She was … mesmerized by him.
She’d been too horrified when they’d begun to fight to absorb much--at least that she was aware of.
She hadn’t been able to tear her eyes from it, though, she thought uncomfortably.
Because the display of such raw power had been as mesmerizing as it was horrific.
It would never have occurred to her that Connor was so … beautiful half naked.
Of course, he looked amazing in his uniform, but ….
And it actuallyhadoccurred to her that Ryne was beautiful half naked because he had been when she’d first seen him and she was just … stunned.
And she thought probably the most amazing thing was the discovery that it didn’t seem obscene to see anything that beautiful half naked. Either of them. When she’d always thought nakedness was just appalling--hers and anyone else’s.
It was an unfortunate thought, because it resurrected old, painful memories she’d done her utmost to erase from her mind.
Thankfully, she was distracted by the tone indicating the dinner hour and she’d managed to work off enough of her residual nerves to consider joining everyone to eat.
Chapter Seven
Belle thought if she really had regained her composure--and her marbles--she would have had enough sense not to go to a gathering.
She felt their gazes, though, almost the moment she went into the commissary tent and got in line.
The urge to retreat immediately hit her as soon as she noticed people staring at her and whispering to one another. She would have done so, too, except she was basically trapped by the crowd before she realized she was the main topic of conversation.
Which, she realized, she would’ve expected if she wasn’t an idiot or not so wrapped up in her experience and how she’d felt and what she’d noticed that she failed to consider the ‘human factor’.
In a small community like theirs, gossip was the primary form of entertainment.
After fucking.
Which she actually didn’t take part in but knew anyway because the next most favorite thing was rehashing-critiquing the sex with anyone that would listen.
It didn’t help her feelings when Connor joined her in the line--pushed his way in between her and the man behind her.
She didn’t actually look at him, but she knew it was him.
Uneasiness flickered through her when it dawned on her that she’d retreated before he could call her to account earlier and hidden in the hab.
“You need to steer clear of Marcy,” he said after they’d shuffled forward a few steps.
Belle whipped a shocked look up and behind her, meeting his gaze. Resentment wasn’t far behind that. Her lips tightened as she faced forward again. “What am I supposed to do? Run when I see her coming?” she asked tightly.
“Just … don’t go out of your way to talk to her,” he said tightly.
Belle’s anger rose another notch. “You’re as crazy as she is,” she growled, stepping out of line and turning to go. “There’s no escaping any damned body when I’m stuck in this … place. Stay away from me and maybe she’ll leave me the fuck alone.”
He caught her arm, dragging her to a halt and Belle sent him a look that was a mixture of fear and anger. Well, anger inspired by the accusation and the spurt of fear that followed voicing her unvarnished opinion.
“Stay and eat,” he said, his voice carefully neutral.
“Thanks. I’ve lost my appetite.” She pulled her arm free and began pushing her way toward the exit.
He followed her.
She couldn’tbelievehe followed her!
