by Lisa Kumar
“That we’re too different.”
“Because you think my people more beautiful than yours?”
She made a huffing noise. “No. I mean, the beauty thing is only representative of the issue. You’re an elf, and I’m not.”
“You didn’t think it was a problem when the couple in question was Cal and Relian. I think you seek to delay what lies between us.”
“What? Now you’re a shrink analyzing my brain?”
Because she’d thrown that lovely barb at him before, he knew what she meant. Would she ever learn he wouldn’t be denied by mere words? He stalked toward her, stopping when he stood a few inches from her. He could feel heat radiating off her body, hear the hitch of her breath. Every nerve in his body answered her call.
“I don’t have to be a mind healer to see through your charade. You’re scared.” He forced a taunting note into his voice. Nothing would enrage her more—or make her lose control. “A scared little girl.”
A thundercloud of emotions flashed across her face. “Scared? Of what? You? Oh, I suppose you’re the big, bad king. I’m quaking in my frilly, pink slippers.”
Her voice, while mocking, shook from barely leashed anger. Now, he had to cut the tenuous thread that held her in check. Plus, she needed a reminder about certain things. He trailed a finger along her cheek. She rewarded him with a shiver but kept her face stubbornly turned from his.
“You would do well to remember who you speak to, little girl. I have millennia on you. Few are left standing after taking me on.”
Her head whipped up, and her mouth formed a fake “O”. “Goodness gracious me, I thought you were a king, not a prize fighter.”
She thought to goad him through teasing? Well, she’d learn to not challenge a master of keeping people off kilter. “You would be amazed. They’re not so different in some ways. And I once held Relian’s post of captain, so I’m no slouch in that area. But I’m not talking just about physical force, which I would never use on an unarmed female.”
“What, you blackmail those you can’t subdue with might?”
So much emotion. He suppressed a smile. She was playing right to cue. “There’s no need for it when one is king. I have…other means available.” And he did. Though he no longer knew how kings in the human world governed, she needed to be aware of the scope of his powers and the respect they garnered.
Her eyebrows snapped together. “That sounds nefarious. Even though you’re an ass, I thought you were a fair ruler.”
Really, he was going to have to work on her adoring attitude. Her respect was astounding. “Always so complimentary, aren’t you? Just be sure to keep such endearments to the privacy of our chambers.”
Instead of honing in on his reference of them sharing the same rooms, she dismissed what he said with a wave of her hand. “Whatever. Now, what is this about you being a dictatorial pig?”
He drew himself up to his full height. Just when he thought her respect had reached its peak, she surprised him. “I’m many things, but never a pig. I am “fair” until someone steps over the defined boundaries I’ve created. They’re in place for a reason. To keep peace, I have to be firm and decisive when the occasion necessitates. Depending on the person and offense, I choose the most appropriate measure.”
“And what are these measures?”
“Physical punishment, monetary fines, revoking of privileges, imprisonment, banishment…death.” He shrugged. “The norm, I would suppose.”
A frown blossomed across her face. “You say that like you’re reciting the latest weather update.”
“When you’ve passed judgment as often as I have, a jaded outlook is somewhat expected.”
“That’s the problem.”
He waited patiently for her to explain herself.
“You and your position are a nightmare to a girl like me, so we need to set some ground rules.”
“Such as?”
“We have sex, and all talk of queenly stuff stays far away from me. And after the sex, you stay away, too. We’ll make it a one-time deal and see if that’s enough to satisfy the bond. If it is, then maybe I can go home and the bond will fade.”
His mind blanked out to all else but the fact she wanted to leave. Leave him. A punch to the gut couldn’t have winded him more. She was his. The ache residing in his chest since her arrival proved it.
He couldn’t allow her to leave, even if it were possible. Anger slowly built in his empty lungs, spreading fiery air throughout his body. By Eria’s damnation, why was she so impossible? All other females would be stampeding in the halls if they stood a chance to be his mate and queen. Why not her? A mere human?
He lunged at her. She wasn’t going anywhere.
Chapter 6
Maggie stumbled back, and an unflattering squeak left her lips. But she was a little too busy dodging the lunging figure of Talion to care about that. She ducked and wove around the furniture in the large room.
Her heart hammered against her ribcage, and her breath came in gasps. Wherever she turned, he was there. God, were there five of him?
She couldn’t let him catch her. He wouldn’t physically hurt her. This she knew to the very depths of her bones. But her pride was another matter. He’d obliterate that if he could.
A wild glance around the room revealed another door adjacent to the one they’d entered. His bedroom, if she remembered right. Crap, it looked far away and wasn’t the escape route she sought, anyway. All because of the wild-eyed elf chasing her around his library.
That last thought ripped a hysterical laugh out of her as she darted behind the bookcase that looked like a tree. Who would’ve thought she’d be running from a game of hide the weasel that involved a very attractive elvin king? Her father’s horny investment banker had always been a much more likely option, not a mythological creature who wanted to claim her as his queen. Couldn’t he see how ridiculous this was?
