His lips twitched at the corners, the bout of amusement confusing her. Shed just insulted him, yet he was battling a laugh? Ill never understand him.
Your eyes are back to normal, at least, she said.
He patted the skin underneath. They are?
Thirty-four. She nodded, hoping her silence would encourage his own.
That hazel gaze raked the length of her body, burning her everywhere it touched. Whatever he saw must have angered him, because he ran his tongue over his teeth. The blood slave thing is the reason you want to die, isnt it?
She gave up trying to count his words, and simply replied. It was his back, his agonizing pain; if he wasnt going to help himself, she wasnt going to try and do it for him. Yeah. So? Why do you care? Youre an engaged man!
I have no desire to see you hurt.
And yet, in the past few hours, hed managed to hurt her worse than all of her whippings combined. Just leave me alone, all right? Youre not the rock star I thought you were.
He flinched. Im sorry I disappointed you, but everything Ive done since finding you in the forest, Ive done for you.
Pretty words, nothing more. Hed seen Synda and wanted her, just like every other man, and it had had nothing to do with Josephina.
They stared at each other, quiet. He towered over her, as intense and savage as a man could be, and she felt small in comparison...surrounded by his utter maleness. Trapped.
But what a beautiful cage.
Her limbs began to tremble. Her breathing quickened, and she noticed he smelled of the forest hed found her in. Pine and dewdrops, clean and untainted by the cloying fragrances the Opulens preferred. There was no longer any hint of the roses shed scented in the motel room.
While on the run, shed done a little research. Apparently, when an immortal closed in on death, he began to smell like roses.
How close had Kane come?
And why did she long to reach out, to flatten her palms on his chest, to feel his warmth and his strength, to assure herself he was here and he was real and oh, sweet mercy, her blood was heating, and her lips tingling, as if preparing for his seduction. He wasnt her friend or her boyfriend or even a suitor.
Tensing, he crossed his arms over his chest, clearly expecting her to...what?
I dont know what you want from me, Kane.
That makes two of us, he replied darkly, anger firing up his eyes. Frustration tightened the skin underneath, and determination pulled at his lips. He stepped forward, and she stepped back, until the banister stopped any further retreat. Do you know what you want from me?
Yes, she whispered. Your absence. Before I crack.
I dont believe you. I think you want something...I think you want me. The way you look at me sometimes...
No, she said with a shake of her head.
I believe weve talked about that look.
I dont want you, she croaked.
Theres a difference between not wanting a man, and not wanting to want a man. Which is it for you, Tinker Bell?
She gulped. There was no way she would answer that.
Kane placed a hand at her left and a hand at her right, holding her captive. Tremors nearly rocked her off her feet.
You make me feel...you make me feel, he said quietly, fiercely, and I dont like it. I want it to stop. Now.
For the first time in their acquaintance, he frightened her. There was an intensity to him shed never noticed before, a vibe of uncontrolled danger. I dont know what youre talking about.
His gaze locked with hers, snaring her, drawing her in even while pushing her away. Dont you? A thousand caresses in the dark waited in the softness of his voice.
I...I...
A second passed. Another and another. Neither of them moved. They didnt speak. Just stared. Somehow, those suspended seconds were more intimate than anything else shed ever experienced. More...electrically charged.
She flattened her hands on his rock-solid chest, marveled at the strength he contained. S-stay back. His heartbeat was a wild tumult, just like hers. It was a shock. A revelation.
A pleasure.
He stumbled away from her, breaking the connection, destroying the electrical charge.
It was what shed wanted. But she hated being without it, she realized.
What did you and the king discuss? she asked, trying not to carebut caring anyway.
You mean your father?
Her shoulders lifted in the most casual shrug she could manage. I am what he says I am.
Kane reached out, as if to caress her cheek. His hand fisted just before contact, and fell away. We drank some whiskey, smoked some cigars and discussed a few details for an engagement ball to be held in my honor. We played some chess. I won. He pouted.
