Chapter One

London 1758

Rain sluiced from the dark-clouded sky. Chandler would be here soon. She did and she didn’t want to see him. After his last ultimatum more than two months ago, Georgia acknowledged the fact she would never be able to trust the man…her person forever…her mate for now and into the future.

She loved Chandler. Many days wished she didn’t.

She would never confide in or rely on the man. Would never be able to trust him with her heart or her person. He was not a good man. Chandler was a horrible person.

He insisted she stay the remainder of her contract after she gave birth to their little girl. Maintained she owed him. In her mind, Georgia didn’t believe she owed Chandler anything. He threatened her. Told her he would give her to Bertram, a man she despised, for his personal entertainment if she didn’t continue to work the nightly shows. She would be Bertram’s plaything. His little doll to toy with as he pleased. Also told her he would auction her to the patrons of his shows. If he sold her to the highest bidder, she would find herself on her back in the rooms on the third floor entertaining different men. Her favors would be sold to any man who had enough money as if she was a common whore. At the thought her stomach cramped. She was no whore. The only man she’d ever been with was Chandler.

Never, would she ever go back to the brothel. Her future along with her daughter’s and her unborn child lay ahead of her.

Giving into his demand was a lesser evil than the other choices he presented her with.

She endured the month and a half left on her contract. Escaped him. Now, she owned a home. She was beginning her career as a professional caterer. She did enjoy cooking. Loved to visit with her clients while they planned menus for their gatherings. With this job, she could bring her daughter along with her bodyguard Hollis to work. They did make an eccentric trio.

The situation was peculiar. Chandler insisted she hire Hollis. She smiled thinking about this man, who wanted to see to her protection even though he didn’t love or respect her. Chandler would never love anyone except himself.

Hollis was the largest man she’d ever known. His dark black skin glistened, while the muscles of his forearms bulged. Each and every time he smiled, the white of his teeth gleamed against the background of his face. If Hollis wished, he could lift her with one hand. His thighs were the size of tree trunks. Dark, very dark brown eyes, gifted his handsome face. He always treated her with respect. When Chandler visited, Hollis remained close. Surprising Georgia, Hollis was loyal to her, not the man who hired him.

Once she arrived in this small cottage just outside the busy city of London, Chandler would attempt to convince her to return to the fold. Her return to that decadent lifestyle would never happen. The five-month-old daughter she cradled in her arms was too important to spend her formative years living in a high-priced brothel. Maeve was the most important person in her world. Her hair was as black as midnight, her eyes the color of a vibrant summer sky. The little girl resembled her in every way. Didn’t look at all like her father. Georgia was pleased about the fact.

Chandler didn’t like the name she gave her daughter. Wished she called her something less Irish. Too bad. That was alright by her as long as he never abused the baby or the girl as she grew into womanhood. While he never hurt her, Georgia acknowledged the fact he harbored a mean streak. Recalled when he hurt his sister-in-law. Resented his immediate family for disavowing him. Promised revenge. He no longer sought vengeance. His business was too much fun as well as lucrative. By seeking revenge, he could lose everything.

Now, even though she was free of the brothel where he made his money, he continued to attempt to bring her into the world she left behind. A world she wanted no part of. Maeve would never see the inside of Chandler’s whorehouse. Would never learn about her mother’s participation in the debauchery within. With Chandler, she never cared who watched them while they were intimate. Didn’t even mind the participation of Jimmy along with Johnny when they fondled her breasts. Sometimes the scenarios excited as well as pleased. When he brought his best friend, Bertram, into the mix, she drew the line. Bertram disgusted her.

Now, her future lay ahead of her. She intended to make the most of her prospects. Their daughter’s potential would never be compromised by the filth of her father’s world.

Georgia let out a slow breath of air. She loved Chandler with all her heart. After some time, she came to realize he would never love her back. He was too enamored of himself to give his love elsewhere. This egotistical nature of his actions blurred anything that was good in him. He was unable to give of himself even though he was her mate.

The loud boom of thunder startled her. A tiny noise of surprise escaped the baby. Within her arms, she rocked Maeve. The noise frightened the child. Tears filled her beautiful blue eyes. The babe let out a thin wail of distress, her head bobbing against her as she searched for something that would give solace. Georgia brought her little love to her shoulder, smoothing her hand along her back to calm the infant. Maeve’s entire hand found its way to her mouth as she tried to soothe herself.

“Hush, little one, this is just a terrible storm. Lots of noise that’s all. The dark clouds will pass then the skies will be sunny as well as clear again. Nothing for you to worry over. You must get used to the tempest outside as well as the ones that will be brought to you because of your father. Your papa is not a good man.”

A long slow breath of air left her. She should never prejudice her daughter against the man who sired her. Time would explain to Maeve who her father was as well as what he was not.

Setting her hand on her stomach, she thought about the tumultuous days as well as nights with Chandler. She was pregnant again. Georgia wasn’t positive about how she felt about another pregnancy so soon. It would be difficult to raise one child by herself let alone two. Now she would have two little ones to be responsible for. The man made certain she conceived before he allowed her to set out on her own. She still didn’t believe he would, in truth, give her to Bertram. Mates didn’t treat each other in the manner he threatened. They were possessive as well as demanding of their partners.

Humming to Maeve, she strode around the room. Stopped to peer out the window. Set her forehead on the cold pane of glass. Maybe the storm slowed the man down. Perhaps he had a change of heart. Maybe an accident. The thought caught in the back of her throat. While she didn’t wish to have anything more to do with Chandler, she didn’t want any harm to come to him.

She hoped the storm would slow his progress. Maybe the wheels of his carriage would get stuck in the mud. A quagmire might serve to keep Chandler away for another night. Perhaps he would turn around, return to London. She wasn’t looking forward to the argument that would ensue upon his arrival. Chandler argued they should marry. Told her she should return with him so they could be together. The new Winter Snow was not the same caliber. His audience wanted her. She opposed a marriage between them. Never wanted him to own her.

Never!

Never say never too often. What you don’t wish for might come to pass.

Gritting her teeth against the thought of being under his thumb, she forced herself to stay strong. When she pushed her chin in the air then stiffened her back, the act would help. Considering this scenario, being weak would do her no good. Shivers pounded down her spine when she thought of those last days of her contract. Fear of what he could do to her or Maeve if she protested held her at his whim. That last month and a half, she did all he asked. Some of those nights, he would leave Bertram to stay with Maeve as a reminder of the command he held over her.

Maeve’s daddy was not a nice man.

She never did understand why he forced her on stage when she didn’t wish to be there. The audience witnessed her reluctance. That fact brought in more groats than the previous performances. Forced her with threats. Bertram was always close. Always nearby to carry out Chandler’s wishes if he asked. To her disgust, sometimes Bertram participated.

Until she arrived on the scene, the two men always shared their women, their conquests. To her knowledge, she was the first female Chandler and Bertram didn’t share. Well…that fact was one point in his favor.

“You are Winter Snow, the ice maiden,” Chandler told her with a grin that didn’t reach his eyes. “Your fans want to see you with me. Once, you enjoyed the lovemaking in front of an audience. You will again. Your unwillingness is an aphrodisiac to my audience. They wish to see you struggle against my attentions, to hold back your pleasure. Perhaps I should tie your hands above you. Leave you open to whatever my audience asks of me. We could allow them to write the script for us to play out. I am certain the production would be titillating. The pounds would pour into my coffers.”

