“You had a long conversation with Saber?”Disbelief echoed in her words.Shock.A hint of betrayal.
“Yes.I explained everything.”Even the fact they were mates.Her shifter half hadn’t given her the mate memo yet.Possibly, all the other emotions were muting nature.
“But Saber knows I’m attending university.He and London encouraged us.”
“Us?”
“Edwina, my friend.I told you—we were going together, but I haven’t heard from her since she left the castle.”
“I understand the importance of dreams and goals, and I’m not forcing you to give up your music.Can’t you continue your studies remotely or find someone in Britain who can help you study without leaving the castle?”
“No.”She folded her arms and glared at him, her luscious mouth set in a firm, mutinous line.“This is kidnapping, pure and simple.You’re the one in the wrong.It was your mistake that led me to learn your honey secrets.”
Niall barely resisted his wince because every word was accurate.But Saber had told him he understood and appreciated his honesty.He’d given Saber details, or as much as he could, given he didn’t know the man, and promised to report back to him weekly.Saber Mitchell had insisted and wanted a video call to see Niall’s face.
Niall had conceded to Saber’s requests, respecting his determination.It warmed him to know this man cared for his people this much.Suzie was lucky to have this support.Niall wished he’d had a Saber in his background during his youth.
“Suzie,” Niall said, striving for patience.Given the threat to his honey, he’d done his best to do the right thing.Bottom line—he didn’t know Suzie well enough to believe in her promise.Niall had learned about deception from his family and…
He dragged his mind from the past, angry at himself for slipping into that young, trusting bear’s mind.“Work with me or stay locked in this room.Your choice.”He strode for the door, and his hand connected with the knob before she spoke.
“I suppose you’ll refuse to let me speak to anyone either.”
“You can speak to Saber Mitchell.”Niall was alarmed to spot the tears in her eyes.With three long strides, he was beside her.His arms went around her quivering shoulders, and he hauled her against his chest.“Ah, lass,” he murmured, his nose buried in her hair.“I’m sorry.”
She glanced up at him with tear-filled eyes.“You’ll let me go home?”
Suspicion rose in him.Were those manufactured tears?“No.”
Suzie wrenched away, her glare back in force.She was beautiful.Glorious and a big, fat liar with excellent acting skills.
Niall spun and marched to the door.He departed, securing the lock, and headed to his place of solace.He immersed himself in work, but even then, his deceptive mate hovered at the fringes of his mind.
Niall flung down his pen and cursed.It was kind of ironic that he’d escaped a toxic environment only to fall into the clutches of a mate he couldn’t trust.What the hell did he do now?
“Mine.Mine.Mine!”his bear chanted.
“We can’t trust her,” Niall mumbled.
His bear released an angry growl and continued his litany.Niall studied the clock on his wall and wondered if it was too early to start drinking.He stood and was halfway to his drinks cabinet when his phone rang.
Grateful for the interruption, he retreated to his desk and scooped up his phone.“Sinclair.”
“Boss, it’s Harris.Someone tried to break into the lab early this morning.”
5
A Bossy Curmudgeon
Suziespentafrustratingmorning pacing the luxurious bedroom.Angus had delivered a delicious breakfast and locked the door again once he’d set down the tray.She’d filled an hour lolling in the tub amongst decadently scented bubbles, but her mind refused to divert from the stubborn bear.
Niall Sinclair was driving her crazy.Why did she find him sexy?He was a bad-tempered, bossy, conniving curmudgeon.
It wasn’t right for him to keep her prisoner, and she couldn’t believe Saber had been okay with this situation.
Saber and London had helped her and Edwina when they’d strayed into stupidity, and representing their town at the gathering was a way of saying thank you for their advice and encouragement.Neither she nor Edwina had hesitated when London explained what they wanted and why.No one had pressured them for positive results, and when she hadn’t clicked with anyone, Suzie had been glad.She’d assumed Edwina had the same mindset until her friend abruptly vanished, leaving Suzie with unanswered questions and hurt feelings.
Heavy and hurried footsteps sounded outside her door.The scrape of a key had her whirling.The door burst open, and Niall stood there, fury radiating from his muscular body.“Come with me.”
