Two by Day, Three by Night by Breanna Hayse Page A

to challenge her world. To explore, let us say, her deepest wishes, da ?”
    “Oh my God, did he tell you about the other night?” Courtney jeered in disbelief and mortification. “I had no choice!”
    “Shhh, no need for explanations. I know Marcas and his needs very well. The house does not hide sound as well as the manor. He can be very…persuasive.”
    “Sebastian, this is really inappropriate for us to be discussing. I mean…”
    “Why do you deny your attraction to him?”
    “I’m not denying it… I’m trying to ignore it. He does not make that easy. I have a job here and I can’t afford to be distracted by my own interests.”
    “He will make it impossible for you to deny him. I see his reflection in your eyes. You struggle, but not because you don’t feel, but because you do and it frightens you. Please, tell me why.”
    “Now’s not the time, Sebastian.”
    “Promise you will before we arrive home.”
    “I promise, if the opportunity arises. Did you get my purse?” Courtney asked sharply as Marcas climbed into the driver’s seat. He glanced at her in the rear view mirror and frowned.
    “Yes. Why are you angry?”
    “I’m not.”
    “You lie. We will discuss that later.”
    “Oh no, we won’t. I do not care for your description of what entails a discussion.”
    Marcas chuckled, pulling out onto the road. “You lie again. I know for fact that you enjoy it very much.”
     
    * * *
     
    Sebastian quickly fell asleep during the silent ride to the private airport and was carefully placed in a reclining lounger in the small jet. Courtney settled him comfortably and then leaned over to watch him carefully.
    “You poor thing, this is wearing you out. Are you in pain?” she asked with concern, seeing the old face grimace.
    “My darling, the only pain I have right now is over the fussing you are giving me. Let me rest.”
    “Ok. And just so you know, I’m going to keep fussing, so get used to it,” Courtney chuckled, kissing his forehead and stroking his cheek. She yelped as Marcas came up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the floor. “Put me down, you big gorilla!”
    “Is this a good place to put you down?” he asked, plopping on a lounge and pulling her on his lap to squeeze her tightly. “You are much fun to hold, Courtney. Very warm and soft.”
    “You seriously should consider getting yourself a cat. Stop petting me.” Courtney squirmed as his right hand stroked her hair, neck, and shoulder, and his hot breath whispered Romanian endearments in her ear.
    “Marcas, let the child go,” Sebastian scolded. “I don’t want to hear you two argue right now.”
    “Yeah, wait until he falls asleep and then I’ll kick your ass. And I’m not a child, Sebastian.”
    “To me, you are both children. Let me sleep now. Both of you, behave yourselves.”
    Marcas chuckled, poking Courtney in the side and grinning at her return glare. “I think we were just chided, yes?”
    “I’m glad you’re amused. Will you stop touching me? Marcas, cut it out,” Courtney ordered, trying to avoid his finger as it continued to poke at her. Sebastian raised his hand and snapped his fingers, bringing them both to an abrupt stop. Courtney turned to Marcas and covered her mouth to prevent a giggle from escaping.
    “Don’t do that or you will snort like a boar hog again,” Marcas whispered in her ear, nipping her lobe.
    “It’s a warthog. Why are you trying to make Sebastian upset?” Courtney asked, pushing him away from her as they went to the back portion of the cabin and sat down, buckling into their seats as the engine began to roar.
    “It was a favorite pastime of mine as a young boy. It made the time go faster during my lessons. He continually threatened the cane, yet never ventured to use it,” Marcas chuckled quietly, reaching for her hand. She pulled away.
    “He taught you?”
    “He was my teacher, mentor, father, friend… After my father was killed, he