She didn’t enjoy the last days of her contract. The different scenarios she found herself forced to endure were horrible. Her mind would be with Maeve, sheltered upstairs. While she never believed he might hurt the child, she could never allow herself to trust him or Bertram. Must take care to give into all his dictates. The time would pass. If anything happened to her, Chandler would become the child’s guardian. As soon as she escaped Chandler, working the ensuing weeks of her contract, she would set about making her father, Cormack O’brien, Maeve’s guardian.

The knock on the door startled her. Her stomach turned over while her heart pounded hard against her ribs. Before she walked to the door, she swallowed the huge lump of fear lodging in her throat.

Chandler…

A long deep breath helped for a swift moment. He was here. Would insist on staying the night. Could hold the horrific weather as the reason to remain. If he stayed, he would expect to share her bed. Chandler needed to realize she wasn’t going to change her mind about their future together. While she would never stop him from seeing his child, soon to be children, she didn’t intend to share intimacies with the man. She couldn’t bear to have him in her bed. Didn’t wish to be reminded of the intense feelings she had for the man.

Taking her time, she brought Maeve to her crib then set her inside. Kissed the baby’s forehead before drawing a light cover over her tiny body.

“Sleep tight, my darling. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” Beside the crib, Georgia lingered. “Your father is here now. I’ll check on you as soon as possible.”

The knocking on the door became more insistent. “Open the damn door!” The uttered words sounded frantic.

Father!

Georgia rushed to the door, unlocking then flinging it open. So thrilled to see him, she was in his arms before he could step inside the door. She heard the strong, steady beats of his heart. With each breath he inhaled, she felt the movement of his chest. His strong arms locked around her. As she pressed herself against his large frame, the moment was not much different than when she was a little girl. She wished she could keep him here with her forever. Wished he could protect her from Chandler. No one except herself could manage the feat. She needed to rely on her wits as well as her strength of will.

“Fáilte!” she cried out in welcome.

Cormack O’brien set her back to look at her. His smile was just as she remembered. “That was a nice welcome.” The ensuing pause seemed significant. His brows furrowed together. “Are you alright? The bastard hasn’t hurt you? Has he?”

She couldn’t stop the cringe at the label her father gave her mate even though the name was true. “I’m fine. Can I take your coat? Get you something to drink? You do know I wasn’t expecting you. You didn’t write.” She sounded as if she lectured her father even though she was certain the surprise visit was meant to be just that…a surprise. “You’re a long way from Belfast.”

“A nice hot cup of tea with a wee splash of brandy to help warm my chilled body would suffice. For the time being, I intend to take up residence in London.” Cormack shrugged from his coat. “Where’s my little Maeve?”

“Asleep in her crib. While I get your tea, you can look in on her.” Georgia smiled at her father’s back as he made his way to the nursery. “Don’t wake her. If she is awake, bring her out to the front room.”

Cormack was such a loving grandfather. What happened to her broke his heart even though he understood finding her mate was a necessity along with the claiming. After she discovered her mate, there was no backing down. She realized proceeding with her plan was a necessity. Well, Chandler, with his father’s help, learned the ceremonial words that would result in his ability to mark her as his.

While he claimed her, she did experience past lives together. Acknowledged the fact they would continue. Some of what she saw was turbulent. Other times they were so in love the sight of them together made her shake with longing for those long-ago years.

Forgetting what happened between their meeting and the claiming would never happen. Nor would she ever regret her experiences with him. Some of those moments were wild. At times exciting. Chandler understood all her weaknesses. She would never regret the twelve months, the good along with the bad. Maeve was the result of her first few encounters with Chandler. In less than five months, God willing there would be another child, a boy now.

The teakettle had been on the stove warming. It would not take much for the water to boil. She pulled cookies from her cookie jar to set on a plate. Arranged the teacups along with the plate on a tray she would bring to the front room. Brandy, lemons and sugar were included to add to the plain drink.

Before everything was ready, Georgia heard Cormack. When she brought the tray into the room, he was staring out the window at the pelting rain. His hands were behind his back. When he heard her walk through the door, he turned. Gifted her with a smile she realized he didn’t feel into his heart.

“Thought you might wish for something to eat as well.” Walking into the room, she set the tray on a table.

She poured the tea then handed her father the bottle of whiskey while she doctored her tea with a bit of lemon and milk. To sweeten, she added a spoonful of sugar. Wasn’t eager to tell her father she was expecting Chandler. Since he’d yet to arrive, thought the storm might have made him change his mind. Chandler was a man who loved his creature comforts. To be out in a night such as this one went against his natural behavior.

“Always thinking of others.” He tested the temperature with a small sip. “Good, glad you remembered the whiskey. Warms my innards on this cold November day.” With his look of concern, he seemed to see into her soul.

“I know you, Father. Understand your likes along with your dislikes. Try a cookie. Baked them yesterday. It’s a new recipe I’m trying out for my business. You can tell me what you think.” Her attempt to keep his mind off her relationship with Chandler wasn’t going to work. She could tell by the way his eyebrows drew together.

“You plan to go forward with this foolishness? I can’t believe you are going to cater to the rich and arrogant in the city.” He quirked a graying eyebrow to the ceiling appearing to test her mettle with her plans. “This is too much work. Maeve is only five months. There is another on the way. You will over tire yourself.” He paused again, tapping his finger while he appeared to be thinking.

“My ideas are not foolish. I need to support my daughter. While I’ve put some money away, the two of us will go through those funds if it’s not supplemented. Before my eyes, she is growing, sprouting up so fast. Every time I turn around, seems she needs larger clothing.”

“I will continue with your allowance.” His voice was so stern she brought her head up to look into his eyes. “There will be no need to supplement your income with work outside your home.” Cormack bent over, his forearms resting on his thighs. “I will see to all your needs.”

“I understand. I will accept your kind offer if I need money. Don’t mind if you continue to put my allowance into the account you set up in London in my name. The only coin I intend to use unless there is an emergency is what I’ve added to the account.”

“Stubborn girl…” Cormack muttered under his breath. “What did I do to make you so willful you won’t listen to good common sense?”

Yes, she was stubborn. Meant to forge a life along with a future for her and her children. “Thank you for being here for me. Having you in my home makes me feel less uneasy. I also need to find a nanny for Maeve. Any suggestions?” Even though her father had many negative opinions, he could be helpful. Cormack had her best interest in his heart. Helping out his daughter was his role as he saw it.

He grumbled for a few ticks of the old clock on the mantel above the fireplace. “A grandmother, yes, she lives too far from her grandchildren. Met her just the other day while she was shopping for groceries. Doesn’t enjoy living in the city. With you in mind, we had a nice long chat. She would treat Maeve as one of her own. Lives here in London. Doesn’t have much. Certain there is plenty of room for her in your little cottage.”

Georgia didn’t repress the giggle on the tip of her tongue. “The cottage is not so little. Did you know it had a name? Of course, you did. Orange Blossom Cottage is not what I intended. I assume you put a hefty downpayment on the home. Otherwise, I doubt if I could have afforded the monthly dues.”

The extra money her father had a way of dropping on her was both appreciated and was not. If she were to make a go of this independent life she saw for herself, this was something she needed to accept. “I do intend to pay you back at some time in the distant future.”

