Read Online The Master & the Muses by Amanda McIntyre - Free Book Online Page A

He stood as I squeezed between two large chaps, lost my footing and careened headlong toward the floor.
    William appeared seemingly from nowhere and caught me before I landed flat on my face.
    â€œDon’t be frightened, Helen. The boys are friendly.”
    â€œThank you,” I responded, quickly releasing myself from his grasp.
    The man with the glasses offered me his seat. William ushered me to the chair. I tried to offer the men a friendly smile, wondering if I would have to spend much time with them collectively.I had a sudden change of heart and turned to find William to ask him to take me home, but he had disappeared and apparently so, too, had Thomas.
    Annie sauntered up to the table and slammed two pitchers of ale on the table, sending the contents splashing over the side.
    â€œLet’s see what she’s got,” she called out to the men around the table.
    My heart stopped. What on earth? I frantically scanned the faces of the men, whose eyes had all turned to me. I was grateful to spot Thomas making his way over to my side. He held out his hand.
    â€œThey’re perfectly harmless, I assure you.” He looked down at me, his cerulean-blue eyes sparkling wickedly.
    â€œI—I don’t understand.” I looked again at the men seated around the table. They did not seem as friendly anymore. One of them, a stately looking chap with a shaggy blond beard, smacked the table once with his hand. He looked at his peers, giving them a grin, and they, too, began to slap the table.
    â€œThese are my brothers, Helen. Their approval is vital. It would not bode well to keep them waiting,” Thomas said. “Besides, it’s all in good fun.”
    I cautiously took his hand and stood. The drumming grew louder. My gaze landed on Annie, who’d precipitated this demonstration. She gave me a smug look, amusement dancing in her eyes. “What am I to do?” I asked Thomas, averting my eyes from hers.
    â€œGet up on the table,” he responded with an easy grin.
    â€œYou want me to stand on the table in front of all these people?” I stared at him with wide eyes.
    â€œYour face is going to be seen by far greater numbers, my muse. Come on now, up you go.”
    â€œBut I—” I started, but my protests dissolved when his hands circled my waist and he lifted me to the tabletop.
    Raucous laughter and applause followed as I looked down at the gallery of approving male faces. Thomas held my hand, displaying a sense of ownership that I found comforting.
    The brotherhood men nodded, waving their hands, motioning for me to turn. A couple of them lifted my skirt to view my ankles. Thomas slapped away their hands but laughed good-naturedly. After a moment or two, I offered a smile, dipping in a short curtsy. I no longer felt like that ugly duckling. I looked down at Thomas, his fingers locked with mine, his smile encouraging, and I believed I’d become a beautiful swan. The catcalls and whistles continued, drawing curious onlookers into the private circle.
    â€œVery well, gentlemen, that’s enough,” Thomas ordered, reaching up for me.
    I inched to the edge of the table and leaned forward. He grabbed me around the waist, his hands sliding precariously close to my breasts as he lifted me to the ground. He held my gaze possessively, letting my body slide slowly down the front of his.
    My feet touched the floor, but he continued to hold me close, his arm encircling my waist.
    â€œYou’ve got your balance, then?”
    Pressed against his solid frame, I could barely think, my heart still beating from the rush of my initiation. Balance? Doubtful.
    â€œI do, Mr.—Thomas,” I answered, pleased when I saw Annie scowl and turn back into the crowd.
    Thomas kissed my forehead and drew back, his eyes resting for a heartbeat on my mouth before he returned his eyes to mine.
    â€œWelcome to the brotherhood, Miss Bridgeton.”
    â€œDo call me Helen,” I