Free Shadows of the Past by Brandy L Rivers Page A

I just want to apologize. I shouldn’t have dragged her around like that. She didn’t freak out, and she didn’t even argue. The more I think about it, the more she reminds me of my daughter, Delilah. I feel like shit for the way I treated her.”
    She deserved an apology, and Simons was sincere. Hayden nodded. “Inktastic, but Adam tells me she’s busy. I don’t know when you’ll be able to see her.”
    “And how do you know that?” Simons smirked . “You interested in that little lady?”
    Shrugging, he thought about it a moment. He wasn’t ready to say too much. “She’s my kind, or close. For now, I just want to get to know her. I called to schedule an appointment.”
    Simons ’ brows rose as his eyes widened.
    Hayden narrowed his eyes. “My ear. Nothing more.”
    “And you haven’t done it before now?” Simons chuckled as he leaned back. “You’re actually interested in a woman. That’s got to be a first.”
    Hayden groaned. “She’s fae. Of course I’m curious about her. It’s nothing serious.” For now that was true. As soon as she showed a hint of real interest he knew he’d chase. He knew he would never be able to resist. First, he wanted to know who or what had put the fear in her eyes.
    “Sure.”
    “It’s the same as how you wolves like to congregate.”
    One dark brow arched , and Simons said, “You don’t hang out with Phineas or Dacia.”
    “Da cia is a raging bitch. Phineas’ breed is a solitary one. Brownies don’t seek others like some of us.”
    “A ll right, I’ll leave you alone. I just want to go apologize to her.” Simons got up and headed for the door. “What time are you going down?”
    “Five. I guess I’m the last one scheduled.”
    “Then if you don’t mind, I’ll meet you there and say my piece before she gets to you.”
    Hayden shook his head. “Go ten minutes early, so it doesn’t look like I put you up to it.”
    “Good idea, and I am sorry I treated her like a criminal.”
    “Just don’t do it again . Now go on.” Hayden nodded toward the door.
     
    * * * *
     
    “So, this is Clint. Just ignore what comes out of his mouth.” Fallon shot the werewolf a warning glance. “And Clint, she’s meaner than I am, so don’t hit on her. She’s not interested.”
    Amethyst had to hold in the laugh . Only Fallon would flat out lie to a werewolf enforcer and manage to get away with it. Of course, Fallon had already warned her about how hands on the guy could be.
    Clint pouted at Amethyst . “You aren’t? Are you taken?”
    Amethyst narrowed her eyes, trying to be stern when she really just wanted to giggle. He was sexy in a college boy sort of way with his short, stylish brown hair, alluring green eyes, and confident smile that brought out his dimples.
    She wasn’t interested yet, but she had a feeling he could tempt her.
    Putting steel in her tone , for Fallon’s sake, she informed him, “Not taken, but I’m not interested, so keep your paws to yourself. Remember, I’ll be holding sharp objects near sensitive areas.”
    “I like pain .” He grinned lasciviously.
    Rolling her eyes, she nodded to the chair. “It’s just your nipples, and I guarantee I can make it so you won’t like it if you’re a complete moron.”
    “Trust me, she will. So behave.” Fallon pointed her finger at him before she left.
    Clint took his shirt off and hopped up onto the chair with a sigh. “I’ll behave, but I must say you are very pretty and look so innocent that I can’t help wanting to corrupt you.”
    Amethyst felt her eyes widen. “Innocent?” Usually her facial piercings and inhuman shade of hair earned her funny looks and gave the exact opposite impression. She shook her head. “Innocent?”
    He nodded. There was a twinkle in his eyes. “Maybe that’s the wrong word. Maybe pure.”
    “Well, I’m neither.” She smirked, and couldn’t help noticing he was really nice to look at. All long lean muscle. “And you can’t corrupt me. So just close