Ensnared (Brutes of Bristlebrook, #1)(34)

After a moment of indecision, I brush past the activewear. I slip into a short, flirty blue dress and leave my room before I can let my dread convince me to do something stupid.

Like lock myself in the bathroom and refuse to come out.

God. What if it’s Dom first? If he looks at me with that kind of disgust while I’m with him, how will I ever be able to respect myself again? What if I cry? What if I’m so bad that they immediately demand I leave? Is there a notice period for my eviction? Am I going to be graded on this?

I stop outside the kitchen, breathing fast. Why can’t I choose who is first? Beau wouldn’t be so bad. The memories of his fingers and indecent mouth are fresh. He’s thoughtful and sexy. I think I could bear it if it was him. Or maybe Lucky. I’m sure he’d be gentle with me—though he’s so carefully friendly, I’m not sure if he’ll inspire that same kind of thrill.

And, so far, I have been thrilled. Somehow. Despite everything.

Jasper. He had his mouth all over me, his teeth pushed me over the edge, and his kindness with the books warmed me to him . . . but something in that dark, dangerous control of his makes me certain I’m deeply out of my depth. Then there’s— The kitchen door swings open.

“Come on in, darlin’. We’re waiting.” Beau’s voice is kind, inviting.

I am so screwed.





Chapter 11


Eden


SURVIVAL TIP #200

A safe place is worth any price.

Even your pride.

“D amn it, Beau!” Lucky complains from behind the beautiful doctor. “I bet a week of chores that she’d come in by herself!”

Pushing my glasses up my nose, I go inside. All five of them stand about the room. Lucky and Jasper are working over the dishes on the countertop. Lucky’s wearing a Kiss the Cock apron that makes my cheeks color primly.

“She wasn’t coming in, idiot. She was standing outside hyperventilating.” Jaykob is sprawled by the small table, flipping his pocketknife. He doesn’t look at me.

Ignoring him, I meet Dom’s gaze. He towers by the door to the dining room, and I can’t read anything in the regal lines of his face. Impassive and assessing, he takes me in. Sourly, I decide he must be great at poker.

“You’re late,” he says. “Grab the plates, Lucky.”

As he turns and pushes into the dining room, Lucky rolls his eyes at me. He picks up two plates, muttering, “Yes, oh lord and master. Shall I shine your shoes too, your highness? Perhaps you’d like a neck rub?”

My lips twitch, some of the heavy lead in my stomach lightening. Jasper is watching Lucky closely from behind his back, an almost-smile playing around his mouth.

Lucky winks at me and raises his voice as he makes his way to the dining room. “Goodman, shall I cut your venison into tiny bite-sized pieces?” He hip-bumps the door open and he croons, “Oh no, mustn’t strain yourself, sire. Allow me to feed you!”

There’s a loud thud followed by a muffled curse. Beau squeezes my arm and collects two plates, and Jaykob brushes past me to grab the last two.

Jasper shifts his attention to me from behind the counter, and I’m struck again by how beautiful he is. The others are dressed nicely enough, though casually, but Jasper doesn’t seem to wear anything but his elegant silk button-downs. This one is black, open at the collar, and the sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. The muscles in his toned forearms flex as he leans forward on the counter.

“You look beautiful, Eden,” he murmurs, and a few strands of sable hair fall over his forehead.

His dark eyes devour me. They lay me bare. But the simple, approving words are surprisingly calming, and my shoulders unknot just slightly.

“Thank you,” I whisper back.

“Would you like wine with dinner?”

I huff a laugh. “Yes. I would love some wine.”

He doesn’t smile, but his face softens. “You had better go inside. I’ll bring it. I wouldn’t put it past Dom to have Jaykob fetch you, and I don’t imagine you’d enjoy that.”

I nod and head into the dining room, taking a seat at the monstrous table beside Lucky and across from Beau and Jaykob.

Dom sits to my other side at the head of the table.

The meal sprawling between us looks incredible.

“Venison backstrap with blackberry sauce, roast potatoes, pumpkin, and asparagus,” Lucky announces proudly.

Half his long hair is in Viking braids today, not in its usual messy bun. It makes the angles of his face more pronounced. He even tidied his close-cut beard.

I smile at him. “You look very nice tonight, Lucky. Thank you for cooking.”

He blinks at me, seeming taken aback by the compliment. Then a smile blooms across his face. “I didn’t want to show you up, but my natural beauty is hard to hide. Should have known you’d outdo me again. We’ll have to swap grooming rituals later.”

Beau snorts as I laugh, my nerves making it a husky sound. I realize Dom is staring at me, a frown marring his forehead, and I push my glasses back up the bridge of my nose. As soon as I risk a peek at him, he refocuses on his plate.

Jaykob is the only one already eating, not bothering to wait. His dramatic tattoos are particularly dark on his thick arms.

This close, I can see heavy skulls nestled among black leaves and flowers, with vines snaking through the empty eyes and mouth. The designs are beautiful . . . but unsettling.