The Circle Eight: Nicholas Read Free Page B

be happy—”
    “No.” Nicholas finally spoke.
    “Pardon me?” Vaughn’s tone told her he was near his breaking point with his new family. They were tough men—she didn’t blame him. If she hadn’t been dealing with men her entire life who were harder, darker and more evil, she might have been intimidated.
    “You go near that house, and the women are gonna shoot you.” Nick unfolded his arms. “I’ll take her.”
    Winnie blinked in surprise. He treated her as though he didn’t want her there, yet he offered to escort her to Ellie? Where was the Nick she’d met in Houston, who held her so tenderly and kept her alive? He ’d been replaced by the cold stranger made of icy stone.
    “I know you don’t spend much time around polite society, but it’s customary to ask a woman if you may escort her.” Winnie’s words made at least two of the other men snicker.
    Nick’s lips tightened and something flashed in his eyes, but was gone before she could identify it. “Miss Watson, can I walk you to my sister?” The words were polite but the tone was contained annoyance. Good. She didn’t like this man, didn’t recognize him. They had shared one of the most intense experiences of her life. He shouldn’t trivialize it by treating her like a stranger.
    “Thank you, Mr. Graham. I would be pleased to accompany you.” She patted Vaughn’s hand as she pulled away from him. “I shall see you shortly.”
    Vaughn smiled. “Please tell her I love her.”
    Nicholas made a harrumph of disbelief. Winnie tipped up her chin and waited for him to take her arm. Who was this man? His behavior had already tainted her fond memory of being with him.
    With obvious reluctance, he took her arm and they turned toward the house. Immediate warmth flooded her, along with a sharp awareness of the man beside her. She’d felt nothing but pleasure at seeing a friend when she’d touched Vaughn. With Nicholas, the experience was completely different. Her body was aware of his, painfully aware.
    Each breath he took, the warmth of his hand, the hardness of his arm, the length of his stride —all of it assaulted her senses. She could hardly think with him beside her. His height was another issue. She was not particularly tall and he was. In fact, she only came to his shoulder.
    It occurred to her that he had shortened his steps to meet hers. It was a small concession but she noted it. Beneath the stiff exterior, perhaps Nicholas was still there. The man she’d met in Houston, who ’d carried her bloodied body in his arms, may still be there.
    The revelation gave her hope. She had missed him, the long conversations they’d had, and the warmth of his company. If she were honest with herself, she had been looking forward to seeing him. Secretly hoping he’d smile and she would have an excuse to see him again. And perhaps again.
    Instead he treated her as someone he’d never met, worse, someone he didn’t like. Until the moment she recognized his shortened stride. They would reach the house in moments. She had to say something or lose the opportunity to do so.
    “Although I don’t believe the feeling is mutual, I am glad to see you again, Nicholas.”
    His arm tightened even further, nearly steel beneath her hand. He did not respond.
    “I thought we had become friends in Houston. At the very least, more than casual acquaintances.”
    “I was there for my sister.” His gruff reply made her heart thump.
    “That doesn’t mean nothing happened.” Anger crept into her voice. “You saved my life, Nicholas.”
    He was silent for a few moments. “The doctor saved you.”
    She came to a halt, yanking back on his arm. “I refuse to allow you to cheapen what you did for me. I won’t forget it and you will accept my gratitude and my friendship.”
    He dropped his gaze and blew out a breath. “I wasn’t saying nothing happened and I don’t meant to cheapen anything. I don’t know how to be your friend. Truth is, nobody wants to be my