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

was the only family left to me. I will miss him greatly,” Marcas said, his face dropping in sadness. Courtney said nothing, watching the man struggle with his emotions. “His illness is my doing. I will never forgive myself.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I made him travel the world with me, looking for items for my collection as I worked as the cultural ambassador to increase tourism for my country. I ignored his age and his failing health, wanting to please my own needs. After my accident,” he pointed to his eyes, “he was the strength I needed to keep myself together. It drained him. Now I have you, but for him, it is too late.”
    “Whoa, wait one second, buddy. You don’t have me. Now I appreciate you needing support, however…”
    “Courtney, look into my eyes and tell me the truth. How long have we known one another? Hmmm? It feels like many years, da ? Or a lifetime?”
    “Um, I don’t know. I’m not keeping track of time.” She resisted the urge to lean into his welcoming arms. “Ok, I admit that we seem to be very familiar with each other, despite the fact you drive me nuts, but that’s simply because we are both focused on helping Sebastian.”
    “No, it is not. It is because we are the same. Our loves, our hates… Our wants, and our needs. Tu esti sufletul meu pereche, you are my soul mate. You have stolen my heart.”
    “Marcas, please… you are grieving right now and…”
    “There is no grief in dragostea , love.” He lifted her hand and gently kissed the backs of her fingers. “You have made my heart sing once more.”
    Courtney blushed, torn between wanting to pull away from his advances and swooning in delight. As her lifetime habit, she chose the appropriate, and safe, path. Gently, she drew her hand away. “Marcas, you are making me uncomfortable. Please stop.”
    “For now, I will. But once we walk under the Carpathian moon and under the blanket of the Transylvanian forests, you will hear these words again.”
    “Before or after I get bitten by a werewolf?” Courtney asked with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.
    “I promise, the only wolf that will devour you is me. Do you play chess?”
    “I do, and I will kick your butt.”
    “Good, let us see.”
    Several games later, Courtney leaned back in her chair, arms crossed and with a triumphant look on her face. “Oh stop pouting. You suck. And before you make a silly comment, I’m not talking about your mouth. Who the hell taught you how to play chess?”
    “The monks. They were very competitive.”
    “Probably because they play as badly as you do. Chess is a war game, I don’t think they would really concentrate on the strategies,” she chuckled, putting the board away. She saw Marcas suppress a yawn. “Sweetie? You look tired. Why don’t you take a nap? I swear you never seem to sleep.”
    “I have slept little since you stepped into my life. That term? Does it mean…”
    “It’s an expression of mine that I use all the time, nothing more. And you aren’t sleeping because you’re probably worried. Please try to sleep while you can and save your strength for Sebastian. Don’t worry, I will watch over him while you rest.”
    “You have a good and kind heart. I thank you. Please, awaken me in four hours. Do not allow me to slumber more than that.”
    “You need to sleep…”
    “Obey me!” Marcas rumbled, grabbing her wrist. Her startled look made him loosen his grip. “Four hours, no more. Understood?” His low, rich voice was stern and unyielding.
    “I hear you.” Courtney yanked her wrist from him, alarmed by his tone. She rubbed where his hand had gripped her and quickly moved to where Sebastian was resting as she tried to control her trembling.
    “Do not mind his bark, sweet angel. He is tired and tends to be very irritable. How are you traveling?”
    “The trip was going well until Dr. Jekyll turned into Mr. Hyde. Butthead. How are you feeling? Can I get you some food?”
    “Just water. The pain