Cormack looked up, surprise registering in his vibrant blue eyes. With a slight tilt to his head, he began with a snort. “No…no I didn’t place a downpayment on this Orange Blossom Cottage you bought. Doing so did cross my mind. Nor did I negotiate the price down. As you asked, I stayed out of the affair. You did tell me you intended to do this on your own. I accepted your wishes even though I disagreed with the concept.”

So startled by the revelation, the teacup she held slipped from her hand. Hot tea splashed around her. She stood to shake the water from her skirts then picked up the broken cup. With some of the napkins on the tray she wiped up the mess she created. Dazed by the revelation, walking into the kitchen she mulled over all he told her. Nothing made sense. If he didn’t, who did?

The man didn’t lie. If he told her he stayed out of the picture because she wanted him to do so, his words were the truth. What was left was something she didn’t like. Didn’t want to owe Chandler anything. He was not supposed to have stepped into the negotiations or paid even a single penny for this home. She stuck her chin in the air while she poured more tea into her cup. Her back stiffened while she thought on the repercussions of her new discovery.

Bloody eyes, Chandler was trying to buy her! The man meant to orchestrate her return to the brothel by putting her in debt to him. Seemed he would stop at nothing. She sipped in a deep breath of stuffy air. Tried to stiffen her backbone against her mate. He wasn’t going to succeed. With a fresh cup of tea in hand, she sat down across from her father. Her fingers shook, the cup rattling on the saucer. She set the China back on the tray, unnerved by the revelation.

Rubbing his jaw, Cormack stared at her. “Chandler? Do you think he discovered who our agent was? I didn’t tell him.”

“Through the Wolcott name he has unbreakable connections. Through his business he has the ability to blackmail any number of important people. Besides you, he is the only other possibility. No one else would toss money my way.” For a few moments, she fiddled with her skirt. Looking up, she tilted her chin. Her gaze focused on her father, “I’m not certain what I should do at this juncture. I cannot give him funds I don’t have. I’m certain he…well…he would not take the money from me even if I had the needed amount. His intention is to use this situation to bend me to his will. The man wants me back in the brothel performing with him. He intends to have me under his thumb.”

“I will see to this problem. Don’t wish for you to worry. With the child along with the new baby on its way coupled with the business venture you wish to create, you’ve enough on your mind. I’ll also see to the hiring of the nanny for you. The lady is wonderful. Positive you will appreciate her skills.”

“The woman will be a godsend. I will look forward to having female company. While Hollis is a dear, he doesn’t talk much. Do you think the woman will enjoy coming with me when I cater? I’m still…” Georgia wasn’t certain if she could speak of breast feeding with her father. She didn’t feel comfortable addressing the subject.

“You still need to feed Maeve. I get that. Of course, she will wish to follow along with you and the child. If you are agreeable, your new nanny might also wish to help with the cooking. She told me she is skilled in the kitchen. However, I believe she was hoping to invite me to dinner. We were interrupted before she could issue an invitation.”

The loud wail brought both their attention to the nursery down the hall. “Speaking of feeding the babe. Maeve must be hungry or frightened. The storm is still loud, booming all around the house. She doesn’t like thunder or loud noises.” Wind howled around the eaves. “Excuse me for a moment. I’ll feed her then bring her out. You can play with her.”

Georgia took her time changing Maeve’s diaper, then sitting down with her while she nursed. Her father gave her a great deal to mull over in her head. She wasn’t certain how to proceed with Chandler other than to continue on this same course. Everything she decided on was difficult. If she didn’t love the man, none of this would matter.

Debating with herself, she couldn’t make up her mind whether to confront Chandler about the downpayment or ignore what he did. In any case, Georgia didn’t believe her decision would change the outcome. She didn’t need to decide this instant. Part of her evaluation would be made when she discovered his motive.

After she finished feeding Maeve, she brought her out to see her grandfather. Cormack held out his hands to her while Maeve gifted him with a huge smile then a little squeal which sounded much like pleasure. It was obvious to her Maeve loved her grandfather. When he visited, he always made time to play.

A thick wool blanket was spread on the floor for Maeve. Cormack lay down beside the baby, handing her different toys for her to peruse. Everything he handed her found its way to her mouth. She seemed to like the cloth doll the best. She was propped in a sitting position. It would not be much longer before she would be able to sit by herself. She was growing up way too fast.

While the two played, Georgia tidied up the front room before heading for the nursery to rinse out the diaper. Once she thought this type of work would not suit. Now, she found everything, even diaper-duty, was something she could do without complaint. Humming to herself, she left the nursery. Wandering to the front room, with her arms crossed she leaned against the wall and watched. Maeve reached for the wooden toy. Started to topple. Her grandfather caught her then lifted her high above his head. Georgia thought she could watch these two forever.

All this time, she forgot Chandler was supposed to arrive. He was late. Tardiness was not something unusual. Chandler did what he wanted when he wanted. Didn’t care for time restrictions. She acknowledged the fact her father would not leave just because Chandler showed up. Cormack meant to stay. Tonight, because of the storm, she would have two men under her roof. Two men who despised each other.

Chandler would want to occupy her bed. His doing so was not going to happen. Not in this instance. Keeping him from her bed when he visited was difficult. He knew just how to seduce. Never stopped with the word, no. Thought he had carte blanche with her body. In some ways he did.

Once, one time, he managed to seduce her. He made love to her, carrying her to her bedroom. He set her with gentle ease on the bed. The mating was hard…messy. In this instance, she felt shame at what they did. Felt dirty. After he finished, Chandler grinned at her. Believed he made his point clear. Whether or not she lived with him, she was his. After the one and only episode, she tried harder to remain strong. Attempted to stay away from him. Let him play with his daughter. Watched. Was always amazed at the tenderness he showed their baby. He never left the cottage without making love to her at least once.

With the new pounding on the door, Georgia realized this small period of tranquility had come to an end. Chandler was here. He would attempt to dominate everything. His wishes would be made clear. The rest of the evening would become a battle of wills between her father and Chandler. This evening, she was glad there would be a buffer between them. Chandler would stay more than one night. If her father knew, he might also choose to remain at the cottage. Feeling the stress, she pinched the bridge of her nose. Tried to breathe.

Before she could reach the door, Cormack with little Maeve in his arms, tugging on his ear, opened the door.

“Chandler.” There was no emotion in his voice. A cold chill enveloped each word. “What are you doing here? Don’t believe you are welcome.”

“Cormack.” Chandler was just as frigid. “I’m here to see my daughter along with her mother. You can’t stop me. Both are mine.” He pushed past her father, shoving him aside. Stopped when he spotted her. “Winter…you are looking lovely tonight.”

Her father could be a cold man when the purpose suited him. Cormack was unforgiving for the time she spent with her mate in the brothel. Intolerant about some of the things Chandler orchestrated during those months. Though she told him less than nothing, he heard tales of what went on behind the closed doors. She signed a contract saying she was willing. The contract for a year was binding. What Georgia would never forgive him for was what happened after she gave birth. Would never pardon him for the threats he made to her person along with the threats to their daughter.

Chandler could be even colder. Could be mean as the devil. Georgia recalled what he did to Harris, his brother’s wife. That was all before he made his first fortune with the whorehouse. Now, he was among the wealthiest men in London, possibly the richest.

“Came to see Winter,” Chandler nodded toward her. “My mate,” he added with emphasis for her father.

“Her name is Georgia,” Cormack ground out through clenched teeth. His hold on Maeve tightened.

