FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

She recognized him from a dream she’d had of Nora. In which he’d held a young blonde girl’s small hand, so one of his Dread women could cut the child’s hand. Binding the visions the tiny girl accessed.

Visions similar to Meralee’s.

The little girl’s pained screams and flooding tears had burned the dream into Meralee’s subconscious.

So, when Mera glimpsed that awful face tonight, she sat bolt upright. “Radix!” Mera fought for air. Fists clenching the coverlet. Blinking slowly, she was brought back to the present.

On the side table her candle had sputtered out.

Her eyes adjusted to the blackness. She sputtered and crawled back when she realized his silhouette leaned on the jam of the door.

He lifted his head to look at her and she recognized Lucien’s dark, piercing eyes. I’m sure it’s obvious I can see in the dark. The reflection of the full moon creeping through the portal, glowed in his dark eyes.

“Why do you look like that?” Her voice was soft with surprise. She pressed her back to the wall and drew her knees to her chin a bit more slowly then she’d moved initially.

Like what? He’d no idea what she meant.

“You dream often.” He said.

“Yes.” She nodded. “And they’re always true.”

I’ve noticed that.

“This one upset you?” He queried.

Because Radix was in it.

Sweat filmed her forehead. Making it obvious as she nodded.

“I must ask you a question.”

She waited as the silence was prolonged.

“Where did you hear that name?” He finally asked. Worry creasing his brow.

She hesitated, sensing the gravity of the situation.

“I see him often. Sometimes he looks at me as if he knows I watch him.” She bit her lip. “I’ve heard him talking. And heard others talking to him.”

She blew a long breath and eased from being cuddled against the wall. “Why do you want to know?”

“Is there something amiss in me being curious?” He rubbed the corners of his mouth thoughtfully.

“My captor need not know nothing of me.” She thought the waspish note in her voice would mask her fear.

It doesn’t. I’m undistracted.

She studied the coverlet. Looking anywhere but at Lucien.

I’ve been around a long time, My Dear.

“You see many things that Lord Radix does?” He redirected.

His question making her give him a sideways glance.

“I do.” She answered.

“You’re afraid of him.”

“I’m afraid of what he does to people.” She corrected.

Lucien nodded slowly. Unfolding from the doorway he walked to the side of the bed and crouched next to it to be closer to face level on her. His eyes lighting on her.

“Don’t touch me.” She hissed, scathingly.

I hadn’t. His eyes narrowed.

“Why?” He questioned. “Do you fear you may enjoy it?”

“Not in the least!” She rolled her legs under her to put her palms to the bed and lean toward him antagonistically. “You don’t frighten me!”

She’s no idea what she looks like right now.

Mid-crawl toward him, in only a wispy cream satin chemise she looked infinitely alluring.

Seductive.

“Are you hearing me?” She asked. Glaring at him with angry brown eyes.

Unable to resist he stood so he could look down and take in the full view of her. Groaning as he did. A poor choice.

His fingers itched with the desire to step closer and run his palm over her delicate shoulder blades and down the womanly slope of her back. See if that golden skin is as soft as it looks…

“Worried you might want more?” He whispered huskily. Taunting her.

Her nose and upper lip twitched. “There’s no fear of that, My Lord!”

“So, you’re hoping for it?”

“Ah!” She gasped. Twirling on the bed as she searched the coverlet frantically.

Looking for something to throw.

He wisely began backing toward the door.

Even as her eyes brightened on the water basin on the bucket screwed to the floor.

He backed through the door and closed it quickly.

The porcelain basin crashed against the door.

Thrown moments too late. His mocking laughter echoed through the lower decks.