Chapter 21
Caspian’s Wrath
There was a knock at her door.
It was Caspian, standing expressionless before her. She hadn’t the faintest idea what he wanted—their night together wasn’t for another couple of days.
“May I come in?” His voice was too measured, too calm.
“Er…”
“You’ve expressed the wish to spend more time together,” he said, his words dripping in honey. Something was not right. He continued, “So I have come to—oblige.”
“Right. Sure.” She stepped aside.
No sooner had he strode into her chambers than he ordered, “Lie down.”
“Excuse me?” She didn’t like his tone.
“Lie down,” he commanded, his gaze burning with intent.
“Why?” she asked, her gaze narrowing in suspicion.
“It is a simple request.” He rolled his eyes. “Must you always be so difficult?”
Warily, she eased onto the bed. “Happy?”
He sat next to her. “Please give me your hand.”
She tentatively offered her hand. A metallic snap sounded as metal clicked around her wrist. Her breath caught in alarm—a silver manacle now clipped her to the bedpost.
He looked down at her, his gaze cold and unyielding. “Your other hand, Elizabeth.”
“I don’t think I’ll give it to you, thanks,” she said, clutching it to her chest.
He didn’t argue. Instead, he pressed his hand over her chest, over her heart, the pressure firm and steady. Then, he slid up, wrapping his fingers around her throat. He squeezed, not enough to harm, but enough to claim. She stared at him, transfixed.
He eased off, and her eyes widened.
Amused, he glanced at her hand that was no longer clenched and lay relaxed at her side.
“Good girl.” His smile was razor-sharp. “I bet you liked that more than you’ll ever admit.” His hand squeezed once more, then relaxed. “My hand wrapped around that beautiful throat.”
She swallowed, her throat suddenly dry.
Her gaze flicked to the beard that covered his strong jaw, then to his broad chest and shoulders that made her feel like he towered over her. She met his unblinking silver eyes once more, and her lower abdomen turned warm and molten. She watched him, wondering what he was going to do next.
He smirked. “Not so innocent, are you?”
“Excuse me? I don’t know what you mean,” she said haughtily, looking away.
“You knowexactlywhat I mean.” His voice turned dark and velvety. “Now give me your other hand.”
She looked at him in displeasure. Intrigued as she was, she didn’t appreciate being ordered around.
A dark expression crossed his features, drinking in her hesitation, her warring thoughts. “Yesterday, you told me you aren’t interested in my company because I never seek you out. I decided to rectify that and spend time with you properly,Elizabeth.” He said her name as if it were a curse.
He leaned in closer. “And while I’m here, we might as well address your disobedience. Running off. Disregarding my orders. Testing my patience.”
