“What the hell have you done?” My lady has her hands on her hips, glaring at me with full force.
“My Duegar have made it as if new,” I say proudly.
“This is not new…” Lady Ryle pulls in a deep, shuddering breath. “The Dark Gibbet never looked like thisnew. For a start, there was never aTiki bar!”
The volume of her voice rises as she points at the corner of the bar I had rebuilt. It is covered in grasses and foliage, astrange glowing sign announces what it is, and there are brightly coloured butterflies waving their wings in a non-existent breeze whilst perched on the edges of long bulbous glasses filled with creamy liquid.
“I admit, that was not there last night,” I respond. “But it is…different.”
“What is a Tiki bar?” The dark-haired witch asks.
“It’s a…” Lady Ryle shoves her fingers into her hair. “I know…but I don’t know. It shouldn’t be here, in the Night Lands, is all,” she finishes.
“I can have them remove it,” I suggest.
“We don’t have time,” she snaps. “There’s far too much to be done before tonight and we’re opening in an hour.” She glares at me. “It’ll have to stay for now.”
“I have had word my prisoners are delayed. I will stay too,” I intone.
“Over my dead body.”
I have her in my arms before my heart can finish a beat. Her body pressed against mine, all her scent belonging to me, my eyes on hers, studying every inch of her beautiful face.
“Never while there is breath in mine.”
HAZEL
Time has given up as I gaze into the deep, dark eyes of the Brag. They’re pools which drag me further and further away from who I am.
Towards who I used to be? Is this Brag doing some sort of magic on me too?
Despite the fact I’ve already established with Millie I am immune to magic here in the Night Lands.
His arms are comfortable around my body, his warmth seeping into me, the scent of leather and spice invading my senses. Those incredibly inviting lips which I want to…
“I don’t belong to anyone!” I plant both hands on his broad, naked chest and push.
Warden does not release me.
“I didn’t say you belonged to me,” he rasps. “I said no one will harm you while I am here.” His words rumble through me, hitting my core and tumbling in my stomach.
I am hot like I’ve never been hot, a flush which seemingly starts at my toes and blooms through my entire being, flaming like the huge fire in the tavern’s hearth. My heart is beating out of my chest. And my sword…
The darkness within it creeps back into my soul. So, when I push again at Warden, it’s with enough force to make him let me go.
“You’re barred,” I say lamely. “Just go.”
A rumble comes from deep inside him as Warden rubs at the scruff on his chin. His dark gaze doesn’t leave me for a second. The gold clasps in the depths of his mass of dark hair glitter, and all I can think about is a pirate for a moment.
A pirate who can become a centaur and who is able to plunder whatever he wants.
“If you wish it,” he says, with a sudden, flourishing bow. “As I said, there has been a delay with my prisoners, but I expect I can find alternative lodgings.”
“Not on this road you won’t,” Edith says practically. “The Dark Gibbet is the only tavern in these parts.”
I glare at her, but she doesn’t seem to notice. Perhaps the Redcap did more than just tear her dress last night.
“So, it is a night on the moors.” Warden shrugs. “I have had worst hardships in the Night Lands.”
