“I am the authority,” Greylen warned, then held back a laugh. She smirked.

“I don’t want to hurt you, but if you don’t let go of me—” She gasped. “I felt that. A chuckle, you repressed a chuckle.”

This time he did laugh. “Good God, woman, but I swear I did. You think to hurt me?”

“I’ll kick your ass so fast you won’t know what hit you,” she snapped. “Now let me go and get the goddamn attending in here. Now.”

Her demand made him tighten his hold. “I’ve no idea who this goddamn attending is you seek, but I can assure you, you’re in no condition to kick anything…let alone my ass.” He spoke with authority. His face an inch from hers. He watched as she started to feel the bed around her. “Tell me what you search for,” he demanded, following the motions of her hands.

“The call button,” she whispered, what little fight she had seeming to fade.

“What purpose would it serve?” he asked.

“Greylen.” A near shout interrupted them. Isabelle sounded the admonishment, stepping into the room. “You’re scaring her half to death.”

Greylen turned to his sister, but he did not let go. He was, in fact, sorry that Isabelle had entered the room at all. He couldn’t seem to help himself but riling this woman could be sport. She inflamed him. And he enjoyed it.

“Scaring her?” Greylen argued. “She threatened to kick my—” He shook his head instead. “You’d not believe me.”

“I’m sure you misunderstood,” Isabelle said with a regal sweep of her hand. “Mother’s on her way, Greylen. If she thinks you—”

“Ah…excuse me. I need some help here.” The plea was directed toward Isabelle.

Greylen set her straight as she seemed to think she needed protection from him. “You are never to fear me, lass. Do you understand?” He hadn’t meant to bark. He was just accustomed to giving orders.

“Oh, of course I understand, why would I ever fear you?” she quipped.

Seconds later, Isabelle interrupted. “Enough, Greylen.” She made the second admonishment as she reached to pry his hands away from the woman he still held within his grasp. He let her, then watched as Isabelle settled her against the pillows once more. “She’s in no condition for…for whatever you’re about.”

“What I’m about?” he asked his sister incredulously. As if he couldn’t seem to help himself, he took the little tigress on the bed in his arms again, holding her by the shoulders. “What are you about?” he demanded.

“I’ll tell you what I’m about,” the lass returned quickly and with quite a bit of anger to boot. “I’m about five three, long on legs, and short on breasts.” She emphasized cupping herself. “What in the hell are you about?”

Greylen ducked his head to the side, pinching the bridge of his nose so as not to laugh before he looked at her again. When he did glance back, however, he became aware of what now greeted them behind her. If she thought she was riled before, he could only imagine what emotion his words would evoke. “I’m about to introduce you to my mother, sister, and first-in-command,” he informed her, taking note of their expressions.