I should have to. I don’t like feeling this way.”
    “I see. If you’re not happy with the items, I could have Ernest take you out tomorrow so you can buy whatever you like.”
    She shook her head. “That’s okay.”
    “Don’t worry about money. You can charge the clothes on my credit cards. After all, I did insist you not bring anything here but yourself.”
    “Because for some perverse reason you wanted to dress me up like a paper doll.”
    The bitterness was clear in her voice. “If that’s what you want then okay. I’ll play along, but let’s not pretend it was an act of generosity on your part. If anything, it’s an attempt to control me. You always have to have the upper hand don’t you?”
    The mercurial mood swing