Unclaimed by Sara Humphreys

at her sister. “I was hoping you’d stay longer.”
    â€œOh please.” Tatiana laughed. “You’ll be sick of me by tomorrow.”
    â€œWell,” she said slowly, as if she was afraid to say more. “I won’t be here tomorrow or the rest of the week actually.”
    â€œWhat?” Tatiana’s eyes widened, and she flicked them briefly to Dominic before narrowing them at her sister. “You’re leaving ?”
    Tatiana’s energy waves fluttered with panic and a touch of fear, making Dominic surprisingly uncomfortable. Was she afraid of him? Of being alone with him? He pushed himself away from the granite counter and walked over to the window, pretending to be interested in something outside.
    â€œI’m sorry, sis. I got a call from National Geographic this morning for a photo shoot, and it’s too good a gig to pass up. William and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon. I’m surprised he didn’t give me a hard time about going, but I think the latest assassination attempt has him on edge. Listen, if you’re pissed at me, just take heart in knowing that I’ll have my husband doing his overprotective macho stuff during my entire trip. I’ve never taken him on a shoot, so I have no idea how this is going to go, and it could turn into a cluster-fuck of epic proportions.”
    Dominic glanced over his shoulder and caught sight of Tatiana. Her arms were folded over her breasts, and she was biting her thumbnail. The woman had turned into a bundle of nerves in a matter of minutes, and he knew full well it was because of him. The puppy seemed aware of it too because he whimpered at her feet and rubbed against her legs.
    â€œWhen will you be back?” Tatiana asked quietly. She let out a slow breath as she reached down and petted the dog.
    â€œSaturday—a week from today—and I promise we’ll have some serious sister time, but I really can’t pass up this opportunity.”
    â€œI know,” Tatiana said on a sigh of frustration. “I just… well, I guess this means we can finish up and head out as soon as possible. There really isn’t any other reason for me to stay. You and William should visit my place in Oregon when you’re finished with your gig.”
    Dominic fought the urge to grab her, throw her over his shoulder, and tell her she wasn’t going anywhere without him ever again. However, he suspected a move like that would go over like a fart in church.
    â€œWell,” Dominic interrupted. “However long you’re going to be here, you’ll need keys to the cabin. Here they are.” He placed them on the small table by the front door, trying not to sound like a possessive dickhead. He faced her again. “Not that anyone ever locks their doors around here.”
    â€œFirst time for everything,” Matt said from his spot on the large leather sectional. Dominic had almost forgotten he was there. “Wouldn’t want any unwelcome visitors in the middle of the night.”
    â€œRight.” Dominic sliced a look in his direction before turning his attention back to Tatiana. “There are two bedrooms upstairs, each equipped with their own bathroom. So you’ll have plenty of privacy.” He leveled a stare back to Matt. “There are locks on those doors too,” he said pointedly.
    Matt shrugged awkwardly and picked up a magazine from the coffee table.
    â€œThe kitchen has been fully stocked, but if there’s anything you need, I’m sure you can find it in town. Although,” Dominic said with a smile as he put his hands in his pockets, “it’s pretty limited as far as shopping options are concerned. If you blinked on your way here, you may have missed it.”
    â€œYeah.” Tatiana looked at him and laughed softly.
    Dominic tried not to notice that the knot in his stomach eased with the sound of her laugh.
    â€œIt did go by quickly.” Tatiana