Read Online Immortal Hope by Claire Ashgrove - Free Book Online Page B

morning light poured in through his small window, catching her hair and making it shimmer as if she were some ethereal creation of the Almighty’s divine plan. Her features were soft, if not a touch bewildered, and something akin to sympathy tightened his chest. Aye, she was strong. She had yet to give over to a woman’s tears, even if her tongue did run away from her. She did not protest her fate, did not demand to return to her home.
    The sight of her smile as she had returned Declan’s sword lingered before Merrick’s eyes, and with it, a foreign spear of envy jabbed him in the gut. Surprised by how strongly that simple gesture affected him, Merrick scowled. Had it been so long since he had spent time in a woman’s company that one smile could give him reason to want to strike his brother?
    Nay, it must be the darkness in his spirit. He had gone too long on too few hours of sleep. No simple woman was cause for discord between men. He had never allowed one to divide him from his men, nor would he allow this one.
    He would find this mark Mikhail claimed she bore and rid himself of her. “Take off your clothes.”
    Her head snapped up, her eyes wide. “Excuse me?”
    “I do not think your hearing fails you. Take off your clothes.”
    A chuckle stirred her shoulders, and a smirk turned up a corner of her full mouth. “Most men try dinner and a movie first, Merrick. Maybe a little wine. Definitely some pretty words. A kiss usually sets the mood.”
    He nearly choked on her implication. “You think I wish to bed you?”
    She shrugged, but her blue eyes were not nearly as impassive. A storm waged inside them, and they flashed with the deadly brilliance of lightning. “Tell me what else I should think? You’ve ordered me around, bullied me, insulted me with your demon Anne . Do you think I’m thrilled to be here?” She scrunched her features together, cocked her head, and lowered her voice. “I have no care to stay here long.”
    Merrick stared in disbelief. She mocked him. This woman who stood only at his shoulder in her heeled shoes mocked him. She even assumed his slight accent. He had slain men for less.
    Amusement rolled around in his chest, worked its way up his throat. He gave in and let it escape. With a shake of his head, he laughed.
    The look of astonishment that settled into her delicate features only stirred his humor more. For one priceless moment, she sat speechless. But her silence quickly gave way to a punishing frown that stifled his chuckles. He ceased his laughter, but he could not contain his grin. The temptation to tease her was too much. “I do not wish to bed you, demon Anne. ”
    Another chortle threatened to break free as her shoulders stiffened. He did not give her time to reply. “’Tis the mark I seek.”
    Visibly, she relaxed. “I’m not taking off my clothes. I have a tattoo, but I’m in no mood to show it to you.”
    He took a step closer and glared at her. “You will—”
    “No. I won’t.” Shooting to her feet, she stabbed a finger in his chest. “I will not do one more thing you tell me to. You want something, you ask. Got it?”
    He caught her hand and brought it gently to her side. “Fine,” he grumbled. “Will you show me this mark?”
    “No.”
    God’s teeth she was more stubborn than a mule. Conversing with her was like trying to scale a rampart wall—deceptively easy until one encountered the bowmen within. He turned from her and dropped into the only chair in the small room. “You try my patience, woman.”
    “At least we agree on something then.” She flounced back onto the bed. “How do you even know what you’re looking for?”
    “’Twould be obvious. We all bear marks of meaning. Those we chose, or those that were put upon us. Mayhap we take pride in them, mayhap we wish they did not exist. But we all bear them. Is there naught upon your body that stands out in your mind?”
    Understanding flickered behind her frown. She knew what he referenced,