She kicked a stool into his path, but the bastard merely leapt over it. What was he? A fricking horse? And like one, he was bearing down on her.
In a last ditch effort, she sprinted for the door she’d spotted. A few feet from it, she grabbed the doorknob. The stupid thing turned fractionally before it locked up and sent a small zing of electricity through her. Damn that elf. She shook the slight pain from her fingers, and was going to try the knob again when a solid figure pushed the air from her lungs.
Talion had her pinned against the door, his hands splayed on either side of her head. Every bit of him pressed against her, even that. By the feel of it poking into her lower back, he was aroused. Whether from anger, desire, or both, she didn’t know. She groaned as heat flooded her lower regions. She was so screwed, literally and figuratively.
He was like liquid sex that flooded into her every pore. The only way to remove him would be to work him out of her system. But she wanted to do it on her own terms, not his. “Let me g—”
He spun her around, and now the chill of the wood seeped into her back. His hands clamped around her sides, warm and possessive. It felt like everything she wanted. Everything she couldn’t have.
She forced her hands between their chests and pushed. But the half-hearted movement didn’t budge him. She wasn’t sure she wanted it to.
His head dropped onto her shoulder, his hot breath tickling her neck. A shiver shot through her, and she froze. Some part of her mind shouted if she was this turned on right now, what would she be like later? A puddle of overzealous hormones paying homage to his feet?
“You’ve pushed my patience too far, little spitfire. Now, you’ll pay your dues.”
His harsh words echoed in her head, and a smidgeon of concern popped up. And a whole lot of excitement. Pay her dues? Would it be a punishment or reward? Probably both. She swallowed the lump in her throat and quashed the excitement. Let him do his best. She’d meet him head on. He was a fool if he thought she’d give in easily.
“I’d like to see you try.”
He lifted his head, and a posit
ively predatory smile lit his face. “Oh, I believe I’ll be successful and you’ll like the results.”
God, he was a pig, but a sexy one. Still, she needed to take back control of the situation. They’d do what needed to be done, but she’d remain in control.
She spoke through clenched teeth. “Let me go.” Another fruitless shove against his chest punctuated her words.
“The time for negotiations is over. I’ve humored you and “talked.” Now, we do it my way.”
Of all the arrogant bas—
He lowered his head and captured her lips in a searing kiss. All complaints rocketed from her mind. As his mouth worked insistently on hers, her breath sped up and became choppy. He overloaded her senses like a power surge. Even her toes curled against the energy current that was Talion.
She moaned, and he took the chance to slip his tongue inside. Each stroke sent heat careening through her veins. Her tongue dueled with his in a primal dance.
She molded herself to him, desperate to be nearer. He growled against her lips. The sound reverberated through her like a cannonball. If she could climb into him, she’d already be there, setting up camp.
Sliding her arms around his neck, she raised one foot and traced it along his right calf. A groan rewarded her efforts, not to mention fueled her desire. God, every woman needed her own Talion.
He was wearing too many clothes. So was she. That could be remedied.
As if he read her mind, he broke their kiss. “Disrobe me.”
Normally such an arrogant command would enrage her, but this time, it only sent her desire flooding to new heights. Her hands made fast work of that fancy overtunic of his, with his under tunic soon to follow. His deliciously muscled chest lay bare before her. She lost no time in exploring him with her fingers. But as her hands neared his heart, something strange happened.
She felt him—really felt him. Not just his physical presence, but also something much deeper. His soul, his personality, and so many things she couldn’t define. Panic soared through her, and she flinched back. What was going on? He felt too close—in every way.
Talion’s eyebrows drew together. He released her as a look of pain flashed across his face, though whether it was from frustrated desire or this last revealing touch, she didn’t know.
Her tongue darted out, and she licked her dry lips. She couldn’t do this, but her blood burned for him. No matter which way she turned, she was screwed.
He inhaled a deep breath before speaking. “Why are you scared?”
She frowned. Had he noticed what happened? If not, should she mention it? Well, until she knew for sure, it would be better to act like nothing had happened. He didn’t need another reason to keep her here.
“I’m not scared.”
“Tell me why you pulled away.”
Damn, she really didn’t want to have this conversation. Least of all with him. “I just wanted to get away from you.”
“Liar. There was something more.”
His soft accusation hit her with all the delicacy of a dump truck. He wasn’t buying the crap she was selling.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Why did you stop when you know this needs to happen?”
The unfairness of it all washed over her again. “Because I don’t want it to!”
He shook his head as if he were dealing with a petulant toddler. “I thought we’d passed this stage of wishing. It won’t avail you of a different outcome.”
“I know that.” She couldn’t keep the bite out of her voice. “But I don’t like being told what to do by a pompous ass.”
Irritation flickered across his face, and he took a step toward her. But instead of worrying about his expression, she found her attention glued to a shaft of sunlight that played across his shoulders before heading lower. If only she were that ray of sunshine…. She tore her gaze away. What the hell was wrong with her? But to be fair, no one would ever need a hypnotist with those trance-inducing muscles around.
