“We just arrived. I brought Cami inside so I can show her around and a room can be readied for her.” Colm looked over at Cami and smiled. “The place seems to be a little deserted today.”
“I think Cera, Darla and Deanne are doing the laundry right now. I’ll send someone to get one of them and ready a room. Where did you want her put, Ardin?” An older woman stepped away from a large table where she’d been peeling a dark-purple vegetable.
Cami’s attention swung from the unidentifiable chunks of vegetable to Colm. That was something she was interested in hearing herself. She’d wondered about it as he led her through the fortress, but hadn’t asked him before now because she’d become interested in the tour.
“Have them ready one of the rooms near my room.” He shrugged.
That answer came quickly. He’d been prepared for it. He and Linc must have discussed it some time. She didn’t have to be near them. As long as she was in the same building as them, she would be protected and near enough to someone who could help her. They weren’t being protective. They were just trying to make certain that she was aware of them and couldn’t ignore them. Those two were far from subtle.
“I—” She began.
“No arguing.” Colm’s voice cut over hers and then he turned and tugged her after him as he left the kitchen. “You’re going to be near us. We’re not having you in another section of the Thent where we’d have trouble getting to you if you need help or where we might not hear you if you call. This place is large. We’re not leaving you alone.”
“Since you’ve been teaching me control, I don’t have as much problem with my magic anymore,” Cami offered, but she really didn’t expect it to sway him.
“What if you get hurt? What if you’re attacked? You could be hurt or killed before anyone gets to you. That’s not going to happen. You’ll be right down the hall so we can be there if you need anything, but we also don’t want you trying to avoid us.” Colm’s fingers tightened. “We’re not backing away from our attraction to you.”
“You two don’t seem concerned that I might not be attracted to one of you, much less want to deal with you both.” She stopped abruptly.
He stopped when he felt the tug of her hand against his and turned his head. A smile curved his lips. “We know that you want us, at least physically. You’ve got a few wrong ideas in your head about us. Once we deal with those, you’ll discover what you want.”
“You don’t have a sister, do you?” Cami glowered at him. He was lucky there wasn’t anything in the hall that she could hit him with, because the urge was irresistible right now.
“No, why?” He looked mildly interested, but a little confused.
“You would know better than to say that and I’m not explaining what you said wrong. You wouldn’t get it. It’s obvious that you and Linc both aren’t accustomed to dealing with females.” Cami tapped her foot on the stone floor.
“What do you mean it’s obvious? We have dealt with females. Very well.” Colm’s brows drew down and he put his free hand on his hip.
Cami realized she’d offended him a little. She sighed. It probably couldn’t be helped. She was bound to say something such as this sooner or later.
“I don’t mean as a bed partner for a few days. You’re rough, gruff and you tend to throw orders at me as if I was one of your men.” That last bit was getting on her nerves. She narrowed her eyes and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Just so you know I like men who know the difference between me and the men they order around all day and can treat me accordingly.”
“I know just how to treat you, but if you want sweet words, you’re going to have to tell us what you want. We’re not the type of men who’ll let you do anything you want or order us around. Why don’t you try testing us and see if we’re your type of man.” Colm arched an eyebrow, apparently challenging her.
“I knew you wouldn’t understand.” She shook her head and stared straight ahead. “Where are you taking me now?”
“I’ll take you upstairs now so you can see the part of the Thent where your room will be. I’ll point out our