A ball. A ball Josephina would have to labor over. She would be forced to set up, then serve the guests food and drinks. The women would put their noses in the air and ignore her, and the men would forget their distaste for her, pat her on the bottom and maybe even try to pull her into shadowed corners. She would have to paste a grin on her face, and pretend all was well in her very dark world.
Meanwhile, Kane would be pampering the already pampered Princess Synda. The unfairness of it clogged her throat, making breathing difficult.
Youre lucky to be alive, she said stiffly. Tiberius is the worst loser of all time.
He waved her words away. Lets talk about your sister.
Already he was obsessed. Jealousy hit her. Jealousy, and so much hurt she wasnt sure how she was still standing. What do you want to know?
Shes possessed, yes?
Yes. Her husband was the keeper of Irresponsibility and after he died
Kanes lips pulled back from his teeth and a hissing sound left him.
Whats wrong? she asked, annoyed by an overwhelming surge of concern for him.
Her husband was possessed by...Irresponsibility, you said?
Thats right. For several centuries, he was a prisoner of Tartarus. He died while...you-knowing Synda, and somehow she ended up with the demon. Thats why our race has studied you and your friends so intently. Well, one of the reasons.
He scrubbed a hand through his hair. This couldnt get any worse. William tried to warn me, said Id have to make choices, but I thought...hoped...and shes blonde, just like the girl in the painting, and...well, it doesnt matter. Its happened. She is who she is. Ill deal. Ill figure things out. Somehow.
Babbling she had no idea how to decipher. What are you talking about?
Again, he waved her words away. You studied us, you said?
Well, yeah.
Us, meaning me and my friends?
Who else?
How?
Are you sure you want the truth?
I am.
Fae spies have followed you guys for centuries. They report back and books are published and sold all over the realm.
Spies, he said flatly. Books.
Pictures are drawn. Discussions take place. Fan clubs meet.
Though his gaze remained on her, his head dropped, his chin nearly hitting his sternum. Are you a member of a fan club?
Of course I am.
He arched a brow, a command for her to offer more details.
She did. Happily. I belong to Touch Me Torin. She sighed dreamily. Hes so kind and caring, always protecting those around him.
Kane grabbed her by the upper arms, jerking her into the hard line of his body. The moment he realized what hed done, he set her back in place, away from him, and lowered his hands, mumbling, Sorry.
Im not. All that strength...
Stop enjoying his touch. Stop craving it. Hes not for you.
You will stay away from Torin, he said.
But meeting him is the one and only thing I wanted to do before I died.
He closed his eyes, as if praying for patience, and inhaled sharply.
One of the jewels hanging from the chandelier detached and plunged down, shattering on Kanes head. Cringing, he brushed the pieces out of his hair.
Okay, thats never happened before. Are you all right?
Fine, he gritted.
Feeling generous, she said, Do you want to know the name of your fan club?
Not if youre not part of it, he said, an edge to his tone.
She wasnt an official member, no. Just so you know, Syndas hobbies include backstabbing, causing trouble and ruining lives. Youll never be happy with her.
She got you sentenced to the Never-ending, didnt she? he said. You. Not her, the keeper of Irresponsibility. He rubbed at his temples. Thats how you ended up in hell.
He seemed to be talking to himself as much as he was talking to her. Yes. There are many openings to the Never-ending, and one is actually in Séduire. I was pushed inside, fell down the pit for a thousand years, yet only a day passed here. The bottom is the center of hell, and I finally reached it.
A thousand years, he rasped. Another reason you want to die. You dont want to endure such torture again.
Torture. Such a mild word for what had happened. Weve all heard the stories about it, but none of them do it justice. In that pit, its dark, with no hint of light. Soundless. You cant even hear yourself scream and beg for help. Its empty. Theres nothing to anchor you. She shook her head to dislodge the memories. No, I dont want to endure it again.
