“We should’ve kept some back and booked a room in a decent hotel.”
Whiny brat.Distaste flowed through Suzie, but she remained still.Niall was worth ten of his siblings.He never acted as if the world owed him.He’d worked hard and forged his path.Suzie hesitated, wondering if she should pretend unconsciousness for longer or magically awaken.No, she’d try to learn more first.Like, who was this mysterious boss who’d issued orders?
“What are we gonna do?We need information, or we won’t receive the rest of our money,” Colin said.
Huh!You and me both, buddy.Suzie relaxed and settled in to wait for them to discuss their situation.She hoped her bladder got with the program and didn’t force her to beg for a restroom.
Much to her disappointment, Euan and Colin fell silent, although Colin, judging by the waft of scent, was driving her up the wall with his incessant pacing.Time passed so slowly she wanted to scream, and finally, she’d had enough.Her eyes flew open, taking precious seconds to adjust.
“I knew it,” Colin cried.“You were pretending.”
“Arsehole,” Suzie spat, not bothering to deny his accusation.He hadn’t known at all, otherwise, he wouldn’t have paced like a caged animal.
When the two bear shifters stared at her, she growled, the catlike sound making them both flinch.
“Are you intending to explain your actions?”she asked, not holding back on the snark.While she waited for a reply, she scanned the room.The furniture was unloved, with broken legs and frayed upholstery.A thick layer of dust covered every surface, and Colin’s footprints were easily discernible.A ratty, sheer curtain covered the sole window.It was high up and not an easy method of escape.The door, then.
The brothers exchanged a glance.Neither spoke.
“I’ll begin,” Suzie said.“Why have you kidnapped me?And why am I trussed like a Christmas turkey?”The rope binding her feet had loosened slightly with her wriggling.She’d keep them talking while subtly trying to free herself.
“You smell like my brother,” Euan said.
Suzie’s heart skipped a beat, but she controlled her expression.Because they were mates.Yeah, she’d fought this, but her inner soul understood the truth.Niall was her mate, which meant—if she survived the experience with these two dunderheads—she’d stay in Scotland and wouldn’t get to take up the scholarship she’d worked so hard to win.She hesitated, instinct telling her to lie.
“Because we decided to have fun together and share a bed until I fly home next week.”Good grief.So much had happened to her and her friends during the gathering.They’d need to organize a reunion to catch up.That thought brought a frown because she still hadn’t spoken to Edwina.She hoped her friend was safe and she’d truly found a mate.
“You’re sleeping with him?”Disbelief sounded in Colin.
“Why not?We’re single without ties.He’s rich and attractive.A fantastic lover.”She met Colin’s gaze and then Euan’s.Although every word was accurate, what she liked most about Niall was the true heart he hid beneath his grumpy exterior.Despite the knocks he’d received as a youngster, he’d come out the other side.Niall was all that was decent.She paused.And he was a considerate and fantastic lover.
“You’re with him for the money,” Colin said.
Let them think that.She didn’t care because it wasn’t the truth.One didn’t need money to be happy.Happiness came from small things.Friendship.Love.A touch of hands.Togetherness.
“Why am I here?”Suzie ground out, impatient with the two gawking idiots.
The brothers exchanged a glance before turning back to her.
“You’re going to write a note to Niall,” Euan said.
Suzie held up her bound hands.“How?”
Euan had the audacity to roll his eyes.“We’ll untie your hands.”
“Excellent,” Suzie muttered.The rope binding her feet was almost loose enough for her to slip one foot free.
“Don’t you be getting no ideas of escape,” Colin warned.“It’s two of us against you.”He sniffed.“You’re a kitty cat.Bet you transform to something small and scrawny.A lap pet.”
Suzie bared her teeth, but that was her only reaction.
“Get the paper and pen,” Euan ordered.
Colin stalked over to the other side of the room and fumbled with a brown paper bag.He returned, carrying two pens and a lined pad.
“Why should I write a note to Niall?”
Euan’s eyes flared amber before settling back into plain brown.“Because if you don’t, you’re not leaving this room alive.”