“Not to me,” Chandler pointed out as he stepped into the room. “Winter Snow is the woman I’ve known in so many different ways. I’ve seen as well as touched every delicate, white part of her.” Chandler’s insulting gaze traveled the length of her then settled on her face. “She is the woman I claimed. If you’ve any doubts, all you need to do is look at her shoulders. Those are my claw marks. Winter is mine. The babe is mine. I own them. Their fate rests in my hands. If I want Winter to be my playmate again, she will.”

“Don’t elaborate, Chandler. What you said to father should not have been expressed,” Georgia pushed away from the wall. Walked toward Chandler but stopped before she reached him. “I’m not going anywhere. There is no need for the two of you to argue. Maeve won’t like the loud voices. You’ll scare her. If the two of you continue in this manner, the both of you will make her cry.” Just within the few minutes while the two males bristled for superiority, her nerves stretched. She set her hand on her somersaulting stomach. The stress was almost too much to bear.

“Why is your father here? Had plans to have a discussion with you…an important one. Can’t speak to you with company. Send him away.” He looked her over. Once he perused her from her head to her toes, Chandler stopped at her breasts before lifting his gaze to her eyes.

Georgia understood he would have made some other comments if her father wasn’t in the room. She wasn’t positive why her father’s presence would stop him. Though she did appreciate the small effort he made.

“Hollis has made up a room for you if you wish to stay the night. The storm is still howling. Father is staying here also. You are welcome to spend the night in the guest room.” The words of welcome caught in her throat even though he always stayed at least one night.

Dinner would be a tense affair. Already, she felt the pressure building between her father and Chandler. What she didn’t say was that he wasn’t welcome in her bed. Couldn’t say those words in front of the man who sired her. Even beginning the night in a separate room, she would not be surprised to find him beneath the same covers by morning. She would think of a way to keep her distance. Chandler thought of her as his possession. Her deflection from his brothel, infuriated him. Tonight, she intended to sleep in the nursery. Hollis would have her bed. If he did seek her out in the middle of the night, he would find the huge black bodyguard, not her. The thought brought a smile to her lips, one she needed to hide from Chandler.

She hoped given enough time he would begin to understand this was the right thing to do for their child. Ignoring the babe, he stepped up to her. Placed his hand on her belly. Grinned. Caressed. Smiled again.

“A tiny bump…a promise for my future. Do you think this one is a boy?” he asked as his fingers moved across her. “I hope so. A son I can mold to be like me.”

“No!” Georgia moved away from him, surprised by his words. She had prayed for another girl. Wasn’t to be. “Never…you won’t have the opportunity.” She knew as a shifter, Chandler should know the gender. His powers were weak.

The fury in Cormack’s eyes was undeniable. “Leave off. You’ve no right to touch my daughter. Didn’t hear her give you permission to set your hand on her stomach,” he growled, his voice low and deep.

“You can’t stop me, old man,” Chandler spoke with an air of superiority. “You can’t stop me and neither can your daughter. If it’s a boy she is carrying, he will live with me. Perhaps, Winter will return to me so she can be near her second child.”

Maeve let out a tiny whimper at the harshness of her grandfather’s voice. Georgia paled at Chandler’s words about a son. Her breath wobbled in the back of her throat as she tried to grasp the new threat. Cormack’s retreat from his building anger was undeniable. Her father would do nothing to cause her more discomfort. Chandler’s look of victory was also undisputable. He was filled with himself. Caught up in the moment. He would use the baby any way and any time he could.

Hollis, bless his heart, seemed to understand what was happening. He stepped between the two men. She found she could breathe again. “Father, would you put Maeve to bed. She is tired. Sing a song to her. She loves the sound of your voice.”

The two men needed distance between them. She needed to make certain her father never showed up here unannounced again. Two bristling male peacocks were too much for her to deal with. Her head ached.

Her bodyguard sat on a large chair near the fire. His hands were folded in his lap. His legs were stretched out in front of him. He didn’t say anything. His size alone would intimidate most men. She walked to the kitchen. Dinner was roasting in the oven. Vegetables were ready to steam. She hoped Chandler would sit down in the main room. Wasn’t surprised when he shadowed her to the kitchen. Set his hand on her shoulder. She flinched away from him.

“Why is your father here?” Chandler’s harsh voice reverberated behind her.

His hands were set with possession on her shoulders. She tried to shrug them off even though she understood the attempt would be useless. He brushed his lips across the back of her neck. Bit with a light touch meant to tempt her to his wishes. The contact gave rise to a shiver she needed to ignore. He understood how to touch her as well as where.

Stiffening, she cut vegetables. Chopped hard as if she was cutting into him. To answer him would give him more questions. Not answering him would enrage the man. She didn’t wish him to be angry. He was hard to deal with when he was calm. This was not how she planned the evening before her father showed up unannounced. Catching her lip with her teeth, she tried to keep her mind focused on preparing their dinner. Realized Chandler wasn’t about to let up. He would continue until he got what he wanted from her.

“Why is your father here? You knew I was visiting. Tell him no next time or I won’t be responsible for what happens. Not willing to share my time with you. Hollis living here is bad enough. Though I do acknowledge the need for a man to protect you when I’m not here to do so.”

“Don’t need protection except from you.”

She swallowed her anger along with her fears. “To see Maeve, I believe my child is the main reason my father arrived here during this storm. I had no idea he intended to visit. He never wrote.” She also thought he would try to make her see everything from his point of view. Every time her father visited, he spouted new examples as to why she would return to their home in Ireland.

~ * ~

Chandler slipped his hand around her to cup her breast. Heard the tiny hiss of pleasure. Ran his thumb across the tip. Since she was nursing Maeve, she wore only a chemise beneath her gown. He held on to the taunt crowns, twisting. Bloody eyes, but he missed her. Missed all of her. Needed to feel her sultry heat surround him, kiss his length with sweet pulses. It didn’t make a difference that her father was here. He meant to sleep with her tonight. Would do so.

“What do you want?” she asked, her words clipped while she placed the chopped vegetables into the pan.

“Shocked you need to ask. Thought what I wished for in this cottage was you…or did you think I came to see the baby?” Chandler didn’t care much about Maeve. Girls had one reason to be on earth…for a man’s pleasure. Otherwise, females were worthless. When she was old enough, he would choose her husband. Find a rich titled man for her. If she didn’t accept his choice, he would find a role for her to play in his cast of characters.

His thumb continued the lazy path across her nipple. Felt some moisture as he touched her there. Some of her milk leaked. He liked the sensation. Was different from what he was used to. Sucking on her, he would taste her milk.

“Sit down, Chandler. Burning the dinner would not be pleasant.” She tried to twist away from him. His hands slid to her hips. Held her still. Brought her against the hard length of his arousal.

“Ah, you can’t concentrate on two things at once?” Chandler bit the back of her neck again before moving one hand back to her breast, squeezing the hard tip he’d been massaging. He did as she asked. “Don’t like your father. You do understand my feelings about the man. He wants to take you back to Ireland with him. You comprehend I would never allow you to leave me. I would follow. Bring you back.”

He sat down at the small kitchen table. They’d eaten breakfast in here each time he visited. Did so once a week. Georgia brought him a snifter of brandy. He studied her. She was always so bloody cool. Her emotions were like ice.

“Join me?” Chandler asked. He held up the glass. Knew she would decline. The few times she drank, she didn’t hold her liquor all that well. Wouldn’t mind if she became a bit fuzzy-headed before bedtime. He would never feel one moment of guilt. “Sit down. Have some wine.”