A strange vibration moved through him, as if he were barely holding himself back from an act of violence. He paled.
Kane?
Im fine, he rasped. And then he shocked her, taking her hand, twining their fingers, holding on to her as if she were a lifeline. The contact only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to make her reel.
To hide her confusion...and her sudden inability to breathe...she returned her attention to her rag, rubbing at the banister. Ive got tons of work to do, Kane. Im sorry, but I have to ask you to leave.
Why not kill yourself? he continued, ignoring her. Not that Im suggesting you do such a thing. Im not, and Ill make you regret it if you try. Im just curious.
I cant.
Explain.
She sighed. Whatever I do to myself brings only suffering, never death.
His brow furrowed. What if you managed to remove your head?
My body would grow back.
No way. One of my friends was beheaded, and there was nothing we could do to save him.
That doesnt change the fact that Ill recover.
Impossible.
Josephina peered over the edge of the railing, and gave another sigh. Ill prove it. And in the process, escape the sensations he awoke in her.
Trying to mask her fear, she climbed up the railing.
Behind her, she could hear the stomp of the guards.
Kane grabbed her by the arms, and forced her back to the ground. He was even warmer than before, his grip so deliciously firm. Her skin was suddenly more sensitive, tingling and aching. Her ears picked up every rasp of his breath, and heated. Her eyes drank in the purity of his features, and her nostrils became saturated with the decadence of his scent. Her mouth watered for a taste of...of...him?
Stay back, he called. Ive got her.
The men retreated.
I dont need a demonstration, he said to her, his voice tight. Ill believe you, whether it sounds far-fetched or not. Okay?
The crystals in the chandelier rattled powerfullya second later, the entire thing dropped from the top level and fell down, down, down, crashing into the floor at the bottom. Shards of glass shot in every direction. Screaming people raced out of the way.
Kane cursed under his breath. Pay no attention to what just happened. Tell me about your problem.
She nodded, because she didnt want to think about the mess she would be forced to clean. However I try to kill myself, I suffer with the pain for weeks, months, even if my organs go splat on the ground. Everything eventually grows back or heals.
How is that possible?
Easy. You know how I can absorb the abilities of others with a simple touch? Well, Tiberius can impart abilities to others. He imparted this one to me.
But what you absorb doesnt last.
What he imparts does, she replied simply.
He tapped his temples. What about your ability to invade my head?
Turning back to her rag so that he wouldnt see the sudden bead of tears in her eyes, she said softly, It was my mothers ability, and she gave it to me right before she died. I guess it stayed with me because it had nowhere else to go.
But she was human. How did she possess an ability of a Fae?
A pang in her heart as she said, I probably should have qualified my description of her. One of her ancestors was Fae, but the line had become so diluted she was considered human.
A pause. Then, You have too much to live for, Tinker Bell, and I dont want you to seek a killer while Im here. Got it?
She would vow no such thing and told him so with her silence.
He leaned down and whispered, Ill kill anyone you ask, and I wont be nice about it. Theyll hurt, and theyll beg, and theyll scream, just like you said you did in the Never-ending. Only, their suffering wont end as quickly as yours did. A thousand years? Try ten thousand.
Trembling, she gripped the railing. You have to let me do what I think is right.
When what you think is right is actually wrong? No. Youre mine, and Ill see to you.
Her gaze jerked up.
His cheeks reddened. The cascade of his warm breath stopped abruptly as he straightened. I mean, youre my responsibility now. I want you alive and well.
Youre mine. Her body had come alive with those words. Her pulse had quickened. Her stomach had quivered. Every inch of her had heated. But the sensations had fled with his addition. She was a responsibility, nothing more.
Whats wrong? He pinched a lock of her hair between his fingers, tickling her scalp.
Nothing. She batted his arm away. One second he ran hot, the next cold. The next hot. He was twisting her into terrible knots, and she didnt like it.
