Page 21 of The Poison of the Earth
“Wait–” I cry, but it’s too late.
She’s gone.
Chapter Eight
Oleander
Ihead straight for my rooms, at a near run, concern upon my face.
The moment I slam the door shut behind me and lean against it, a grin overtakes me. Masterfully done, I believe, even if I slipped up a bit.
Lonan is definitely sniffing at my skirts, just as I want him to be. Honestly, I feel an odd pull towards him too, but maybe it’s just that I’ve been planning on becoming his partner for years. In order to get the retribution I deeply deserve.
However, I cannot make this chase go too quickly or he’ll lose interest. He is only a man, after all. And I left the book, which I do really wish I had to read tonight, since I more or less got the night off, but leaving it was worth it. Gives him a reason to approach me again soon. I need him a simpering idiot, devoted, and ready to give me whatever I want.I have him well on the hook.
I strip and turn on the shower. As I step in, my flesh sings, my magic dancing along it, dying to be let out. I loosen my hold on it for the entirety of my long, hot shower, but before I turn off the water, I lock it back down.
I’ve only just dried off and put on my night shift when there is a knock on the door.Shit. Hopefully not Cook needing help.
I cross the room and open it and step back in shock.
“Com-commander Lonan,” I stutter, surprised.Not the move I was expecting from him. He must really want to get laid.Istare at the floor and before he can say anything, I continue, “I’m so sorry, Sire, I was... afraid and—”
He cuts me off by stepping into my room and shutting the door behind him. He steps closer to me, one hand raising to take the back of my neck. I stiffen without meaning to.The old fear of being harmed whenever I’m touched rising.
“Listen to me, Allie. I would never hurt you. Never. I... I will go at whatever pace you need me to, but know this: I must have you. I am drawn to you like none other. You must feel it too, surely?” His mouth clamps shut, as if he had more to say but thought better of it. I force my smugness down, keeping my face sweet and innocent. Stupid even.
“Are... are you a maiden, sweetheart?” He asks softly.
As if that’s the only possible reason I haven’t jumped on his dick.I struggle not to roll my eyes.
I keep my gaze locked on the floor. “I would not speak of such things with a man I hardly know, Sire.”
He makes a soothing sound deep in his throat and his hand on my neck tightens.
“Tell me, Allie. Please. I... I need to understand.”
Hmm, he’s not commanding it as my lord and master and savior. That makes me more amenable to telling him.
“No, I’m not, Sire.” No point in lying about something easily determined with a soothsayer in the keep.
He lets out a breath, almost a sigh of relief.Odd. I cannot quite figure this man out.
“Good, good.” He nods, seemingly relieved. “Then...” he’s so close I can feel his breath on my hair but I still keep my gaze locked on the tiles. “Then, the abuse.”
Lady, give me strength. Do not let me say something stupid about how perhaps some women simply do not like him.
“I... it is not that. Not wholly.”
He inches closer and if I don’t do something, he’s going to kiss me or lift me and neither are acceptable.
“Please, Sire,” I beg, pathetically, “I have no wish to have relations with you. I wish only to be a good employee, and helpful with my knowledge of RedWater.”
His hand immediately drops and he steps back. I look up slowly, meeting his—now despondent—eyes.
“Thank you, my lord,” I say softly.
“You are not attracted to Fae with cocks?”
