Chapter Eight
Akane sat at the Dunne kitchen table and pondered how to get out of the trap she found herself in. She couldn’t exactly chew her own arm off, but she was thinking about it. Maybe if she bled enough they’d try and take her to the hospital where she could make her escape.
The Dunnes had been everything hospitable, making her feel welcome, even giving her a room at Shane’s insistence. He’d even arranged to have her car parked…somewhere. The bastard. He’d guessed she wouldn’t leave without her baby.
If he hid it in some kind of pasture she’d kill him. She did not want her baby to smell of eau de cow patty.
She’d crawled into bed only after Shane made it clear she wasn’t going anywhere. He’d locked the door on her, leaving her no option but to go out the window. When she had, he’d been waiting. Bastard. He’d given her that smug smile, escorted her back to her room and left her with a fucking pat on the head.
That was when she knew she was in hell.
Shane was watching her out of those damn sapphire eyes. His big body was relaxed, his scarred farmer’s hands curled around his cup of coffee. He studied her like she was an exotic bug and he was just waiting to see which way she would crawl.
She hated it.
She was pretty sure she hated him. Never mind in the bright light of day he’d been even better looking than she’d first thought. His red-gold hair curled ever so slightly at the nape of his neck. She had the wicked urge to drag her nails through it. His kissable lips were quirked in a knowing smile. His big, booted feet were stretched out under the table, nearly reaching her chair. She bet he broke six foot two easily.
She especially hated that he was so much taller than she was. At five foot four she was shorter than average, but still.
“Shane, does your guest need more coffee?”
He didn’t even look at the tiny Sidhe female. “No, Ma. She’s fine.”
“Well, then. I hope the room was to your liking, Miss Russo.”
She couldn’t bring herself to bite off Aileen Dunne’s head. The woman had done nothing to deserve it other than give birth to the hulking ape across from her. She pasted a smile on her face for the poor woman. “It was fine, thank you.”
Sean Dunne settled into the chair next to his son. He had a suspiciously blank look on his face. “When did they say they’d be here?”
“Moira wanted to wait until dusk.” Aileen glanced out the kitchen window. “I’d give them another ten minutes.”
Moira Dunne? Shit, that meant Jaden was on his way. “Can I go now?”
The elder Dunnes lowered their heads, probably to hide their fucking laughter.
Shane shook his head. “Nope.”
Nope? “That’s all you can come up with, Jethro? Nope?”
His father got up from the table and stood at the back door. “They’re here.”
Shit. She couldn’t let Jaden see her. She looked at Aileen, letting some of her desperation show through. Surely the woman would understand and let her sneak out somehow. “Can I use the bathroom?”
“I don’t think so.” Shane took a sip of his coffee.
She kicked him. Hard.
“Ow.”
Her head tilted in complete disbelief. The last guy she’d kicked that hard had to deal with a broken bone. This idiot sounded like he’d barely banged a knuckle. “I have to pee,” she gritted out through clenched teeth.
“Liar liar, pants on fire.”
That was it. She was going to reach across that table and splatter Mrs. Dunne’s baby boy all over her nice, clean kitchen.
“Good evening, Dad!” A tall man who bore a striking resemblance to Sean Dunne stepped into the kitchen. Behind him was a short redhead with big, smiling brown eyes. “Hello, Mom. What’s the emergency?”
“Hello, Leo, Ruby.” Aileen kissed her tall son, then embraced her daughter-in-law. “The emergency is getting out of the blue sports car.”
“Duncan’s having problems?” Leo grabbed the coffeepot and poured himself a mug. He held it up. “Ruby?”
She shook her head and took a seat at the Dunne table. “Hi. I’m Ruby Dunne. You are?”
Akane stared at the hand held out to her. “Out of here.” She stood up, ready to bolt out the door.
“Too late.” His voice whispered across her senses, so low she doubted that any of the others had heard him.
“Ma, we’re home!” A fiery little redhead the spitting image of Aileen Dunne bounced through the back door and straight into Aileen’s waiting arms. Behind her came two men, one dark as sin, the other fair as the sun.
“Aw, shit.” Her shoulders slumped.
Jaden looked startled for only a moment before his brows drew down. “Akane? What the hell are you doing here?”
Now she’d have to explain why Robin had sent her, and what she was doing on the Dunne farm.
Could things get any worse?
Jaden glared at the dragoness. Robin had to have sent her to keep an eye on him, and he didn’t like it one little bit. “Well?”
She turned to face him, delicate hands on tiny little hips. If he didn’t know better he’d think she was fragile. “This wasn’t my idea.” She pointed at Shane, one foot tapping impatiently. “He made me stay.”
He glanced over at the eldest Dunne child. “Are you causing trouble again?”
Shane pointed at himself, his eyes wide. Probably the only person falling for the man’s innocent act was his mother, who patted him on the shoulder and handed him a cookie. “There, dear. I’m sure there’s no trouble.” The Sidhe female glared at Jaden like it was all somehow his fault.
Jaden had a hard time not laughing in his mother-in-law’s face. Gods, he liked the hybrid. He had a dragon female corralled on his farm, growling in aggravation. It was the most emotion he’d ever seen in Akane, and he’d known her for years. He had a high Sidhe lady up in arms, and…yup, a leprechaun hiding in his den, having a laughing fit.
Damn, that man can move fast.
A stinging slap landed on his arm. “Ow.”
“Who’s that?” Moira had her arms crossed over her chest. She stared at Akane, her green eyes glittering like emeralds.
Uh-oh. “That’s Akane.”
“And?” Moira drawled.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, darling.” “She’s a Blade.”
Now Akane was glaring at him. “Thanks a lot.”
He returned her glare with interest. “If you think I’m the only one getting run over by that particular bus you are sadly mistaken.”
“So? I mean, why is she here?” Moira was still glaring at Akane, who could probably eat Moira in one dainty bite.
“She’s sometimes my partner.” “Before you ask, no, we’ve never slept together.”
Arms reached around, plucking Moira from his side. “Down, girl.” Duncan’s soothing tones took the fight right out of his little leprechaun. “I’ve met Akane once or twice. Trust me when I say she’s never been Jaden’s type.”
Now Akane looked offended. Great. Jaden pinched the bridge of his nose and wondered if he’d be considered a coward if he ducked into the den with Sean.
Then again, did he really want to face his new father-in-law by himself?
Hmm. Pissed off dragon, pissed off leprechaun. He mentally shrugged. Might as well piss off the Sidhe lady. I wouldn’t want to miss anybody. He pressed a kiss to Moira’s forehead. “You know you’re one of my onlys, sweetheart.”
He risked a quick glance at the Dunne family. Shane looked amused, Leo looked outraged, and Aileen looked…smug?
It’s official. This whole family is freaky.