He frowned. Tell me you wont do anything foolish.
I cant do that. I consider this conversation foolish, and yet Im still participating.
He took no offense. Theres got to be a few things you want to do before you die. Besides meeting Torin. With the dryness of his tone, he might as well have rolled his eyes.
There was something she wanted to do.... Her gaze fell to his lips. She wanted to kiss him. So bad. She gulped and croaked, Like what? Now whos running hot and cold?
Like...fall in love.
Love. Yes. Something shed craved, especially in the dark of the night, when men came knocking at the door of the room she shared with seven other servants. The women always giggled, thrilled to be summoned, to be kissed and touched and maybe even held afterward.
Have you ever fallen in love? she asked.
No, he said.
Youve had sex, though. A lot. And she suddenly wasnt happy by the thought.
He nodded stiffly. You heard stories about that, too, I guess.
A few. But the spies had only witnessed his public encounters. She wondered what happened when he was behind closed doors, and shivered.
When was the last?
The sharpness of the question surprised her. Story?
He nodded.
A year ago. We were told you had a one-night stand.
He relaxed. If youre hoping for an exclusive packed with details, youre not going to get it.
Im not. If you were Paris, though, I might beg for it. She smiled with fond remembrance. Sweet, beautiful Paris.
You are really trying my patience, woman. Paris already has a female, one who is very powerful and would not find your yearning amusing. Kane leaned down, putting them nose-to-nose. Even if he didnt, youre mine. Dont ever forget.
This time, he offered no addition, and the warmth returned to her body, speeding through her veins, and oh, sweet heat, suddenly her heart was racing faster than ever before, her bones melting, the rest of her liquefying.
Your responsibility? she asked with a tremor.
He tapped her on the nose, irritating her, and said, I have a lot to think about. Ill find you later and let you know what Ive decided.
Decided? She grabbed the sides of his shirt. About what?
Youll know when I know. He tugged from her hold and walked away, never looking back.
The guards leaped into action, probably intending to escort him to the king for his whipping. She almost opened her mouth to say she would take the punishment for him. Shed been whipped before, and she could survive being whipped again. But in the end, she let him go. He was Syndas fiancé now, and Josephina couldnt allow herself to forget.
Not even when the words youre mine were echoing in her mind.
* * *
SO. MANY. PROBLEMS.
Kanes mind whirled. Synda was possessed by the demon of Irresponsibility, but Tinker Bell had spent time in the Never-ending. Synda was blonde, and could very well be the girl in Danikas painting. But, his pose seemed to suggest he cared about the girl, and it was Tinker Bell, a brunette, his mind and body craved.
Her sad crystalline gaze tore him up inside. Her lips were so lush and red and...lickable. Yeah, that was the perfect word to describe them. Her body was curved in all the right waysdangerous.
And she wanted Torin. Or Paris.
Once upon a time, he would have been fine with that. She wasnt the kind of woman he would have wanted. He would have considered her too sweet, too innocent, and no match for Disaster. But Kane would have been wrong. He would have missed out on a very good thing. Yes, Tinker Bell was sweet. Yes, she was innocent. But she was also strong. Resilient.
Perfect.
What Kane felt for her was different than what hed ever felt for another. It was more intense. Intense enough to overshadow self-disgust and tainted memories, and utterly consume him. He was beginning to like touching her, despite the pain she elicited. But the thought of having sex with her...no.
He would only disappoint her. Memories would overtake him, and he would humiliate himself by vomiting. He wouldnt be able to please her, but he would have no problem disappointing her. She had lived with enough disappointment. Enough humiliationshe didnt need his.
He wouldnt be able to treat her as hed treated the girls at the club, and just go through the motions. She deserved more. Better. But he wouldnt be able to give her more and better.
And what would Disaster do if Kane ever got her into bed?
