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leave Ian’s car under her own power. She had to hide a smile, though, when the poor man struggled to unfold himself from the cramped backseat of the car. But then Maria stood in front of Julia’s door, barricading her in and waiting for Ian to carry Julia inside the cottage.
    Traitor. Julia was certain Maria was encouraging a relationship between Ian and her so that he’d be nicer about the logistics during the filming. As if Ian would agree to do anything other than what he had already approved.
    She gave Maria a disgruntled look. Maria gave her a smug smile back.
    ***
    Ian finally got himself out of the damnable backseat of his car, vowing never to ride in it again, even if an enticing female wolf sat back there.
    â€œDo you have the keys to the place?” Ian asked Maria, who was blocking Julia’s car door.
    â€œWe don’t have any.” Maria moved out of his way so Ian could get to the rear car door. “Chad, a man who runs errands for us, is bringing our suitcases and keys by. Since we’re late, he might have already been here and left the door unlocked for us.”
    â€œIf not, Duncan can manage it,” Ian said, opening the car door for Julia.
    Her lips were again compressed, luscious, rosy, annoyed. “I can walk.”
    â€œAye, lass, but it would take too long.” He gathered her in his arms and was reminded of how soft and warm and delectable the woman was. He wished the distance from the car to the cottage would have afforded a longer walk. Even so, he shortened his normally lengthy stride.
    As soon as they were inside, Ian carried Julia to the sofa in the small living area. The room was also furnished with two cushioned chairs wearing green-and-blue plaid, an old oak coffee table, and a cold fireplace against one wall. The furniture was old-world and re-upholstered, a throw blanket resting on top of the sofa, but otherwise the interior of the cottage looked very much the same as when one of his cousins had lived there seventy years earlier.
    Before anyone could say or do anything, partly because they all seemed to be looking to him for his say, which was the way he preferred it anyway, he said, “Duncan, take Maria to the market. They have no money, food, or transportation. She can pick up whatever they need.”
    â€œAye,” Duncan said.
    Maria gave Julia a wee smile.
    Ian got the impression Maria thought they might have special privileges if Julia played the game right. Julia looked worried, on the other hand. He wondered just what was going on in that pretty head of hers.
    Duncan waited for Maria to leave the cottage and then shut the door. Ian’s gaze slid over Julia, rumpled, hair still wet in curls, damp trousers still hugging her shapely legs, chill bumps covering her arms that were crossed tightly under her breasts, her nipples puckered against her silk sleeveless top.
    She was still watching the door as if she hoped Maria would decide to return and stay. She finally said to Ian, “Thank you for bringing us here and for everything else.”
    He gave her a nod. He couldn’t say it was his pleasure because he wanted to douse this unfathomable urge to get to know her better now. He kept telling himself he only needed to determine the essentials: who she really was, what was she doing here, and whose picture was in her pocket.
    As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he did wonder if Basil Sutherland, his archenemy, had anything to do with her being here. Basil was always trying some damnable way to breach Ian’s castle walls and create a problem for him or his people. The cur had never tried sending an attractive female lupus garou before, but if that was the case, Ian was having a damnable time keeping up his guard.
    Breaking loose of the despicable notion that she could be working for his enemy, Ian set about making her more comfortable and hoped to learn more of the truth about her.
    He set her on the blanket on the couch.