Remorse was lost on him. As far as he was concerned, the feeling was a waste of time. Thought of the show in London that was going on right now. Ah…it was Summer along with Autumn who would be on display this evening. When he wasn’t participating, Jimmy was the one to play with his little school girl. Summer played other parts with him, all virgin parts. After a year she was not the virgin who came to him. Though he was working on a new script for the woman. Wasn’t surprised when she signed on for a second year. Her family still sacrificed her for his entertainment. They needed the money. Summer didn’t like the work. Didn’t enjoy the auction where men bid on her for their personal use. Didn’t enjoy being a whore. His clients loved her. Paid top dollar for her charms. Most of the men who bought her, loved to bring her to heel.

“No. Don’t want wine tonight.”

She stirred the vegetables. Seemed she was trying to keep her distance from him. Her ploys would never work.

“I think you will.” Chandler found the bottle of wine. Splashed a good amount into a glass. “Drink.”

He didn’t know if she would comply to his wishes. If she didn’t, he had ways to make her drink.

He was pleased with his efforts when he saw her chin tilt and her back stiffen. He liked it when she thought she could get her way. Winter understood he would insist then continue to insist until she drank the wine. He eyed the almost full bottle then Winter. She would down the bottle before the evening was finished. He would see to it. Maybe begin on a second one.

“You realize I don’t like to drink.” Opening the oven door, she bent over to check the meat. Her delicious rump was presented to him. He didn’t think she would bend over in front of him if she understood what the sight did to him. Chandler imagined thrusting into her from behind. He could set her face down on the little kitchen table. Toss her skirts…ah… So swollen with lust for her, he had to adjust himself.

“Drink the glass of wine.” His voice held a hard edge as he confronted her disobedience. Insubordination was not something he would allow. She would do as he wished. “Drink, then I’ll pour you more. You do understand I’m not giving you a choice. I still own you.”

Winter nodded. Drank half the glass before she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. After she swallowed, he smiled while he watched her body shudder. It was obvious she didn’t enjoy the taste.

“The rest of it…”

He pointed to the glass while he held the bottle up to her. Winter would understand, she would finish the bottle before the night ended.

He hooted his laughter when her brows drew together and her lips thinned with her burgeoning anger. While he didn’t hold all the cards tonight because her father was in the house, he still had the winning hand. Their daughter was vulnerable. Winter understood he could do what he wished. Told her if she disobeyed, he would find the worst workhouse in the slums of London. Almost the moment Maeve was born, he made the fact clear to her the baby was expendable. If she behaved, he would grant her some leeway. Nonetheless, Maeve’s future rested in his hands.

Finishing the glass, Winter slammed it on the table. “Are you satisfied?”

Her eyes blazed with fury. She was passionate. He’d felt her passion many times. Watching the rise of anger now pleased him.

His grin turned into a chuckle. “Not yet. No, not satisfied at the moment. By tomorrow morning I’m certain to be feeling better…more than quenched by your fire.”

Again, he laughed at her. Saw the look of defeat in her sparkling blue eyes. With Winter he would always have his way. He allowed her to leave the brothel. Didn’t think he could ever be so generous. The feeling he would gain more sway over her if she wasn’t with him every day of the week was a top priority in his mind. The more he granted her the more he held over her head. The more she would owe him. Chandler wished for Winter to owe him the world then more.

“You are not coming to my bed.” She pointed the serving fork at him, her brows drawing together as if her scowl would stop him. The one she tested the roast with. “Not while my father is in the house. I swear…” Turning her back to him, she pulled dishes from the cupboard then silverware from the drawer clattering around her.

“We shall see.”

He grinned at her stiff back. Decided she needed more wine. The sooner she felt the influence of the alcohol the easier it would be to seduce. She would still tell him no. He would say yes. As always, she would melt around him. Chandler knew just the right places to fondle then to massage with serious concentration.

In one lithe cat-like move he rose. Chandler was beside her before she could step back. Pulling her to him, he pressed her length against him. His hands cupped her sweet butt. Her large breasts pushed against his chest. When he brought her closer, he knew she would feel his arousal. He wanted to be snug within her. Intended patience.

“No, Chandler. You cannot have me anytime you wish. I don’t want you in my bed. Do not threaten me with our daughter. You would never do the things you say just to get yourself into me. You are not as ruthless as you wish me to believe.”

Winter didn’t struggle against him. No, she held herself very still. Frozen, just like the ice queen she was. She would not give into her passion as long as she was fully clothed. He wanted to change the situation. With her father as a house guest, he didn’t intend to mortify her to the tips of her toes if Cormack entered the kitchen.

“I know your ploy, Winter. Doesn’t make a bit of difference if you act frigid. Nor does it matter to me if you say no. Your no doesn’t mean a bloody thing to me. I will have you tonight. Understand how to make you want me.” Chandler kissed her hard. He needed to savor the taste of her. Thrust his tongue deep into her just as he wished to thrust his sex inside her small body. Wanted to become part of her while she moaned and heaved beneath him. She didn’t move. Her hands remained limp at her sides. There was no response from her. He groaned at the quick rise of sexual power he experienced. Tugging on her bottom lip, he sucked the sweet flesh inside.

While he continued to kiss her, he slipped his hand inside the bodice of her gown. Held his hand against her where he could feel the rapid stamping of her heart. Swept his hand across her hard-tipped nipple. Delicious feminine sounds floated from the back of her throat. His smile was one of victory. She was not as immune to his seduction of her as she tried to make him think. She couldn’t freeze him out of her bed. He wanted to kiss her again. Decided against another one when he heard footsteps. There would be more time to grant her the pleasures of the flesh he knew she craved. His Winter could never remain frozen against him for long.

“Finish dinner,” he left her side to return to the chair along with his brandy. “Believe I’ll watch you. Love to see your breasts move when you do small things. They are so large. Firm ripe melons meant for our pleasure. The small damp spots on your shirt are such a delight. Those two beautiful globes are so much larger now that you’ve given birth and Maeve is suckling on your tits. Think about me sucking on each one. Pulling your breast so far into my mouth that you scream with the pure delight of the ecstasy I give.” After filling her wine glass again, he stretched his legs in front of him. Sipped on the brandy. Gazed.

The next ten minutes, he studied her. Sought a way to get her to admit she wanted him. Bloody hell, Chandler knew she loved him. Begged him to claim her. They made love the night of the claiming. He’d taken her several times before they fell asleep. He never believed she would leave the brothel. Never realized she was serious until it was too late to keep her where he wanted her. That’s when he made his threats to give her to Bertram. She detested his best friend.

Winter refused to marry him. Refused! Told him she didn’t want him to own her. Said now that he claimed her as his mate, she didn’t need marriage. All that needed to be done to secure their passage through time together had been completed. Had the gall to tell him, she hoped he would be a better man in the future.

The table was set. Would Maeve sleep for most of the night? Chandler wondered how often Winter fed the little girl. She was five-months-old now. Surely, Winter didn’t get up more than once. Maeve was eating some solid food. Maybe she slept through the night. The last few times he visited, he didn’t pay much attention. Every time Winter allowed him to seduce her, she swore to him sex with him was the last time.

“Dinner is ready,” she stood in the main room wiping her hands on a towel. Hollis along with her father rose.

