He didn’t wait but pivoted abruptly and advanced down the passage.Suzie blinked, her curiosity sparking.She trotted after him, questions trembling on the tip of her tongue.They were in a castle wing she hadn’t explored when she caught up.Niall approached a wall, which she belatedly realized was an elevator.Ah!So that was how the castle owner avoided the gathering attendees.Given his preference for privacy and secrets, it was astonishing he’d allow the convention at the castle.She’d guessed he owned it, given he lived in the private rooms above, but maybe that was her assumptions tripping her up again.
“Niall, do you own this castle?”
“What?”
“Do you own Castle Glenkirk?”
“Yes, what of it?”Suspicion colored his tone now.
Disappointment flowed from her in a soft sigh.The man’s rough handsomeness and apparent strength were attractive, but his grumpiness was getting old.Who wanted to witness that snarly face every morning?
“I was curious.Why permit the gathering at the castle if it’s your home?”
“None of your business.Your job is to assist me until my honey launches.Once that day comes, you’re welcome to leave.”
“Wow, who rained on your parade?”
“Someone broke into my lab early this morning.”
Oh.“Wasn’t me.You locked me in the bedroom.I hope you’ve thought carefully about that.What if there’s a fire?I’d burn to a crisp before anyone could rescue me.”
The man released a growl, sounding more animal than human, and Suzie bit back her smile.Excellent.Her prattle was annoying him.Well, he’d learn how annoying she could be.Soon, he’d be pleading for her to leave.He’d pay her to vacate the premises.
“I know you weren’t responsible.You don’t have a phone to call anyone.”
“Thank you,” Suzie said, not hiding her sarcasm.“Where are we going?”
“To my lab.I want to assess the damage.”He swung around to nail her with a glare.“Recall you’ve signed a non-disclosure agreement.If you impart sensitive information to anyone, Iwillsue.You’ll rue the day you decided to cross me.”
“Well,” Suzie said, an understatement of gigantic proportions.“I guess you’ve told me.”
“This isn’t a laughing matter.”Niall slapped his palms against the stout wooden door leading outdoors, pushing it open.
The early morning sun seared her eyeballs, and she blinked frantically to adjust her sight.She stumbled, and the bear’s hand shot out, righting her before her befuddled brain snapped into motion.
He tugged hard.She lurched toward him and collided with his chest.His hard, muscular chest.The spring flowers and mint with a hint of honey sweetness she’d come to associate with him assailed her.They stared at each other, and she spotted his bear shyly peeking at her through brown eyes that had turned more amber.Then Niall blinked and thrust her away as if she were something nasty.
Suzie staggered, but he righted her with a quick, steadying hand, leaving her confused.Befuddled.The bear-man didn’t behave like other males.While it was true he possessed a little absentminded scientist, the driven businessman was very much in control.That would account for his bad temper, or maybe…
“Do you have a stomachache?Are you eating enough roughage?”
He stared at her briefly before barking, “Stay there while I get the car.”
Suzie considered running, but Niall had spoken to Saber.She’d heard the truth in his voice when he’d mentioned this, which meant Saber didn’t have concerns for her safety.He would’ve sent Scott and Liam to rescue her if he’d sensed danger.Saber was supportive like that, and she trusted his instincts.No, she’d stay put as ordered.Despite repulsing him, she was still curious about the bear’s next move.
A red sports car zoomed around the corner and braked beside Suzie.She grinned as Niall climbed from the driver’s seat and ran around to open the door for her.Wow, a gentleman.Those were few and far between.Not even her father did this for her mother, despite their deep affection.
Feeling like a princess, she entered the car and took a deep breath.Delicious bear-man laced with a new-car aroma.Soon, Niall sped down a long driveway away from Castle Glenkirk.Once they reached the village, he took another road which led to a larger town with better transport links.
She’d thought they’d drive right into town, but they were still traveling through green fields studded with cute, shaggy Highland cows when Niall turned onto a side road.He went a short distance, the land becoming hillier before they pulled onto a gravel driveway.When they rounded a corner, a large shed came into view.A muddy hunter-green SUV had parked outside.Niall pulled up beside the vehicle and switched off the ignition.He climbed out and strode to the building’s entrance.
When Suzie hesitated, he glanced over his shoulder and backtracked to open her door.
“You’re coming with me.Pay attention and take mental notes.I want to hear your thoughts later.”He waited impatiently, and she scrambled from the vehicle.The door slammed, then he grasped her arm and propelled her into motion.
He was a mix of complexities and bad moods, keeping her off balance and strangely exhilarated because he wasn’t dull, unlike the men she’d dated at home.
“You don’t need to drag me,” she said when her shorter legs refused to keep up with his long strides.“I’m coming willingly.”
