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I don’t think anyone has ever been excited to see me, and I’m not sure what to think about it. Everything about this situation is throwing me for a loop.
The curvy little ray of sunshine drops whatever was in her hand, a water bottle, from the looks of it, and hops down off the bed.
“I thought you said you were armed?” I muse, giving the water bottle a pointed look.
“Technically, Iamarmed,” she replies, a cheeky grin on her face as she waves her arms in the air.
I can honestly say I’m at a loss for words. Cambria flashes me a bright smile, her light blue eyes sparkling as she grabs a fuzzy robe and wraps it around herself.
She skips into the kitchen area, her braided hair tossed over her shoulder and bouncing behind her.
“I thought you weren’t coming until morning,” she says over her shoulder as she putters around the kitchen.
I’m frozen in place, watching as this mysterious woman fills up a tea kettle and sets out two mugs, honey, and an assortment of teas.
“Technically, itismorning,” I answer. Is that my voice? When did it get so deep?
Cambria turns to face me, one hand on her hip as she rolls her eyes. “You know what I mean, smart-ass.”
She turns back around and tends to the kettle while I blink a few times and comprehend what the sassy little nurse said to me. She called me a smart-ass. And rolled her eyes at me. No one would dare treat me with such disrespect in New York. If they did, punishment would be swift.
Cambria, however… I want to punish her, too. But my twisted mind and dark, lustful urges don’t want to torture her. They want to spank her juicy ass until it’s red, then massage her sore skin before starting again, making her count each one.
It takes a moment to realize she’s been talking to me. I shake my head at those ridiculous thoughts and try to stay focused. I’m sure it’s because I’m tired and out of my element. Nothing more.
“So, yeah. I know there are several empty rooms in the main house, but this works out better for everyone. A little more privacy, but I’m still right here if anything happens. I spruced up the place a little bit when I moved in. Some rugs, a few paintings–”
“Beaded death traps?” I grumble, shooting her a glare.
Cambria smiles and nods. “It worked, didn’t it?”
I sigh, wiping a hand down my face. I’m not sure what game we’re playing here, but I’m exhausted, and my emotions are all over the place. Strange, because usually, I’m able to shove my feelings down deep and shut the cellar door, never to be heard from again. It’s this place. And this woman. Everything will be clearer in the morning.
“Here, it’s some sleepy-time tea,” Cambria says softly from right beside me.
I startle, not realizing how close she was. “No,” I snap, jumping back several steps.
“Relax, I didn’t spike it with anything.”
“That’s not… why would you even say that?”
Cambria shrugs and holds out the drink. “You seem like someone who is always a little suspicious of everyone and everything.”
“Well, that’s because people and things can’t be trusted.” I’m not sure why I said that.
Cambria tilts her head slightly, studying me with her ethereal eyes. I don’t like her scrutiny. I’m not sure I measure up, and I can’t wrap my head around why I want to.
Finally, she sets the mug on the little breakfast bar in front of me and makes herself a cup of tea. She rests her elbows on the counter, leaning forward slightly as she looks up at me. “Are you going to the main house tonight?”
I find myself shaking my head before I even realize what I’m doing. “I can’t,” is all I say. I’m not even sure she heard it.
“You’re right. It’s probably best to get a fresh start in the morning.”
I nod, thankful that she doesn’t press the issue.
“You finish your tea, and I’ll find my sleeping bag. I know I have one around here.” Cambria turns to dig through a tiny storage closet behind her. “I’m sure I didn’t throw it away,” she continues, tossing random things out of the closet as she burrows further inside. “Just in case I need to camp in my car again, you know?”
“You’ve slept in your car?” I growl, a sudden wave of protectiveness surging through me. It’s as confusing as it is fierce.