The meal was eaten in silence. Chandler continued to fill her glass with the red wine. She drank. He was content. Acknowledged the fact she would never argue with her father in the room. Would be compliant to his whims. With dinner finished, Cormack settled in a big chair facing the fire. For his further amusement, Chandler decided to help Winter with cleaning up. Well, he wasn’t going to help. He meant to fondle all those beautiful body parts of hers he adored as well as missed during the long week. Meant to caress her breasts, her hips, the soft damp parts between her legs. Her breathy little sighs of pleasure would lend encouragement to his plans. By the time he finished, she wouldn’t be able to refuse him. Winter would come to him warm as well as willing.

Opening another bottle of wine, he spilled more into her glass. By the expression on her lovely face, she wasn’t pleased. Her hands were in the sudsy water. He held the glass to her lips. If she didn’t open her mouth then drink, the liquid would spill down to her lovely breasts. The thought of sipping the wine off the tips gave him something to think about. Another time perhaps, when there weren’t so many people in the house. He saw himself pulling her corsage down to her waist while her hands were immersed in the sudsy water. Seducing Winter would satisfy him. For him, she was an easy mark. Perhaps he didn’t wish to wed Winter. The woman could be a demanding shrew. She always had a plan contrary to his. This arrangement almost suited him. As soon as he could convince her she wanted him in her bed, he would be more than pleased. Perhaps she would return with him to the brothel. No, he doubted she would give into his whim.

She drank. He didn’t put the glass down. When Winter gasped, wine slipped from her mouth to run down her chin. He followed the path of the drops with his lips, touching her chin then sipping wine from her long slender neck. He paused at the racing pulse at the base. Sucked then nibbled. Felt the shuddering rush of pleasure from her slender body. As he charmed those evocative places, he knew they would bring her to the point where she wouldn’t snub his efforts. He would continue this until she begged for more pleasure.

Ah, but the evening would drag on before he could climb into her bed. Before he could have his way with her delicious body. He missed her. Was used to having her every night, showing her off to the lecherous people who paid to watch him give his ice queen her pleasure. Loved to see her reach that beautiful pinnacle more than once in the evening.

“Don’t…” Winter’s eyes were closed. Her shoulders stiff. “Please don’t. I don’t want anything more to drink. I’ll get sick. The wine can’t be good for Maeve. She is such a tiny little thing. Chandler, no…”

“Open them. Open those pretty eyes of yours. I want to see what you’re feeling. Do you realize you are an open book for me to read?”

He watched the slow move of her lashes. Gazing into her eyes he saw her anger flare along with fear of him. Chandler didn’t like seeing distress in her eyes. Though he understood at one time he enjoyed seeing terror in the eyes of a woman. He shook his head. He wasn’t like that anymore. Found he liked to see desire in a woman’s eyes, in Winter’s eyes. Winter wasn’t afraid of him. She loved him. Had said the words the night of the claiming. If she loved him, why didn’t she want him in her bed? That was a question to befuddle his mind.

Chandler scrunched the fabric of her gown in his hands while he brought the material higher up her legs. With his boots between her feet, he pushed hers apart. Felt the fine shiver of desire rush through her. He teased her soft flesh. Rested his hand on her belly. Cursed the fact the house was filled with people.

“I don’t want you to touch me there.”

Her muted voice told him of her arousal. The words she spoke weren’t true. Soon she would beg for him to bring her to the point where she lost command of her body.

“Where?” He didn’t care what she wanted. He told her the fact numerous times. “Where is it you don’t want me to touch you? Here? Or there? Maybe over here?” His hand roamed. Scorched her flesh with its presence. For about the hundredth time tonight, he wished they were alone and she was naked.

The wine glass at her lips stopped her from replying. She drank more. Swallowed the potent liquid. She was on the second bottle of wine. He smiled with thoughts of desperate pleasure rumbling around in his head. She might have a raging headache when she rose. What did he care for her morning comfort if the wine gave him better access to her feminine endowments?

He wanted to come into her from behind. With her father sipping brandy in the front room, she wouldn’t let out even a squeak. She would hold the yell of ecstasy inside her mouth. After setting the glass down, he ran his hand along the inside of her leg. Touched her. Fondled the softness welcoming his attention. Found her dampness delightful. Thrust two fingers through the soft welcoming folds that were even now pulsing, milking his fingers with her need. Her body was crying out for him.

“You want me.”

“No.” In defiance of her word, her head was thrown back. Rested on his shoulder. He watched the frantic tick of her pulse at the base of her neck.

Stroking her, fondling her with intimate precision, he understood if he continued, she would climax in a matter of seconds. Not wishing for her to reach her pleasure, Chandler brought his hand away. Heard the tiny noise of disappointment. Touched her cheek with his wet fingers. Sipped on the back of her white neck. Thought to travel lower. He did. Tested the flesh along her shoulder. Unfastened several buttons as he slid the fabric aside.

“You want me,” he repeated. “You can deny with words all you want. Your beautiful woman’s body is telling a different story. If I allowed it to happen, in another second you would have screamed your pleasure.”

“No.”

“Come, finish the dishes. Believe I heard your father retiring for the night. We can go to your room as soon as you…”

He paused while he looked her up then down. She must be blocking her thoughts from him. He wished to listen to what was in her mind. “I’ll undress you. You can do the same for me. We will sleep naked after I’ve given you more pleasure than you deserve for denying yourself what you want.”

“You’re not going to sleep with me,” Winter continued in the same vein. “You are not going to sleep with me or give me pleasure.”

While he wasn’t known as an easygoing man, he felt as if he exhibited a great deal of patience where his ice queen was concerned. A bit of standoffishness was alright. Winter carried the aloofness to an extreme.

“We will see,” his soft murmur surprised him. His feelings for this woman shocked him. Chandler denied to himself the tenderness he felt for her. He didn’t love Winter. Acknowledged the fact he was a man incapable of love. Lived on the seedier side of life which he enjoyed to his immense delight. Every day of his life there were women vying to gain his attention. He was a man who thrived on sex as well as female attention. Since Winter surged into his life, he’d not wanted any other woman. He forced himself to play with a few he employed. Couldn’t stand the thought he only wanted to have Winter in his bed. When he returned, he would take Celine to his bed while Summer Passion watched. Next, he would give Summer more pleasure than she merited. The girl was too standoffish though her act was part of her charm. The men loved to bring her down a peg or two.

Winter turned on him. Her hands pressed against his chest. Her eyes blazing with emotions, she told him again her thoughts on the most prevalent topic on his mind. He’d gone without her long enough. She wasn’t going to escape his attention tonight. All he meant to do was give her the sweetest climax.

“You are not…”

Chandler held up the glass that was still half full. “Finish this. Once I’m done with your lovely self, you will sleep soundly.” All tolerance with her denials fled. “I will come to you as soon as the house is quiet. Though your father should understand I belong with you. He knows I claimed you. With that said, Cormack would also comprehend you are mine.”

Winter shook her head. She tried to push away from him. Her breasts shimmied across him. He groaned his delight. “No. Don’t come to me. Can’t you understand? I don’t want you. You need to comprehend. Stop coming here. I want nothing to do with you. You don’t care about Maeve. You won’t care about Colin.”

Chandler didn’t wish to admit to the emotion. He was hurt by her comments by her denial of him. Retaliated to her negative words. “Yes.” He helped her finish the wine. Held the glass until she drank all the liquid. Set his hand at the small of her waist. “Come, you look tired. You need to rest.”

