FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

Huffing she faced the doorway again. Outstretching her hands, she exuded magic in an effort to shred his. Finding her attempts futile, she shrieked in raw frustration. “Feeling better are we?”

“Quite restored by your meticulous tending…” His eyes hooded as he gave her a meaningful look.

I don’t think she missed a spot, tending every inch of my body…He shifted slightly at the thought.

Staring up and down along the doorway she grunted in aggravation. Using her magic to push against the doorway caused a ripple that forced her back a step. Startled by unexpected warmth against her back her arms dropped.

That heated touch wrapped her waist.

She stiffened.

Don’t step away. He willed her as his large palm caressed her hip. Making its way to interlock with the other over her belly. Cradling her against his chest, he dropped his chin atop her head.

Mmm. Wildflowers.

A comforted sigh escaped her at the feel of his large body wrapping her. And she eased. Despite herself.

“Is it a feeling you’d so soon forgotten? Human contact can be indescribably pleasurable.”

You seemed well-aware last night when you were guiding my hands over all that beautiful skin.

“And when it is yours, even more so? Is that what you’d have me believe?” She said waspishly.

Ouch. He flinched.

But she hasn’t moved to get away. Surprising him even more than herself.

“No. I intended to say little.” He said in a low breath. “Merely hold you as long as you’re of a mood to indulge me.”

She sighed and softened somewhat.

He heard her thinking how lonely it was in the house when he was gone.

“I know it can be. I am sorry.”

“Why do you offer me comfort?” She bit out.

Upset I was peering in her mind again.

“Because everyone deserves solace. No matter their crimes.”

Even me.

She was quiet awhile. Frozen. “Mine are many.”

“As are mine.”

He sucked in shocked breath when she leaned her head back against his high shoulder. He reflexively tilted a cheek against her smooth forehead. Finding himself swaying slightly side to side. Guiding her in the movement. Rocking her.

She just realized the reaction she’s having on me. A ripple of heat coursed through him. Quickly followed by disappointment. She’s going to react badly.

She suddenly stiffened and as he felt the heightened energy in the air. Jolting her from her hypnotic state. Jerking away she turned, claws tearing through her fingertips. She swiped at him.

Easily dodging the strike, he chuckled softly. There’s that pretty fury.

“You’re not stemming my reaction with your panting breaths.” He nodded toward her rising breasts. “And heated blush.” He gestured to her face and neck. “Exactly how you look when blazing with need. Every inch of you screaming to be made love to.”

Her lip curled in threat.

“Don’t be mad at me, Little Harpie. ’Twas you that leaned into me.”

“Oh, how you delight in antagonizing me!” She twirled to stare at the doorway. Fists clenched as she vibrated with annoyance. Waiting.

He was highly tempted to push her against the wall and rub against all that softness. Would she stay so unyielding? All her walls she restructured this morning carefully in place? Or would she crumble? He considered it only a moment before relenting.

He huffed in a mocking mimic of what she’d done. Lifting his hand over her shoulder, he waved his fingertips near her jawbone. Parting smoky tendrils from the doorway to wisp back to his hands. Retracting his magic.

As she stepped through, he lightly caressed her hair as it flowed. Spinning a lock over his fingertip and letting it slide away as she drew from the room.

Shimmering like silk. He was mesmerized by the play of silver and white warring within it. As contradictory and extraordinary as the rest of her.

“Els?”

She shot a glower over her shoulder.

“Who was he that hurt you?”

Something inexplicable crossed her face.

Something that looks like pain.

“You said you’d never be wed again…Who was he to you?”

Will you admit to me he was your husband?

Without a word, she drug dark blue eyes from him and climbed the stairs. From his library, he heard the door slam above. And the subsequent crashing of furniture against the walls.

It’s fine she’s conflicted. Understandable that she would be.

He sighed. Knowing her anger today was at herself. From my captive to lover… But she’s crazy if she thinks it’s over.