He sent her a humorless smile. “Please save the endearments for later, love. And you always seek to tell me how we’ll proceed at every turn.”
“Well, you start it first.” So what if she sounded childish? In years she was one compared to him.
“Unlike you, I seem to be the one who’s fully aware of the ramifications if we don’t act soon.”
Her mouth snapped closed. That was a hard point to argue. He had infinitely more knowledge about this land and its customs than she did. “I know enough.”
“Do you? Do you, my dear?”
His penetrating stare sliced straight through her, and his voice hinted at mysteries awaiting discovery.
She remained quiet. How could she continue to argue when much of what he said was right? It was time to get it over with. “Let’s do it.”
“Do it?”
“Sex. Let’s have it. Now.”
He opened his mouth, probably to protest he was busy, but she cut him off. “It doesn’t have to take long.”
An affronted look crossed his face. “You deserve to be savored like a fine wine.”
His words sizzled up her spine, impossible to ignore, but she’d do her best. “Guzzle me down like a frat boy at a keg party.”
“These frat boys of yours don’t seem to have any inkling about wine or women.”
Leave it to him to state the obvious. But was that a hint of jealousy in his tone? One way to see. “They serve their purposes.”
“Have they served you many times?” Only the tightening of his jaw hinted at his anger. The rest of his face stayed plaster cold.
“That’s really none of your business.”
He raised a lazy eyebrow. “Oh, but it is. Everything about you is under my purview.”
She smirked. “You’re going to want to know when I visit the bathroom?”
He ran a finger down her cheek and gazed into her eyes. “Only if I can join you for a romp in the tub.”
His touch sparked all the right places, and she licked her lips. She might take him up on his offer. But she couldn’t find her voice to say so. A nod was her answer.
Talion flashed a triumphant smile and caressed her cheek again. Then he walked past her…walked past her like she hadn’t just propositioned him.
She stood there, held immobile to the spot. What had just happened?
The sinking feeling in her stomach, coupled with the anger coiling in the same place, told her. Her whole body shook with the realization.
Payback. That was what had happened.
***
Walking away from Maggie was one of the hardest things Talion had ever done. And he’d done many hard things in his lifetime.
Pride forced him to keep his stride leisurely as he headed for his bedchamber. He could work in there just as well as he could in his library. That would show her who was in control. A wave of exhaustion hit him. Now, if he could only make it to the room in question without passing out.
Even if he did, focusing on other matters wouldn’t be easy. He grimaced. Maggie had riled up his body in more ways than one. This was completely unacceptable. He needed to school his rebellious urges. The little vixen strove to gain the upper hand, but he couldn’t allow it. Too much rested on their union, and she could undo it all.
A body crashed into his back, knocking the air from his lungs. The cyclonic-like force, better known as Maggie, clutched onto him. He stiffened and twisted around in the effort to dislodge her, but that only caused her to cling to the front of him. The heat of her body against his naked chest set him afire. He tamped the feeling down. If she thought he’d give into her whims so easily, she would be sorely disappointed. He had far more practice in discipline than she had.
As her body slid down his, however, his resistance capsized. He struggled against the waves of desire hammering him. Fingers traveled up his chest and settled on his shoulders. He wanted to brush them off; he wanted them to strip him of the rest of his clothing.
Her lips on his
ended it and swept him away into her treacherous waters. He hungrily sought the seam of her mouth and deepened the kiss while crushing her to him.
He had to have her. Now.
Discipline was overrated, after all.
***
Maggie smiled against Talion’s lips as he pressed her to him. She had him where she wanted him—under her mercy and control. How wonderful it was to see him crumble. Payback was torture—for him.
His tongue slipped between her teeth, and he groaned. The sound nearly caused her to go up in flames. Her desire for payback warred with her unfathomable need for him.
Her mind spun with possibilities. He’d walked away from her once. It wouldn’t happen again. She could rebuff him and get her revenge. But she wanted to break this hold he—and the bond—had over her. So what if she received pleasure out of it? This only sweetened the deal.
Plus, she wanted him so badly she doubted she could willingly turn him away. He was a poison in her bloodstream she had to exorcise. The only way she knew how to accomplish this was by getting down to business. Sweaty, dirty business that would sweep the slate clean and leave her as free as she could be. She always lost interest in things once she had them for a while. Surely, he wouldn’t be any different. No man ever was.
Excitement and desire mingled in her stomach. She was going to touch and taste him—and remember every second of it.
His hands roved over her back before sliding down to cup her butt. He kneaded the flesh and made sounds of approval.
She withdrew her lips slightly. “So you’re an ass man.”
He laughed. “When it’s your rear, I am.” He removed his hands and cupped her breasts. “I’m also a breast man.”
Her nipples hardened. “What man isn’t?”
“You could say I am into all of Maggie.”
At his words, a lump grew in her chest. How could he inflame her with desire—and anger—so easily? “You better be careful, or you’ll start to sound sweet.”
“Trust me, I feel anything but sweet right now.” His voice came out breathless and husky. “I want to strip you bare and hear you scream my name.”
