His breath had smelled, his sex had revolted her, and despite the remedies she’d applied, she hadn’t been able to keep him erect long enough for him to pierce her maidenhead.
She’d begun to cry, and fight, and only then had he hardened.
He’d hit her face, her breasts, then clamped her thighs against her chest and thrust home.
Afterward, Zarah had come to her, shooing away the attendants to care for her by herself.
Zarah’s breaching hadn’t been a violent experience, and yet they’d both hugged each other close, crying.
After that, Fatin had burned with the desire for freedom, while Zarah had quietly retreated from the world, withdrawing inside herself.
Fatin shook away the memories and straightened her shoulders. She had a purpose today. To let her sister know that rescue was on the way.
The common room was empty. She tried Zarah’s door, but again saw no sign of her sister. Beginning to grow fearful, she didn’t relax until she found Zarah in the garden behind the saray, sitting on a bench beside a fountain, feeding birds, brilliantly colored crimson sparrows. Prey for falcons.
A disturbing scene, but one only she would recognize for what it was. Zarah no longer felt a sense of self.
Fatin cleared her throat, drawing her sister’s attention.
Zarah’s expression didn’t change; there was no note of curiosity, no expression of joy, but Fatin knew her, saw her blink and turn away her face.
“I’m happy to see you too,” Fatin said softly, sitting beside her and taking her hand inside her own.
They sat like that, listening to the birds chirp, letting the sun filtering through the leaves warm their faces.
Her heart felt at peace, and if it was to last for only this moment, it was enough for now.
“You’ve been away so long,” Zarah said, her voice sounding hollow.
Fatin squeezed her hand, fighting to keep her tone even when tears burned the back of her throat. “Did you think I had forgotten you?”
“I wondered if you were safe. You had such plans. And when you didn’t come to visit—”
“Aliyah didn’t allow me to come back. Today’s the first time she’s granted me an audience.”
Zarah tugged her hand free and clasped hers together in her lap. She breathed deeply, as though calming herself. “You should get on with your life. She will never let you purchase my papers.”
“I’m coming to realize that. Already she’s raised your price. She had promised an exchange—the Vikings for you—but now she’s wanting more.”
Zarah raised her eyes, her gaze unblinking. “I am well, sister. Fed and clothed. Pampered. You can leave me without feeling guilt for it. Begin a new life.”
Fatin’s eyes burned because she knew her sister had resigned herself to living out her life inside this prison. She wanted to argue with her, to make her angry enough to throw off her odd tranquillity, but knew it wouldn’t be fair for her to make her feel, and then leave her again. “When you close your eyes to sleep, what do you dream about?”
Zarah closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sunlight. “I dream of the aerie,” she whispered.
“Of our father?”
“I see his wings spread as he soars. I hear his call to the others as they swoop toward the sky.”
“We left because you would never fly. Your wings are only . . .”
“Vestiges of a bird? It didn’t matter. I was one of them. The aerie was high above the ground. There was freedom there. To breathe the wind. To feel it ruffle my feathers. It was enough.”
“Our mother worried we’d be trapped. That you or I would stumble and fall over the edge.”
“Would that have been so terrible? A moment of pure freedom?”
“You would prefer death?”
“To this life?” Zarah smiled, at last, but it was filled with bitterness.
Fatin scooted closer. “That’s why I can’t leave you here,” she whispered urgently.
“I won’t live forever. Neither will you. You risk too much for me.”
“But I’ve found a way . . .”
Zarah’s gaze sharpened. “Don’t speak of it here. There are eyes and ears everywhere. Forget it.”
“Trust me. Not to give up. We are sisters. You’re all I have.”
Zarah shook her head and a hint of devilish humor entered her expression. “You have the Viking. I saw how he was with you when you spied on us.”
“You saw me?”
“Of course.”
Fatin felt her cheeks warm beneath her sister’s teasing glance. Still, she couldn’t resist asking. “What do you mean about how he was with me?”
