Free Killer Temptation by Marianne Willis Page B

stepped around the copper claw-foot slipper tub, threw the clothes onto the settee, snatched a box of matches, and lit a few more candles. He strode to the large open stall to turn the lever.
    Hot, steam shot from the showerhead, and he adjusted the nozzle for additional pressure. For decades he had used the copper bathtub and had been close to tearing the shower stall apart with his bare hands when first installed, but soon got the hang of it. Like many of his kind, he preferred traditional facilities. But others protested against this, and he, along with the councilmen chose to allow some modern technology into their ancient homes.
    The council approved many things such as restaurants, bars, day spas, internet cafes, and cell phones. His sister in-law insisted he try the modern wash facility. She’d already won him over with the phone, so he trusted her recommendation.
    He stripped bare and stepped inside. His shoulders slumped as heat seeped beneath his pores, relaxing him. He laid his forehead against the tiles, eyes drifting shut, the tension in his neck easing beneath the wet warmth of the turbo setting. Brianna still cloaked his mind, covering every corner of his racing thoughts. That blonde, sleek hair, creamy skin and grey, deep-set eyes flashed like a slideshow behind his shut lids. “Soon.” He hit the ceramic wall with his palm, but the reassurance didn’t help. Soon wasn’t enough. Soon wasn’t now!
    Turning off the water, he snatched the thick maroon towel that hung on the wall outside the shower and dressed with speed, slipping into a pair of navy blue trousers, a black, button-down shirt and leather boots before heading back into his hopefully empty bedroom.
    Not a chance. Mikel sat at the edge of his bed. The stationary, ink and quill remained untouched on the bureau. The older vampire—who didn’t appear older at all—peered up, hard lines furrowing his face.
    “I will not let you go alone. You are still weak and in no position to flash around the world, even for that bitc…woman.” Mikel corrected when Tristan shot him a levelled stare.
    “I suppose you wish to take me, frère ?”
    “Of course. Our other frères’ will be joining us.”
    “You told Dominic and Julian. Was that necessary?” Why not just place him in a wheelchair? Or nurture him like a damn newborn? Better yet, if they wanted a swifter way to knock down his testosterone, they could kick him between the legs.
    “Yes.” Mikel rose from the bed and followed him to the wardrobe. “You may be blinded by your bond, but we all cannot forget what this woman almost did to you, for no reason, might I add.”
    Tristan snatched his black Bavaria jacket. “Maybe she did have a reason,” he mumbled under his breath, hoping Mikel hadn’t heard. His brother’s brows rose almost to his hairline. Of course. The man had the hearing of an owl. All vampires did.
    “You cannot be serious?”
    Tristan scowled, snatching a pair of gold cufflinks from his drawer. “Brianna comes from a witch family and it’s no secret a vampire killed that witch on the night of the annual celebration. So maybe she felt defensive to her witch community. Maybe someone in her family convinced her to seek revenge. The committee has received several threats already. Perhaps, she thought to act on those threats.”
    “ Bon Dieu! Look at you, defending this woman’s actions—”
    “I must.” He slammed the closet door shut. “I want to believe in my moitié . You don’t think I’m angry? A part of me wants to strangle her until she gives me a reason as to why she did what she did. Trust me, brother, fury has consumed me for weeks, but I must control my temper. At least until I learn the truth.”
    “Then what? What after?”
    “When, or if I learn the truth, I will deal with her. Brianna is mine. Only I touch her. Comprendre? ”
    Mikel nodded, but in no way was Tristan convinced. He’d have to keep an eye out. His brothers were known to lose their