Page 86 of Moonlit Thorns

She barrels out of the room much like she barreled in.

“Don’t do that,” Asher says to me in a commanding voice.

Everyone at the table stills, including me.

I turn my head and look at him. “Don’t do what?”

“Don’t be uncomfortable because you’re sitting here at the table eating rather than serving us.” He spreads some honey on his toast.

“You can’t just command me not to be uncomfortable, Asher.”

I hear a snort across the table and look over to see Sid with his fist to his mouth, trying not to laugh. Kol is watching our interaction intently.

“There’s no reason for you to feel weird.”

I have no problem with Asher bossing me around and being domineering in the bedroom, but he can’t control my feelings. I set down my cutlery. “That’s not how it works. You don’t just decree something, and people suddenly change how they feel about it.”

“Why should you feel weird about it? You’re here because I want you here.”

I huff. “Did you forget that not that long ago you were treating me like shit and doing everything in your power to embarrass and humiliate me, and everyone in this manor knows it?”

“She’s got you there,” Sid says.

Asher whips his head in his direction and glares at him for a beat, then returns his attention to me.

“There are lots of ways you can dominate me, Asher, but emotions won’t be one of them. I’m going to feel what I’m going to feel, and you can have an opinion on it, but you can’t order me to change it and expect it to miraculously happen.”

He frowns and takes my hand. “I just want you to feel like you belong at this table.”

My head tilts. “I’m sure in time I will. Today is just not that day, okay?”

His jaw hardens for a beat, then he nods. “Okay. I’m sorry.” He brings our joined hands to his lips and kisses my knuckles.

“All is forgiven.” I give him a smile, then turn toward the sound of laughter across the table.

“Never thought I’d see the day,” Sid says, shaking his head at us.

“What?” Asher drops my hand and goes back to eating his breakfast.

“The day you listened to a woman,” Sid says. “Hell, anyone for that matter.”

“Must be one helluva voodoo pussy,” Kol says.

“Don’t.” Asher whips up out of his chair and pins Kol with a stare.

Kol raises his hands in front of himself.

“I have some news,” Nero says, and I can tell he’s trying to change the subject.

I shoot him a grateful smile as Asher slowly sits back down.

“You’re all going to get to meet Maude at the masquerade ball, then I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

I smile wide at Nero, but I’m the only one around the table who seems happy about this news.

“What’s the hurry?” Kol asks. “She knocked up?”

Nero glares at him. “No, she’s not knocked up. I love her, that’s the hurry.”

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