Page 22 of War

What iswiththe women here and giving me unsolicited sex advice?

“It’ll gain you some measure of protection,” she adds.

Last I checked, a blade protected me just fine.

“And if I don’t give in?” I say.

There’s a long pause, then Tamar grabs my chin. “This is a dangerous place to be a woman—particularly a pretty one.” Her eyes drop to where War’s blade rests next to my oil lamp. “Keep that knife close. You’ll probably need it.”

Chapter 6

I take Tamar’sfinal piece of advice—I sleep with War’s dagger beneath my head.

It’s a good thing I do, too.

“Wake, Miriam.” A deep voice drags me from sleep.

My eyes snap open.

Sitting next to my pallet, his arms loosely slung over his knees, is War.

My hand goes for my blade, and I sit up, brandishing my weapon.

War’s eyes gleam as he takes me in, blade and all.

“Enjoying my dagger?” he asks.

I start at his words. He’s speaking fluent Hebrew.

“You can talk,” I state.And you know my name, I realize.

He grunts.

“I mean, Iunderstandyou.” I’m used to hearing him speak in tongues, his meaning overlaying the words. It’s unnerving to actually hear him speak the same language as me.

Which means this entire time, he’s been able to understandme.

I keep my blade pointed at him. “Why do you speak in tongues?” I ask.

Wrong question, Miriam. The correct question is: What the fuck are you doing in my tent?

The horseman gets up and comes closer. In response, I lift my weapon.

He utterly ignores the threat. War sits down on the edge of my pallet, even as the tip of my blade presses into his skin of his throat.

War’s black eyes drop to the blade, and the corner of his mouth curves up. He looks darkly amused.

There’s obviously no point threatening him. If anything, I’m getting the impression that he finds the whole thing endearing.

“How is it thatIcan understandyouwhen you’re speaking in tongues?” I ask.

“You are my wife,” he responds smoothly. “You understand my nature and my gifts.”

There’s one problem with that. “I’m not your wife.”

War smirks, his expression mocking me again. “Would you like me to prove my claim? I’d bemorethan happy to.” His words full of sexual undertones.

I readjust my grip on the dagger. “Get out of my tent.”

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