He steadied her when she missed a step. She was just where he wanted her to be. Winter would be pliant as well as willing when he came to her in another hour. He loved waking her from a deep sleep. Would kiss her closed eyes, the tip of her nose. After that he would fondle her mouth with his lips then his teeth. He would caress those sweet parts of her that were his favorite places. She would be warm and wet. Ready to accept his full arousal. When her eyes opened, he’d thrust inside. Would fill her to the brim then more. Would accept her cry of pleasure into his mouth. No one in the home would be the wiser.

“I don’t,” she swallowed her words. “Don’t…no…in my bed. Can’t.” She leaned into him, pressing her weight against his chest.

On his shoulder, her head lolled. She stumbled again, steadied herself with her hand. “Yes, in your bed, Winter. That’s where I belong. In time you will see things my way.” They walked past the nursery.

“No.”

“Do you need to see to Maeve?”

He wanted her to be done with the nursing then waiting for him. She would unveil her breasts. While he watched, he would see his little girl suckling at her breast. It was a fine sight. Though he threatened her with Maeve, he would never do anything to harm the baby. In the present, the child made Winter vulnerable. He appreciated that aspect of his little girl. If he would mold Winter to his wishes, she needed to be defenseless.

“No.”

At the door to her room, he gave her a gentle push before walking away. He was going to have a few words with Hollis then retire to his room. Thought he should have helped her out of her clothing. Did enjoy disrobing her. Before he sought Winter’s bed, he would wait until the house quieted. Until there were no sounds disturbing the cottage. He stepped into the front room, lighted with a few lanterns. Outside the wind still howled. It was a miserable night for anyone to be outside. Inside the fire warmed the home. He stuck his hands out to receive some of the heat generated.

“Hollis,” he said as he settled into a large chair with a glass of brandy in his hand.

He held it with both hands, warming the liquid as he rolled the glass between his hands. Watched the amber liquid catch the warmth of the fire.

“Chandler. You will behave yourself tonight.”

Hollis’ sigh after the words held a wealth of meaning. Hollis would understand his words meant nothing to him. Hollis was a good man. He was glad he protected Winter. He was loyal to her as well as Maeve. Tonight, he wished him to be gone.

“You should remember who pays your salary.” The big man would never stop him from seeing to Winter. Winter Snow was his. He created her. Gave her work when she came to him with a willing as well as an open mind. By God, she signed a contract then thought to renege. Her act of defiance forced him to threaten her. “I always behave myself,” he returned as he chuckled at the humor those few words produced.

“I remember,” Hollis said in what sounded like a snort of disgust.

Hollis understood what he would do. What he wanted. Winter in his arms. Damn, but he just couldn’t keep away from the woman he coveted. After she left the brothel, he intended to do just that. Stay far away. Why did he want a woman who didn’t wish to have anything to do with him? Supposed this mate thing was what drew him to her.

He wouldn’t allow a woman to control his desires. There were plenty of women who wanted him. He could have his pick of all of the women at his unique whorehouse. Crook his little finger at whoever caught his eyes. The girl would run to him. Would want him to do anything he chose to her female parts. At one point, he thought to take Summer to his rooms upstairs. Summer could never replace Winter. Sitting back in the big chair he closed his eyes. All he could see was Winter’s breasts. Her other wonderful female endowments. She was so beautiful. Made for his enjoyment. Made for his use. She was his doll, his plaything, a bauble meant to be his personal toy. Thoughts of her naked and in his arms caused his stomach to cramp with need. Bloody everlasting hell, she was his! Only his! She forgot that small fact. Forgot they were a couple through all eternity. She bedeviled him.

The groan stopped in his throat. Didn’t want the big man to see his obvious need. Hollis rose. Appeared he meant to retire for the night. The big man rubbed his hand behind his neck. Seemed to start to say something then didn’t.

“Good night. If you can behave yourself, know the little mama doesn’t wish for you to be in her bed,” Hollis said before he left the room to walk down the hall to his room. All was going as planned.

Chandler couldn’t see him. Heard his door open then close. He wondered how long he should wait until Winter slept. She drank so much wine. Must be asleep by now. In her room, lean against the wall so he could watch her sleep. He could go see her. Slip inside the bed then into her. That all sounded just fine to his way of thinking.

He quenched all the lights before following Hollis down the hall. In his bedroom, he rested against the door. Closed his eyes imagining Winter on his bed. His dream was for her to come to him. Her hair down and with no inhibitions. Naked. Realized he needed her the way they used to be. Didn’t wish to pursue her this diligently. They had another child on the way. Before she left, he made certain she was increasing. Took her both night and day as well as any time he felt a need for her.

Sitting down, he removed his boots then the rest of his clothing. Just thinking about Winter made him ready for her. His body tightened. He slipped on a dressing gown before lying down on his bed. His hands were behind his head. Rain pelted the window. Trying for patience, he counted the beats of the clock. Time crept by with the speed of a slug.

Fifty-five minutes passed. He was about to rise. The sound of footsteps caught his attention. A gruff clearing of a man’s throat told him either Hollis or Cormack was awake. He cursed. Swore out his frustrations while he was forced to wait for the house to grow silent again. He closed his eyes. Awoke with a start to a loud wail from the nursery. Would nothing go his way tonight? Was beginning to doubt he would have his wishes fulfilled. Cormack would leave tomorrow. At least he hoped the man would return to London. After her father left, he only needed to deal with Hollis. The bodyguard held no sway in what he did. He didn’t hear the light fall of Winter’s footsteps headed toward the nursery. The crying stopped. Winter must be in the room nursing Maeve. Another half hour passed. He didn’t hear her return. Realized her steps must be so silent, he wasn’t able to hear them.

Another few minutes ticked by. Chandler decided he was out of tolerance. He rose, strode to her door. Opened it. For a few seconds he propped himself against the doorframe studying the form lying on the bed. The body was way too large.

Bloody eyes!

Hollis turned over then sat up. He grinned at what must be his startled expression. “Looking for someone?” he asked with nonchalance that surprised Chandler. “Georgia’s not here.”

“You damn well know I am! And it’s not you!” Chandler exploded into his surroundings. “Where is she?” He stalked into the room, his fingers tightening into fists. Looked in all the corners as if he could conjure her from shadows. The truth was obvious she wasn’t in the room. Winter played him for a fool.

Hollis let out a long deep breath of air. “Won’t do any good to keep the truth from you. If I don’t say, you’ll wake the household looking for her.”

“She’s in the nursery!” Chandler remembered the single bed in the room. Winter must have slept there when Maeve was sick. He knew she had the crib in her room for the first few months. “Damn her lily-white hide!”

He didn’t slam the door even though he wished to do so. Winter wasn’t going to get away with avoiding him. If she didn’t know this now, she would. The bed in the nursery was big enough for both of them. When he opened the door, she was sitting in the rocking chair, Maeve in her arms. Maeve had her fist stuck into her mouth, her eyes closed tight.

“Chandler,” she said, her voice all quiet and serene. He wished he could shake her. “Maeve is frightened of the storm. If you wish, you may sit on the floor. If not, go back to bed. I will be here all night. Believe this will be a long night for both of us.” Winter brushed a soft kiss on the child’s forehead.

“Why was Hollis in your bed?” he gritted out, asking the question even though he knew the answer.

