Surrender Your Independence Read Free

card through the slot of her door.
    Opening the door, she turned to face the three of them. “I don’t want to talk about it again. It’s over and done with.” She slammed the door. Lydia had a key if she needed to get in. Leaning against the door, she took a deep breath and tried to stop her body from shaking.
    “Hot bath, bubbles and a nice bottle of wine,” she put her bag on the bed and searched till Tamara found the bottle of wine, bath salts, and her nightshirt. “I knew you would come in handy.”
    Not waiting, she worked the cork out of the Khvanchkara red, semi-sweet. The man at the wine shop had told her it was best served at room temperature or just below, just what she wanted.
    There was no wait. As soon as the cork was out, she took a small sip right out of the bottle, heading towards the bathroom. “Perfect.”
    Half a bottle of wine gone, twenty minutes soaking in the tub and Tamara was ready for a nice walk on the beach before bed. Maybe she could even get Lydia to walk with her. Something was up with Gage and Lars, she wasn’t stupid. Something other than the threat was in the air and Tamara didn’t like surprises.
    Slipping on a sundress and flip flops, Tamara brushed out her long hair and braided it. “Well, let’s see what’s going on.” She grabbed the bottle and opened the door.
    “Oh good, I was getting worried about you,” Lydia smiled and eyed the wine.
    “Hey, it’s my vacation, plus only half of it’s gone. Want some?” She held up the bottle and Lydia shrugged.
    “Sure, why not? They have a bon fire going on at the beach and some food cooking. I thought you might want something to eat. I’ve been told Gage cooks a mean steak on the grill.” She took the glass of wine Tamara offered to her as she poured the rest into another cup.
    “You going to tell me what is going on with Gage and Lars? And don’t tell me nothing either?” She followed Lydia out the door and down to the beach.
    “I’ll let them explain that. It’s not my place to tell you,” Lydia said leaving her more suspicious than ever.
     
    ***
     
    The fire seemed to reach the sky tonight. Gage was furious with him and he couldn’t blame him. The way he’d behaved around their consort was rude and on the verge of harassment. He could still the recall the scars that riddled her body in his mind’s eye. As soon as she had slammed the door, Lars had called his father.
    He’d always been close to his father, but Lars didn’t know how the news would go over, but there was no turning back. Tamara Crozier was theirs and there was no way they’d release her. After ten minutes, his father agreed and said he would call Alex back into fold, and would order him to remove the reward-bounty on Tamara’s head.
    “Here she comes.” Gage turned away from the grill and looked at him.
    “I know I have to apologize. You don’t need to give me that look.” He turned and smiled as Lydia and Tamara joined them. “Please have a seat. Lydia tells us you haven’t eaten, so I hope you don’t’ mind that we threw an extra steak on the grill for you.” Lars nodded to the beach chairs that sat back away from the fire and out of the smoke.
    Tamara nodded and sat down in the chair furthest away from them. Getting out of his chair, Lars moved his right next to her. “I’m glad you came. I owe you an apology. I was rude and I have no excuse except that I was totally unprepared for your presence.” Taking her free hand into his, he waited as Gage knelt down in front of her.
    “What my mate is trying to say is that we believe you to be our consort. Do you know what this is?” Gage asked.
    She pulled her hand out of his, but not before he noticed her body shaking. Before they knew what she was doing, Tamara jumped up. “You called him? I thought I was under your protection?” She reached under her dress to retrieve a small switchblade, flicking it open.
    He turned, stepping in front of her, as did Gage. “You are not