Page 56 of Conquered

Maybe he did entertain and have friends.

I opened the set of French doors and was immediately hit by a mouthwatering smell. There was no way he was cooking over charcoal. None. As I walked further onto the deck, I noticed smoke curling toward the sky. My God. I was floored. Easton was nothing like I believed he was.

The music was blaring, the Bon Jovi song keeping a smile on my face. I adored the band. I also wondered if he’d snooped enough into my life to have learned that about me. Not that I’d told anyone, or had it listed on any social media accounts since I’d never bothered to use one.

When I found him underneath a trellis, I stood in awe for a few seconds. I don’t know why he’d allowed his guard to fall around me, other than what had occurred the other night between us, but seeing him in shorts and a tee shirt, his feet bare threw me more than the fact he was just about to put four burgers on the hot grill.

The outdoor kitchen was spectacular, the space rivaling any commercial kitchen. And the wooden outdoor table and eight chairs was a perfect location to have a nice dinner with friends.

But it just wasn’t him. Not in the least.

Especially since he was also wearing an apron. I couldn’t keep from laughing, loud enough even over the roar of the music he lifted his head. The overhead pendant lights allowed me to see the sexiness of his clenched jaw and the way his eyes were piercing mine.

His possessive look had me tingling all the way to my toes.

“You’re late,” he said in a gruff voice as he lifted a clear drink from the side table, taking the opportunity to allow his gaze to fall. “And overdressed but I must admit, I like it. You look incredible, little fawn.”

His use of the word made me feel like one of his prey.

“I’m not late.”

He pointed up to the clock on the wall and I grimaced. How had it gotten to be twenty minutes after seven? “Oops.”

“While I do enjoy relaxation time, I am a stickler about time, Sara. That’s something you need to learn and respect.”

There was something overtly sexual about the way he took another sip of his drink. “Yes, sir,” I said with more of a defiant tone in my voice. I placed the bottle on the table, trying to keep my nerves from skittering out of control.

“Good girl. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes. Take off your shoes and enjoy the nice evening. I heard a storm is supposed to roll in.”

I hated the lake effects of the late spring storms. Even in May, they’d brought snow or at least torrential rains. I glanced up at the sky, marveling at the stars as I kicked off my shoes like he asked. It felt odd he was cooking while I was enjoying wine. Maybe I’d thought he would task me to cook and clean as well.

He was quiet and so was I. I didn’t know him at all, other than what I’d heard. What I hated the most was being uncertain what to say to him.

“Your story was markedly improved, so much so I think you need to continue on with it. When you’re done, I’ll publish you. I know a couple of cover artists who can provide a perfect setting for your hero’s world. Plus, I’ll be happy to fund some advertising as well. As you might know, the horror genre isn’t as popular as some like romance.”

I turned my head toward him, certain my mouth was gaping open. “You’d do that?”

He laughed, barely glancing at me. “I’m certain you’ve heard all the rumors about me, including by your good friend Josie. While some stories are wildly exaggerated, there is some truth to many of them. I am a bad man through and through. My brothers are as well, but I have no issue helping those with talent like you have. You remind me of myself from years ago, eager to share a story burning deep inside, willing to cross lines of humanity and even common sense to do so. I admire that greatly so yes, I will be your mentor if you’d like.”

I had to fan myself to keep from fainting. “I would love that.”

“Excellent. You made an impression on my brother. That rarely happens. Both my brothers are hard men, more so than I am, at least when out in the open.”

“What does Styx do?”

Easton flipped the burgers then stood back, studying me as if wondering where this was going. “He’s a surgeon. He saves lives.”

“I thought he was an assassin.” I slapped my hand over my mouth as soon as the words slipped out.

His scowl returned but it was laced with amusement. “Either you overheard our conversation, or someone told you a not very well-known secret about my brother.”

“Then it’s true.”

“Yes, it’s true. He was hired to eliminate some very reprehensible people who deserved their punishment. And I assure you, little fawn, the court systems have failed over the years protecting the innocent from such well known and heinous predators. However, I believe my brother is much happier having returned to the very profession he used to find a better way of life.”

“Judge and jury.”

Chuckling, he moved to another part of the kitchen, opening a refrigerator and pulling out a plate with various cheeses. “As I said, it’s often necessary when the justice system fails.”

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