Zarah’s expression softened, her gaze growing tender. “He cares. And he seems to be able to temper your impulsiveness. He makes love like a god. I can well understand why you like him.”
“Did you and he . . . ?”
Her sister shook her head. “We pleasured our patron. He was careful to only give me the most circumspect of caresses. Enough not to make Livia wonder.”
“I shouldn’t be selfish. He really is very good. Although at times he is controlling. And a little violent.”
“He’s a strong man with a lusty appetite. But with the right woman, he will turn that passion to provide her unending bliss.”
“You learned a lot about him. More than I and I’ve known him a few weeks now.”
“I have little else to do but study people. They think I’m simple, that I am a sensual animal. People talk and act without filters around me. I know by watching him that he’s honorable. That he has you in his sight.”
Fatin sighed. “He wants revenge. I was the one responsible for his capture.”
“He told me this.”
“That he wants revenge?” Zarah laughed, the sound so beautiful, Fatin’s heart ached. She gave a rueful smile. “Am I too quick to assume the worst?”
“You haven’t changed. So surly and sweet. I love you, Fatin.”
“As I love you. Please don’t give up. Be ready. I will find a way. And it won’t be much longer.”
In the distance, the sound of a door crashing broke the peaceful stillness.
Fatin jerked and started to rise.
Three guards barreled into the garden. One flashed gold teeth, and Fatin’s stomach plummeted.
“You!” he said, pointing the end of a long stun-spear.
Aware of her sister clutching her hand, she straightened the rest of the way and lifted her chin. “I have the mistress’s permission to be here.”
“Permission is rescinded. By her order.”
Fatin fought the urge to fly at the man and scratch his smirk from his face. She forced herself to remain calm and turned to Zarah. “I’ll speak to her. Remember what I said.” She dropped her hand and headed toward the guard, wondering why it had been necessary to send so many.
A tremor of fear shivered through her, but she kept her head high, preceding the guards out of the building and walking toward the main office.
“Not that way.”
She glanced back, saw his sneer a moment before he jabbed his spear. Too late to dodge away, the guard’s spear tapped her buttocks, delivering a searing charge.
“Bastard!”
“Bitch. I’m taking you to induction.”
“What?” Just the word sent a chill through her. Induction. The first stop when a new, fractious slave entered the compound. It was a place where a slave learned to fear punishment and lost her will to resist. Not a place she or her sister had needed to experience, but she’d heard enough to know what happened there. “There’s some mistake. I’m a free woman.”
“No mistake. I have orders. Now move that ass or I’ll give you another jab. And if you happen to fall, I won’t be so quick about letting you get back up again.”
His intent clear by his leering smile, she swallowed hard, her heart beating against her chest.
The men fell in around her, behind her and at her sides, as they escorted her to a dimly
lit cell in the basement of the induction center.
When the door slammed shut behind her, she stood, shock and despair holding her still. There had to be some mistake. Aliyah hadn’t the right to do this to her, not unless she’d discovered something of her plans.
The door opened behind her. She glanced back to see Aliyah step inside, then gesture to the guard to leave them. Aliyah’s expression was hard and emotionless as marble.
“Aliyah, why are you doing this?”
Aliyah stepped close, raised her hand, and slapped Fatin hard across the face. Then she grimaced, glared at her palm as Fatin cupped her hand to her own stinging cheek.
It was almost funny, that look. “Not as satisfying as you hoped?” Fatin quipped, unable to halt her tongue.
Aliyah aimed a withering glare. “Shut up.”
“Why am I here? You haven’t the right to hold me.”
“I do since you’ve conspired to steal my property.”
Fatin held her breath. Gods, was she talking about the helmet or Eirik? “Conspired? What are you talking about?” she asked, schooling her face into a confused mask, which wasn’t hard since she wasn’t sure which crime she was being accused of.
“Don’t play coy,” Aliyah snapped. “You know damn well Wolf has escaped.”
Fatin blinked. “Really? How could I know that? I’ve spoken to no one since my arrival other than my sister—whom you granted me an audience to see.”
