DefeatedbyLove (21 page)
Authors: Samantha Kane
One Week Later
“What are you doing here?” Barnabas asked with an aggrieved
sigh as Daniel walked through his office door. He set his pen down on his desk.
“What is it now? You know the Crown actually pays me to protect England, not
your menagerie of idiots.”
Daniel walked around the desk and sat down on the edge,
right next to Barnabas. “I came to say goodbye. Well, goodbye of sorts.”
“Meaning?” Barnabas asked, raising his brow. He pulled out
his watch and made a show of checking the time.
“Meaning, we leave for Scotland next week.”
“Whatever for?” he asked in horror.
“Harry and Christy were married there. We’re going to
establish residence so they can divorce.”
“Brilliant,” Barnabas said impassively. “I wish you good
journey.” He looked pointedly at the door.
“I haven’t said goodbye,” Daniel said, not in the least
intimidated.
“Goodbye,” Barnabas said. He picked up his pen, but Daniel
snatched it out of his hand.
“That is not a proper goodbye.” He leaned down and kissed
him sweetly on his mouth. It took a moment before there was a slight give in
his firm lips—Barnabas’ version of a tender kiss, he supposed. He pulled back
only slightly. “You are and will always be one of the most important people in
my life. I love you.”
“I know I am. And you should.” Barnabas pushed his chair
back, ending the intimacy between them. “Now go back to your one-eyed
Americanized lover and leave me alone. Gaithers,” he called. The door to his
office opened immediately and Barnabas’ secretary stood in the doorway. “Show
Mr. Steinberg out. In a friendly fashion. He is not on the list.”
“What list?” Daniel asked suspiciously as he put his hat
back on and headed toward the door.
“The list of people who are shown out in an unfriendly
fashion.”
He could hear the scratch of Barnabas’ pen on paper behind
him. At the door he stopped and turned back. “Who’s on that list?” he asked,
though he had a rather good idea.
“Most of your friends,” Barnabas said. “Good day.”
Gaithers closed the door, but not before Daniel saw Barnabas
grin down at his papers.
Harry was leaning against the building out on the sidewalk
when he emerged. At Daniel’s appearance he straightened and then fell in step
beside him. “Was he thoroughly unpleasant?” he asked, swinging his cane from
side to side and tipping his hat at a passing lady.
“Not at all,” Daniel said. “He has apparently accepted his
defeat gracefully.”
“He has never done anything gracefully,” Harry said, making
a face.
Daniel sighed. “Perhaps when we get back from Scotland, you
two will learn to get along.”
“Never,” Harry vowed. “I dislike owing him for saving my
life. And I dislike even more that he took you to bed.”
“We rarely used a bed.”
“Argh,” Harry growled. “For that comment, you shall not
leave mine for several days.”
“Why do you think I said it?” Daniel grinned at him as they
headed home.
Samantha has a Master’s Degree in History, and is a full-time
writer and mother. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three
children.
Samantha welcomes comments from readers. You can find her
website and email addresses on her
author bio page
at
www.ellorascave.com
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Samantha
Kane
Brothers
in Arms 1: The Courage to Love
Brothers
in Arms 2: Love Under Siege
Brothers
in Arms 3: Love’s Strategy
Brothers
in Arms 4: At Love’s Command
Brothers
in Arms 5: Retreat from Love
Brothers
in Arms 6: Love in Exile
Brothers
in Arms 7: Love’s Fortress
Brothers
in Arms 8: Prisoner of Love
Brothers
in Arms 9: Love’s Surrender
Brothers
in Arms 10: Love Betrayed
Cougar
Challenge: Play it Again, Sam
Ellora’s Cavemen:
Jewels of the Nile II
(anthology)
Aged
to Perfection
(anthology)
Brothers in Arms
1: The Courage to Love
Brothers
in Arms 2: Love Under Siege
Brothers
in Arms 3 & 9: Arms of Love
Brothers
in Arms 4: At Love’s Command
Brothers
in Arms 5: Retreat from Love
Brothers
in Arms 6: Love in Exile
Brothers
in Arms 7: Love’s Fortress
Brothers
in Arms 8: Prisoner of Love
Cougar
Challenge: Tempt the Cougar
(anthology)
Ellora’s
Cavemen: Jewels of the Nile II
(anthology)
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Defeated by Love
ISBN 9781419947827
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Defeated by Love Copyright © 2013 Samantha Kane
Edited by Raelene Gorlinsky
Cover design by Syneca
Cover photography by S-Photos, Dm_Cherry/shutterstock.com
Electronic book publication December 2013
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