Druid Surrender (A Druid Quest Novel Book 1) by Stacey Brutger Read Free Book Online Page B

distraction.”
    Tension leaked out of him, and he cocked his head in curiosity. “Oh?”
    “You need her to stay to find out the truth, yes? That won’t happen with the Bennigans dogging your every move and mother arranging an endless parade of eligible women for you. To avoid both, you simply need to show interest in a suitable woman.” She tipped her head toward Brighid. “With her hair done and the proper gowns, she could pass.”
    “Don’t be absurd. I’m not some merchandise you can just pluck off the shelves.” Though Brighid appreciated their offer to help, the people after her wouldn’t think twice about putting them in harm’s way, and a spurt of anxiety tightened the back of her throat at the thought of Wyatt being killed because of her. Thank the goddess he was a sensible man. Stubborn, perhaps, but sensible. There was no way he would allow himself to be caught up in someone else’s machinations.
    Wyatt lifted his head like a lion locating its prey, and his eyes locked on hers. He touched his pocket as if he suspected she’d stolen something from him. It was the third time he’d done that while looking at her. Brighid was half-tempted to pick his pocket to see what he held so dear.
    The dangerous green tint she found so fascinating leaked back in his eyes, and her body tingled with awareness. “She’s beautiful enough to pass without any of that.”
    Brighid’s mouth fell open, and a fiery blush heated her face. She floundered to come up with a protest, but her treacherous mind stopped functioning at his compliment. She retreated another step, only to find the door blocking her retreat, and her mouth went bone dry.
    “It could work.” Wyatt rubbed his chin, the dratted man, as if he was actually considering his sister’s outrageous plan. He stalked toward her, twirling his finger. “Spin.”
    A battalion of butterflies took flight in her stomach at his approach, and her feet refused to budge. He tugged on the rope, spurring her into action.
    “Have you lost your mind?” Furious, she jerked back, wondering when she lost control of the situation, but she already knew the answer. It had been the moment he risked his life to rescue her. One touch and her protective walls had crumbled, leaving her yearning for a future that was infinitely more dangerous.
    “Turn.” He smiled in amusement, clearly enjoying her predicament.
    “You’re both crazy.” He was gaming her. It was the only explanation. She narrowed her eyes as he prodded her shoulder until she completed a full circle.
    “No.” He addressed Lydia, but his eyes bored into hers, as if willing her to agree. The heat there thawed the cold that had taken root in her soul. With his index finger, he tipped her chin higher and examined her face as if deciding her fate, and her breath caught to find his lips within a hairsbreadth of hers.
    Then he strode back toward his desk, breaking the spell he so effortlessly wove around her, and smothering the painful hope that burned in her chest.
    The reality of her situation intruded with a rush of crushing regret, and Brighid dropped her gaze, feeling foolish for even allowing herself to believe she could stay and spend more time with him.
    Tension thickened the air when he turned his attention toward his sister. “What do you get out of this deal?”
    Lydia blinked innocently. “Whatever do you mean?”
    Wyatt snorted. “You’re too accommodating. At any other time, you would be making a stink about the impropriety. What’s in it for you?”
    “I’m sure I don’t—” When Wyatt raised a brow, she stopped. “Oh, all right. With Mother occupied with you, there’ll be no more parties to attend. I won’t have to fend off the bachelors she’s arranged for me .”
    After a short pause, both siblings turned to look at her.
    “Wait a minute. Don’t I get a say in this?” Brighid quashed the betraying leap of excitement at the prospect of staying.
    The fantasy of forgetting her worries and