Page 9 of The Hunted Wife

Talking and laughing stopped as each brother looked up at her.

“What is the matter with you people? Are you completely, uncivilized pigs? Or are you just showing off for me? No one will eat another bite until all of you wash your hands and faces. You’re all a disgrace.”

Christopher who was on Millie’s right side, ignored her and reached for a roll.

Millie pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, then she hit him on the head with the pan. “Did you not hear me, Christopher?”

He looked up at her with wide eyes and rubbed his head.

“Yes, I remember your name.”

“Why’d you hit me?”

“Because you don’t seem to respond to English so I thought maybe you’d respond to pain. How about it?” She looked around the table, stopping to stare at each man. “Who’s next? Anyone else willing to try to eat without washing up?”

“No, Millie,” said some of the men.

“No, ma’am,” said others.

Adam walked in, holding a platter piled high with steaks. He looked around at each of his brothers. “Why isn’t anyone eating?”

“Millie said we have to wash up first,” whined Daniel.

Adam opened his mouth, and then looked at Millie, and closed it for a moment. Then he tried again. “And she’s right. Mom would have our hides to see how far we’ve fallen without her constant guidance.”

The brothers looked down.

Millie saw the color rise on each of their necks. Good. They should be ashamed. Acting like animals just because their mother wasn’t around to make them behave.

After washing their hands and faces the men returned to the table.

Millie looked around smiling. “That’s much better. Your mother would be proud to call you her sons.”

They blushed again.

She smiled. Getting them to blush was so easy. Now to think of more ways to get them to do so.

That evening after dinner and after the kitchen had been cleaned, the men returned to the bunkhouse. Now it was just her and Adam, in the living room, along with the pink elephant.

She sat in one of the two Queen Anne chairs that were upholstered to match the sofa.

Adam sat in the other, reading a book.

An end table was between them holding their drinks. Decaffeinated coffee for her and a small straight whiskey for him.

Adam yawned and swallowed the last of his drink. “I think it’s time for bed.”

“Yes, it is. What are the arrangements you want?”

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I’ll sleep in one of the other rooms, and you can have the master bedroom.”

She looked over at him. “You would really do that for me? I thought you were lying, just to make me more comfortable, when you said you wouldn’t require me to sleep with you right away.”

He stood and walked close, where he took her by the hands and pulled her to her feet. “First, I’ll never lie to you. Second, make no mistake. I want you and I would love to sleep with you, but not until you are ready for that.” He ran his left knuckles lightly down her cheek. “So soft.” Then he cupped her jaw with his left hand and wrapped his right arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Adam gazed at her.

His eyes were nearly black with desire. No, she couldn’t discount the fact that he wanted her, nor could she hide the fact from herself that she wanted him.

He lowered his head.