“I don’t. But I also don’t want to be her dog on a leash,” Evston said with finality. “She stays. You stay. Anything else is untenable.”
Rocurt sighed, then shook his head with a rueful smile. “All right, brother, have it your way.” He gave the cabin an appraising look. “And if this is the path to destruction, let’s at least enjoy the ride.”
Chapter Fifteen
Brandese sat on theedge of the bed, wearing a simple silken dress that was the only female garment available. There were no stockings or boots. And no underwear. She could leave the property wearing clothes, but deep down she would know she was not in control of her own choices.
The door opened, and Commander Rocurt preceded Evston into the room.
“Hello, Brandese,” he said.
She rose and smiled up at him. “Hello, Commander. It was kind of you to come to collect me.”
“It’s no trouble. Are you ready to go?” Rocurt asked.
“He accepted your invitation to stay for the event,” Evston said. “So no one is leaving.”
Brande’s heartbeat sped up to a thumping beat. This was unexpected, but not completely unwelcome. She’d been torn between wanting to leave and wanting to remain. And with the hulking commander of the army on hand at least she knew that if things became too much for her to handle, she would be plucked from the fray.
“Is that your wish?” Rocurt demanded. “To join the activities of this party where you’ll be disguised as a pet and expected to act as one at all times?”
The thud of her heart reverberated in her ears.
“It’s all right to admit you’ve lost your nerve,” Evston said coolly. “You can still go back to the hotel to await events.”
Of course Evston was goading her. She knew it. If she were smart and cautious, she would leave.
The commander hauled his shirt over his head, displaying massive muscles and exposing the weapons on his belt. He stepped forward, towering over her, using his size to intimidate her to make a point. She stood her ground.
“Under some circumstances retreat is prudent.”
“You have never retreated in your life,” she said accusingly. “You have altered your strategy sometimes as many as three times during battle, but you have never allowed yourself to be forced into retreat.”
“You are not me, little one.” He leaned down.
She could smell his skin, which was overwhelmingly and attractively masculine.
