Heartmate Read Free Page B

her.
    â€œDon’t.” He made the word soft and persuasive. “Please, GentleLady—”
    â€œMiz,” she snapped. “Simply, miz.”
    â€œStay. Look at the necklace.”
    â€œOpen the door.”
    With each moment the silence between them changed from strained to something quite different. The intensity of his blue-silver gaze mesmerized her. His evident power, not only magical but his essential male vitality, enveloped her.
    And it wasn’t menacing, but sheltering. It quieted her breathing, calmed her fears, and impressed an elemental fact upon her. He would never harm her. Even so, she didn’t feel quite safe.
    A short hum buzzed loud in the silence. She touched the doorknob behind her. It turned under her fingers.
    The light in the shop was suddenly too bright. She closed her eyelids, shutting away the gleaming brilliance of the jewels and shining metals, none of which were as dazzling as his light blue eyes.
    A soft, whispery noise made her open her lashes. T’Ash pushed the velvet stand down to the short leg of the counter, across from the caff set, then he retreated to the middle of the glass case opposite the door and her. He stepped back until he was against the far wall and put his hands behind him. No doubt it was supposed to be a reassuring gesture, but the black shirt outlined his impressive biceps and chest.
    â€œLook at the necklace. Try it on.”
    She glanced at it, finding its charm even more heady than before—just the sight of a glimmering sapphire pulled at her. And the golden amber flaw in the heart tantalized. She jerked her gaze away only to meet his considering expression. Irritation welled up in her. She compressed her lips.
    â€œTry the necklace on,” he urged quietly.
    â€œI. Can’t. Afford. The necklace.” Not in money and not in peace of mind.
    Now he blinked. His heavy, dark brows arched slightly, and he smiled. “Yes, you can. Easily.” The lilt of his words caressed her.
    Danith stared at him with suspicion.
    He set his hands on his lean hips. “I am T’Ash. I, no other, set the price on my work. And the necklace”—his lips curved again as he nodded to it—“is one of my earlier efforts. You will find that it doesn’t have the quality of the other pieces you’ve given a home.”
    Her eyes narrowed further. She was about to reply when the bells hanging on the door behind her jangled. She moved from the doorway, her steps instinctively going to the comfort of the tea—but also toward the necklace.
    Four laughing women entered, and Danith instantly felt scruffy, unsophisticated, and exactly what she was. Common. They were all nobles: one GreatLady, then two GrandLadies and a lesser GraceLady. They wore long gowns with colorful embroidered patterns in shining metallic thread, or long ankle-length tunics cut up the sides to the hip to show billowing silkeen trous of contrasting colors. Their hair was arranged in intricate designs.
    Danith glanced down at her plain blue knee-length tunic over her narrow-legged trous. She placed a hand on her hair, which had escaped its simple tie, and sighed. Definitely common.
    â€œT’Ash!” the GreatLady exclaimed, holding her hands out over the counter in greeting. “It’s so rare we see you. Not since the FirstFamilies Council last.”
    FirstFamilies Councils and GreatHouses had nothing to do with Danith. She had never envied nobles or aspired to their status. The titles carried too much formality and responsibility. Still, it wasn’t often she could see them up close. She reached for her tea mug, studiously avoiding the necklace. Yet, in directing her gaze from the jewelry, her glance focused again on the man. She watched T’Ash from under her lashes as she sipped her delicious but now tepid drink.
    â€œD’Birch.” T’Ash grazed one of the GreatLady’s hands with fingertips, then reverted to brooding.