Aliyah stepped closer, her face studying Fatin’s with an avid, scary intensity. “At this moment, every enforcer, every off-duty PG guard is searching for him. He won’t stay free for long. Save yourself, Fatin. Tell me where to find him.”
Fatin pretended an angry affront. “I don’t know where to find him. Why on earth would you think I would? I captured him for you. I gladly accepted payment and left him here to rot. Why would I help him now?”
Aliyah’s lips thinned into an ugly snarl. “Michael suggested it. Said he thought that there was something between you two.”
“Nothing other than loathing on his part.”
“What about yours?”
Fatin blew out a deep breath. “He’s handsome, but I didn’t appreciate being mauled by him. There’s no love there.” All true, which she hoped Aliyah would read in her eyes.
Aliyah jerked away and paced the length of the cell. “This isn’t good. Those who pay to play like to think that our thralls are happy here. That they are well treated, spoiled. And I do my best to see that this is true. I can’t let them think the men are so unhappy they’d rather risk death than stay in my care. They’d become sympathetic toward the men. Already they sigh and moon, but they can’t begin to think the men are more than what they are—barely leashed barbarians, better off here than out in the world.” She halted beside Fatin, fury in her red face. Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Prove your loyalty to me.”
“How, mistress? I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me.”
“Find him. You did it once before. You can get close to him.”
“If I get near him, he’s likely to snap my neck.”
“Then make sure you capture him first. Prove you’re mine, Fatin.”
Fatin nodded, feeling dazed. If she didn’t bring Eirik in, she’d be back at square one with Aliyah. Persona non grata. Unable to see her sister or even discuss the price for her freedom. “If I catch him?”
“I will free your sister.”
Fatin didn’t bother hiding her disbelief. “You’ve waved that promise beneath my nose before. Why should I believe you now?”
“Are you calling me a liar? Can I help that she becomes more valuable, more prized, every day?”
Fatin remained still, sensing Aliyah didn’t expect an answer. When Aliyah raised her hand again, she didn’t flinch away.
This time, the whore-mistress cupped the cheek she’d slapped, caressing it. “I am not a liar. And I’m not your enemy.”
Bile rose to the back of her throat, but Fatin said through tight lips, “I know that, mistress.”
Aliyah kissed her cheek, then drew back. Her dark stare glittered with a maniacal excitement. “I promised you current market value. Now I promise that I will settle for what you have paid now. Bring me the Viking. Then you may leave with your sister.”
Eirik tossed his head, sweat spraying in an arc from his wet hair. His muscles burned. His heart thrilled to each gleaming arc of the steel blade he swung.
He met the jarring thrust, planted a foot behind him, and shoved hard to push Adem back, then raised his borrowed sword again, slicing from the side, knowing Adem would meet it. Another step forward, and he had the leopard jammed against the wall.
Adem’s cat’s mouth stretched into a smile. “Well done!”
Panting with exertion, Eirik offered him a grunt and stepped back, resting the sword point on the floor and leaning on the hilt. “I’m winded,” he said in disgust. “You’ve not broken a sweat.”
“But then, I never sweat,” the other man said, pale eyes gleaming. “However, I do believe you’re ready.”
A commotion at the door had both men turning at the sound.
Two of Adem’s men entered, carrying inside a squirming bundle wrapped in a blanket, which they deposited on the floor at Adem’s feet.
Adem laughed and bent to pull away the wrapping with a tug that sent the figure in the center rolling across the floor.
Eirik didn’t know why, but he wasn’t all that surprised to find Fatin, spitting and cursing as she shoved up on her arms.
“Why am I not surprised?” Adem said, echoing Eirik’s thought.
“Why is everything such a bloody production with you?” she said, shaking back her hair, which was loose and tangled around her head.
Eirik grinned at her appearance. Dressed in pretty, wine-colored silk, she looked like a feminine bundle of fluff. Far from the hardedged bounty hunter—more the lithe bit of femininity he’d first met in the mining camp. Except for the fire sparking in her eyes.
