room so you’ll be aware of where we are when you need us.” He gave her a slow look and she thought he’d press for more information, but he began leading her down the hall again and this time she went with him without balking.
It wasn’t sweet words or poetic phrases she was wanting as he seemed to think. She wanted soft touches and tenderness. If they were going to hold her hand or put an arm around her, she didn’t want it to be because they wanted to be sure she went where they wished.
Chapter Nine
Colm looked over at Cami and frowned. She was angry again and he couldn’t understand what he’d said to cause it. He also couldn’t figure out what she wanted from them. He knew she wasn’t one of their men. A slow smile curved his lips as he thought about her sweet curves. Although hidden underneath the loose cream-colored shirt, he knew she had nice breasts. Those full hips and rounded ass filling out those black pants definitely didn’t belong to a man.
He’d hoped Linc was wrong with his guess that she was their mate. That was becoming less and less likely. Colm could feel the pull to get closer to her. He wanted to know everything about her, protect her, hold her and pull away every mask she was hiding behind. Ruthlessly ripping them away wasn’t an option. He’d like to think that was because he knew she’d already been hurt, but it wasn’t that simple.
He led her down the hallway, past the door where they’d entered and finally to the staircase. He let her lead the way up the stairs to the second level. He took the time to admire the taut curve of her buttocks as she moved ahead of him.
He knew it was perfectly safe for her inside the Thent. It was the only reason that he let her go in front of him. He needed the time to think. What did she want from them? He assumed that it wasn’t to lead them around, since she’d shut down after he’d implied that. That didn’t give him a clue what would make her happy.
“The chatar and healer have rooms up here as well, but they’re in a different section from ours.” Colm once again stepped up beside her when they were at the top of the stairs. He gestured to the right. “They both chose rooms along that hallway.”
“Is there anyone in the rooms along this hallway?” She gestured to the hallway right in front of them.
“No, there hasn’t been anyone along that hall since we last had guests.” Colm looked down the hallway. All of the doors were shut, but he didn’t doubt that the rooms were immaculate, almost ready to be used.
“And that’s too far from you and Linc?” She tilted her head and looked at him.
He watched her peek at him through her lashes. She was trying to see how much space they were going to give her. The thought that she was a little wary of them in this way didn’t bother him. He wanted her aware of them as men, not just as leaders. She was interested. He wanted her to burn with it.
“Yes. We’re not going to make you sleep in the same room, but we want you within screaming distance. No one would hear you here unless they chanced to be walking by. That’s not acceptable. Think you can handle being that close to us or will the temptation be too much for you?” Colm decided she needed a little prodding. He could see the caution in her eyes and he didn’t want it to turn to fear.
“The only temptation I might give in to around you and Linc is to grab something and hit you with it. Neither of you know when to stop. Your room is down the hall with the door on it?” Her eyes narrowed and he was relieved to see the caution swept away in a tide of anger.
“Yes, the door is only closed when Linc and I aren’t here. Most other times, it’s left open.” His hand tightened on hers and he let his smile slowly widen.
“I’ve never heard of a door separating the Ardin’s portion of the fortress from the rest of the building. Well, not a metal door, maybe a wooden door.” She frowned as she looked at the large metal door.
“That door was put in a few generations ago when the Ardin’s Lady was attacked