“Believe you know the answer to the question. I did tell you I didn’t want to sleep with you. The fact you didn’t listen to my wishes doesn’t surprise me.” Winter yawned, placed her hand in front of her lips. The very ones he needed to kiss.

“You intend to sleep in the baby’s room every time I visit?” he asked again, knowing the answer. “You don’t sound muzzled any longer.” Chandler was furious with her. Should have made her drink all of the second bottle of wine.

“I’m sitting. If it’s any consolation to you, I had a terrible time walking to the nursery after you left me at my door. My mind is hazy. Not hazy enough to let you fondle me. That’s not ever going to happen again.”

“You understand sleeping in the nursery won’t deter me. You are dead wrong if you think I won’t ever again be deep inside you while I take you to the amazing place you so love.”

His words didn’t have the ring of truth. Sleeping with a baby next to him, held no appeal to Chandler. He would be forever conscious of any sounds they made. Winter’s little feminine, throaty purrs delighted. A baby’s cries repulsed.

“Go to bed, Chandler. As you must be able to tell, I’m staying in this room while you are visiting. You will just need to get used to this arrangement.”

There were other times to make love with his mate. Didn’t need the night. Nor did he need a bed. She wasn’t a damn virgin. The hell of it was he wanted her now.

“Put Maeve in her crib. She’s asleep.”

“No.”

~ * ~

“Bertram!” Chandler bellowed when he arrived at the brothel three nights later. “Get over here!” He slapped his riding gloves on his leg. “I’m out of stamina. What the blessed hell are you doing? Bring me Summer.”

The show featuring Summer and Autumn was about to begin. Bertram looked up at the bellow of rage he heard from his friend of fifteen years. He was seeing to last minute details. Chandler would understand the fact. The women keeping the body cooling fans going were positioned in strategic places wearing see through gowns. They were all beautiful women. All signed contracts giving the patrons permission to have sex with them. The fan maidens were next in line to be auctioned at the end of the night for any man’s pleasure who had enough coin to buy them. The bodyguards were situated around the room. One night a fight broke out. It was then Chandler decided they needed a few men who would protect the women from someone who lost control. At times the audience became frenzied with their frenetic desires. Bertram loved watching men lose themselves in a woman’s soft body. He never could believe his good fortune when Chandler derived this idea.

He chuckled when he looked at Chandler. His smile was broad. The reason behind Chandler’s bad mood could only be credited to one small woman who always bedeviled him. “You’re in a bad mood tonight. Did nothing go as planned?” Bertram asked as he watched his friend pace the floor. “The little harlot refused all your advances. You don’t need her permission to take her any damn way you wish. You do know that? Of course, you comprehend you are bigger as well as stronger than Winter.”

He wished for his old friend to return. Liked him better before Winter changed him. Looked forward to the nights they shared their women.

“Horrible. She wouldn’t…hell she worked everything out so it was impossible for me to get to her. The devil knows I tried. She outwitted me, damn her soul. She believes she can set rules as well as boundaries. I won’t allow her to dictate what goes on between us. Next time, I will win. I’ll push her up against a wall right in front of Hollis if she doesn’t give me an alternative.” He circled the room before stopping at a window that looked down at the street below.

His chuckle at Chandler’s distress bought him a scowl from the man. Bertram frowned. He wondered about Chandler’s intentions for tonight. “Do you wish to perform tonight? Summer always gives herself as much as is possible to you. After her first time on the dais the woman understands her place. We do need to think of some other script for the pretty lady. Believe our audience is tiring of the little girl act. All realize she is no longer a virgin or a little girl. What do you think she should become? Perhaps a nun. The role of a nun might be fun for a change.”

“Believe I’d like to let off some steam. Hot air seems to be all bottled up inside me. Yes, I want Summer. Need to punish her for her naughtiness. We will put our heads together to come up with a unique scenario for a new role. Maybe we could reenact how we discovered her. Pushed her up against a store just to talk to her. Do you recall the day? We brought her to her parent’s home. Made her father a proposition he couldn’t refuse. Her being a nun sounds intriguing.” He turned, his fingers beneath his chin while he tapped them. “I’ll think on the two scenarios. Perhaps both roles in one night. Doubling the fun would put a new twist to the script.”

Bertram nodded. “Oh yes. Love new kinks.”

He rubbed his hands together anticipating the pleasure. The two left the rest of the evening’s details to Jimmy and Johnny, the twins they had with them from the beginning. The thought of watching Chandler take Summer multiple times in different scenarios appealed to all his sexual fantasies.

Once the new thoughts were mulling around in his head, Chandler poured them both a glass of whiskey. Bertram spoke from the heart. Worried about his friend. He wasn’t acting normal. Hadn’t been since Winter gave birth then left the brothel. Chandler had not been the same since.

“Tell me everything. You can’t keep going to the cottage then returning in a royal snit. You become a bore for the next few days. Bring her back with you. You’re stronger than she is…bigger…overtake her…bind her.”

Chandler rubbed the back of his neck. Winced as if the movement caused him pain. “You realize, I’ve thought about hauling her home more than once. I just have to find a means to deal with this obstinance of hers. She is only a woman and thus inferior. A female doesn’t have the wit to outsmart a man.”

While he listened to the beat of the clock on the shelf, Bertram wondered if Chandler believed what he spouted. Though he never enjoyed giving a woman the credit of possessing a brain, he was well aware of the fact many were smarter than some men. They did possess a different way of thinking about things. Some managed to have their way over a man’s desires. Seems Winter had Chandler wrapped around her fingers as well as twisted in knots.

“I believe we should drink to male prowess…to their competence in all things. To outwitting all the females of their knowledge.”

Bertram held up his glass in salute. Grinned at Chandler. He enjoyed women with no ability to think for themselves. A woman with a mind was dangerous to his wellbeing. Twits were convenient. They were easily molded into the woman Bertram wanted at the time. Never wished for an intelligent woman beneath him unless he could subjugate her.

He tossed the remainder of his drink down his throat then grimaced. “Winter blocks her thoughts from me. She doesn’t have the right to do so. I’m her mate!” He splashed more brandy into his glass. “I’m supposed to know what’s in her mind. Need to get inside so I can understand if she is in danger.”

“You are too new to shifting. Have some tolerance. Together we can work on that point. Make you stronger. Does she read your thoughts?” Bertram decided he was just the man to teach Chandler how to best his woman at her game.

“She must read my mind. Winter seems to know what I’m going to do before I’ve cemented a plan. Most of the time she is two steps ahead of me, if not more. I don’t like that fact. Not right for her to have so much power over me.”

Bertram watched Chandler pace the room. What he needed was a woman to ease the ache between his legs. He must have spent two days in a state of arousal she wouldn’t let him relieve. Chandler didn’t appear to be in any shape to perform tonight. Not even with Summer playing the school girl. He thought about Summer as a nun. Perhaps he could arrange a costume before they came on stage. A new script would be just the thing for Chandler to come out of his snit. Would put bounce back into his step. Would give him the confidence he needed to confront Winter in another week or two.

He heard the chime of the clock. It was eight o’clock. No, there wasn’t enough time to set up the new script. Next time…for tonight, he could send her to Chandler after the show. Summer would lose out on the auction. Would not gain the extra blunt. Her loss didn’t disturb him. His friend’s sexual health mattered.

“I must go. Why don’t you watch through the viewing room you had built. Might get you aroused enough to make an appearance. Could send you Celine or one of the other girls.”

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