Scarlett wanted to ask questions.They tickled her brain, fired her synapses, and tripped on her tongue.Yet instinct and the weird knowledge of the future that came to her so mysteriously told her Mistress Aelene would refuse to quench her curiosity, even though Scarlett’s gut insisted the answers were relevant.
Instead, Scarlett inclined her head.Her brothers would’ve teased her if they’d seen her reaction, her uncharacteristic control.They might’ve cracked a joke or two about the world ending while she imagined her mother smiling in approval at her maturity.
“You can sleep here if you wish,” Mistress Aelene said.“I’m afraid it is a patient bed, but the covers are clean.”
“Thank you.It’s only for one night, I mean cycle.I’m sure it will be fine.”
“If you or Ransom require anything, please ring the bell to summon me.”
“Thanks.”Scarlett kept her polite smile affixed until the woman left the room.Still wide awake, she checked on Ransom.The big guy needed his rest.If he’d been at full capacity, she doubted she would’ve escaped him during their last encounter.A flash of amusement filled her as she pictured his reaction on finding the chains empty but still locked.She looked forward to their next battle where they were both one hundred percent fit.
In his separate room, Ransom was asleep, but his body quivered, and he moaned as she approached his bed.What was wrong with him?No one had mentioned the cause of his illness.
She placed her hand on his forehead, and the cold clamminess of his skin had her jerking her fingers away.The room was freezing, too, and he didn’t have a single blanket.Strange.Mistress Aelene seemed to know what she was doing and had the trust of Daenys, the group’s leader.
“Scarlett,” he whispered.
She peered closer, but his eyes weren’t open.He rolled over onto his side and flopped back into his original position.
“Scarlett.”Longing infused her name.
Oh!The dragon-man was asleep, but she was on his mind.She’d appreciated his kiss and relished the surge of happiness she experienced.He was a fine man, even if he had abducted her.Her brothers would like him.Her cousins too.
She drew a sharp breath.What the devil was she thinking?She had plans.Goals.Ambition.A list to conquer.A man—a dominant, bossy one with responsibilities—he’d attempt to mow over her objections.She snorted, easily imagining barefoot and pregnant as part of the scenario.That wasn’t her.
Head straight, she retreated to grab some rest.
The next cycle, Ransom woke clear-headed and eager to continue.He’d dreamed of Scarlett instead of the monster prince entering his mind.Daenys had explained that because they’d pulled them back in time, the Maphra prince would never find him.
Food scents wafted his way—something savory and meaty.
He sat up, testing his limbs before he stood.Better.Much better.He rose to his feet, stared down at his rumpled trews and tunic, and gave a shrug.Even though Daenys and Mistress Aelene had offered suggestions to fight the prince, chances were he’d die.He had to deliver Scarlett to Prince Kalim and risk everything to save his family, his friends.What did a few wrinkles matter in the scheme of things?
“You’re awake.”
Ransom lifted his gaze to meet Scarlett’s enigmatic one.The woman never gave away much.He grinned.Once the prince set his sights on her, he’d attempted to use his growing powers to enmesh her too.He’d failed since the resonance didn’t affect her.
“Cat got ya tongue?”She chuckled, her amusement vibrant and contagious, even though he didn’t understand the source of her humor.
He sauntered toward her.“My tongue is fine.Is that food I smell?I’m starving.”
She smiled, a pleasant picture with her black hair loose around her shoulders and her green eyes sparkling.The plain black trews and a matching tunic she’d purchased at the market on Dalcon enhanced her attributes rather than hiding them.“Mistress Aelene had her assistant deliver breakfast.Meat and eggs.Now that you’re awake, you can eat with me, and I’ll start my interrogation.You, Mr.Dragon Man, are withholding information.I want it.”
Her words ran from his brain and stroked down his body when she spoke of want.His dick twitched with more vigor than he’d experienced during recent cycles.He had an intimate knowledge of desire when it came to Scarlett Mitchell—a need that had stayed with him since their first meeting.
Ransom didn’t reply, but pushed past her and strode to a table holding two trays.He sat and waited for her to join him.
She sauntered closer, allowing him to appreciate her lithe, fit body.The silent sass that blazed from her face.Her intelligence.
“If you intend to question me, I require food.”
Scarlett snorted and sat.“How did we get here?And don’t tell me it was the meteor shower.”
“As far as I understand, the Elevenoss race can bend time.They’ve yanked us back to give me information without their enemies’ knowledge.”
Scarlett picked up a tankard and sipped the hot beverage.She frowned over the top of the pewter vessel, her green eyes narrowed.“Your explanation raises more questions.They say curiosity killed the cat,” she added in a mutter.“Obviously, there is sense behind the old saying.”
Ransom didn’t understand her oblique conversation.Nothing new there.Since their first meeting, she’d stymied him.He applied himself to the meat, which was bloody and hot, just as he preferred.