Being so near her, putting his hands on her time and time again, and wanting so badly to kiss her, had finally driven the demon over the edge. Disaster had erupted, roaring with upset, banging against Kanes skull in an effort to drive him away from her. Hed stayed put, desperate for one more second of her time, her scent, her gaze...the possibility of more contact. And thats when the chandelier had come crashing down.
Now, he stomped to the bedroom hed been given, and shut the door in his companions faces. He halfway expected the pair to burst inside and ask for his autograph, but they opted to survive the rest of their day. They didnt know the king had changed his mind about the whipping. That Kane had won their chess game, and the prize had been the freedom to speak with Tinker Bell anytime, anywhere.
He could have told Tinker Bell the truth, but he had liked her concern for him too much. As mad as shed been at him, she hadnt wanted him to suffer.
Did she have any idea what that did to him?
No. Probably not.
What was he going to do with that girl?
What was he going to do about the princess?
And, curse it all, why was he even wondering about this? He wasnt here to find a mate, had even thought to avoid the one the Moirai predicted was his. He leaned against the door, and pushed out a heavy breath. He was here to save Tinker Bell. Afterward, he would kill Disaster. Then, and only then, would he figure out what to do about his future.
So. Just how was he going to save Tinker Bell? If he took her out of Séduire, she would be hunted for the rest of her life. If he killed her royal family, the Fae would strike back at him. They might try and return the favor by killing his family, the Lords. A long, bloody war could erupt, and his friends had enough to deal with.
Frustrated, he stalked forward and slammed his fist into the poster at the end of the bed. Solid gold met bone, and bone lost, splitting in several places. Pain radiated up his arm, and he grinned without humor. The wound would heal. His fury wouldnt.
Too often lately hed been without answers, without direction, unsure of what to do or how to proceed. Confusion was a toxic sludge inside him, rising and rising, and he needed to get rid of it.
Hinges on the bathroom door creaked. Kane straightened, assuming a battle stance. Only, it wasnt an enemy here to attack. It was Syndautterly naked.
She leaned against the door frame and toyed with the ends of her hair. Short, delicate of bone structure and yet plump of flesh, she presented the perfect picture of feminine carnality. Add a little muscle tone to her, and she was the kind of woman he had once enjoyed.
Mine, Disaster purred.
What are you doing? he demanded. This was to be his private room, and thats the way he wanted it to stay. Private.
Im seducing you, of course. A soft smile lifted the corners of her lips, inviting him to join in her amusement and arousal. There was no red in her eyes, no hint of her demon. I took one look at you, and knew we were destined to be together. Youre everything Ive ever wanted in a man.
Destined, shed said. Have you spoken to the Moirai?
Ive never had the privilege, no.
He wasnt sure what to think about that. And just what is it youve wanted in a man, hmm?
Strength. Fierce ability. A streak of viciousness when needed. Someone possessed, like me. Someone beautiful.
Yeah, but she had no idea the price shed have to pay to be with him, if ever he were interested in her.
He stalked toward her. Her smile grew wider. No question, she expected him to toss her on the bed and ravish her. Instead, he picked her up and unceremoniously hauled her to the door, surprised to find contact with her was not accompanied by pain.
Surprised and irritated. Why couldnt contact with Tinker Bell be this easy?
Wait, she cried. You just passed the bed.
He said nothing.
I dont mind doing it in public, warrior, but I was hoping to have you all to myself for a while.
He twisted the knob and pushed at the seam in the wood with his shoulder. The guards were still there, probably commanded to remain all night. They snapped to attention.
Is there anything we can get you, Lord Kane?
Anything at all?
Tinker Bell stood in front of them, a fact that startledand delightedhim. Her eyes locked on him, and relief bathed her expression. Kane, I Her gaze fell to Synda, her lips pressing together. The relief faded, leaving the same resentment and hurt hed experienced himself. Never mind.
The princess was her enemy. He got that. But he couldnt explain himself, couldnt tell her that he was only using his promise to wed Synda to help her. If the princess learned of his plan, it would fail. She would tell her father, and the king would do as hed threatened during their game and target Kane for elimination.