“And you!” she said, wagging her finger at Eirik. “You’ve caused me nothing but trouble. I should have known it the first time I set eyes on you.”
Eirik shot out a hand to wrap around that pointing finger and pulled it, forcing her to rise and come closer. “What’s happened, Fatin?” he asked, grinning. “Did you miss me?”
Her eyes bulged, and she shook off his hold. “What’s happened?” she asked, her voice rising. “The whole city is looking for you. Aliyah set her guards on me, sure I had something to do with your escape. Why? I have no idea. If you show your face in daylight, the bounty’s so fucking high there’s not a Heliopolite living who won’t give chase.”
“Not unexpected,” Adem said dryly, flashing him a glance, before narrowing his gaze on Fatin again.
Fatin straightened her shoulders, and her expression calmed, worry casting a shadow across her face as she turned to face Adem. “She’s holding my sister ransom—for him.”
Adem shrugged. “Since you’ve always known the price would be too steep, why are you so enraged?”
“Because . . .” Fatin blew out a deep breath, then closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, she stared into Adem’s eyes, imploring. “I have to get him off planet now,” she whispered. “Before it’s too late. You can’t use him, Adem. He has to leave now. If he’s ever caught, I fear what she’ll do to him. She’ll want to make an example for the others.”
Eirik stepped beside her, cupping her shoulder to force her to turn his way. “You’d trade your sister’s freedom for mine?”
Fatin stiffened beneath his grasp, but turned her head. She didn’t quite meet his gaze. “My sister wouldn’t want her freedom, not in exchange for yours,” she said, her voice raw. “I know this now.”
“She’s tricking you, Viking,” Adem bit out. “She’ll lead you from here and straight into a trap.”
Fatin waved a hand at Adem. “Shut up.” She held Eirik’s gaze as she angled her body toward him. “I promise I am not tr
ying to trap you. Come with me. To my ship. I’ll get you off planet. You have the wealth of a kingdom to seek the release of your men. But you will never be able to do it, never be able to tell your story to a single person who cares that you’ve been wronged if you’re recaptured.”
Eirik lifted his sword and held it out to Adem. “Fatin, I want to trust you. But I’d be a foolish man if I listened only to my heart.”
“Your heart?” Her face screwed up, confusion mixing with anger. “Dammit, Viking. You have to flee Helios. It’s your only hope.”
More men rushed into the room. “Adem, enforcers! They’re all around us.”
“Bitch,” Adem said, taking a step toward Fatin.
She shook her head, her face draining of color. “I promise I didn’t bring them.”
“Then she had you followed.”
“I took precautions.” Her gaze swung back to Eirik. “I swear I had nothing to do with this.”
Eirik squeezed her shoulder. “It doesn’t matter, Fatin. It’s done.”
“What are you talking about? We can still get away.”
Eirik aimed a glare at Adem. “Can you and your men get out of here?”
“Underground, yes. Through a tunnel, although it’s likely halffilled with water this time of year.”
“Then use it.” Eirik grabbed Fatin’s arm and pushed her toward Adem. “Take her too.”
Adem bared his teeth in a snarl. “She’s responsible. Why not leave her here to greet them?”
“She didn’t betray me. Not this time.”
Fatin pulled on his arm. “Eirik! What are you doing? Aren’t you coming?”
He gave her a crooked smile. “A plan’s afoot. This doesn’t change a thing. I’ll be all right.”
Her eyes widened. “You didn’t see Aliyah. She’ll punish you. Make you pay for humiliating her.”
“We haven’t time for this, Viking,” Adem shouted.
Eirik gripped Fatin’s waist and pulled her against him.
Her hands shoved against his chest. “Eirik, please. Don’t do this. I swear there are worse things than selling your body. Adem, tell him!”
Eirik shook her. “He’s already warned me what I likely face. I’m prepared.”
“Fatin,” Adem said, urgency in his voice now. “He knows what he’s about.”
Enslaved by a Viking Page 20