Is something wrong? he demanded.
Up went Tinker Bells chin. Nope. Im fine.
She wasnt fine. He set Synda on her feet and pushed her forward. Im taking you to your room, Princess. And Im leaving you there. Alone.
She twisted to face him, flames of red erupting in her eyes. Youre rejecting me?
For now, he said.
Oh! She beat at his chest. Fetch me a robe, then. This instant!
And take his eyes off Tinker Bell? No. She would run.
Kane whipped off his shirt and tugged the material over the girls head. There. Youre covered. Lets go.
The red disappeared as Synda gaped at him, practically drooling. So. Many. Muscles. She reached, intending to brush her fingertips over the ropes in his stomach, but he stepped backward, avoiding any further contact.
Tinker Bell peered down at the floor, refusing to look at him.
Your room, Princess, he prompted.
Synda turned with a flourish, ignoring Tinker Bell, and marched away. Come on. This way.
He followed, dragging Tinker Bell with him. Youre not leaving my sight until I know why you came to see me.
It doesnt matter why. Ive changed my mind, she snipped.
Well, change it back.
She hmphed. Make me
Dangerous words. He could already think of several ways to do it.
Synda led them to the top floor of the palace, to a suite of rooms with more riches than a sultans treasury. Antique furniture, diamond vases, marble, onyx, every portrait framed in gold, Persian rugs, a table made only of rubies and a massive bed capable of sleeping twelve.
The princess stripped out of the shirt as she strolled to her bathroom. Bath time, she called, stopping to look over her shoulder at Kane. Theres still time to join me.
No, thanks.
The flickers of red returned to her eyes. Ill make sure you enjoy yourself.
Doubtful. Why dont you save it for the wedding night instead? Kane stared down at Tinker Bell, who still wouldnt meet his gaze yet somehow managed to radiate animosity. Wheres your room? Well talk there.
Pale, she muttered, Im not taking you to my room.
Ill find it with or without your help. Itll just be better for you if that happens sooner rather than later.
Her eyes narrowed as she huffed out a breath. Fine. This way, and tugged him out of the suite.
Synda called out. He didnt hear what she said, and didnt care.
Tinker Bell ushered him down several flights of stairs, into a darker, dank area of the palace. The servants quarters, he would bet, and the knowledge angered him. How could the daughter of a king be treated so shabbily?
She stopped in front of an open door, and he peeked inside. Through the darkness, he could see cot after cot, sleeping body after sleeping body, but that was all. There were no luxuries of any kind.
Youre not staying in there, he gritted out.
Uh, yes, I am.
And know she was uncomfortable while he slept on something as soft as clouds? Never. But he wasnt going to take the time to argue with her. Once again, he hefted a woman over his shoulder. Unlike the princess, Tinker Bell protested, beating her fists against his back, pounding her knees into his stomach.
Is that the best youve got? If so, you dont deserve the name Tinker Bell. Its too masculine for you. From now on, all youre getting is Tink.
Tink! Im no Tink! Im more ferocious than a wild animal!
A newborn kitten, maybe.
Argh! She bit him on the butt.
For just a moment, the action dropped him straight into hell, and he tripped over his own feet. He caught himself before he hit the ground, and as he fought for breath, he managed to straighten. Youre with Tinker Bell. Your Fae. Youre safe.
Scratch that, he said, picking up their conversation as if it had never lapsed, hoping she wouldnt notice the change in his tone. From teasing to tense. Youre as gentle as a little puppy. Ill call you Yappydoodle.
You...you...slime! Ill call you Jackhole! Because thats what you are!
Jackhole?
He barked out a laugh and then blinked in surprise. How did she always pull him from the brink of despair so quickly? Now, now. No reason to dirty your tongue with name-calling. Ill just have to wash your mouth out with