Subject:  CHAPTER 80 |
Author:
KK
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Date Posted: 20:34:17 02/27/06 Mon
CHAPTER 80
The air was still—cloying and heavy in the depths of the dark cave. Nicadea lay without moving, barely daring to breathe, afraid he might be watching—waiting. She wondered how long she’d been unconscious—a few minutes—several hours or even later if the stiffness in her arms and legs were any indication. What she wouldn’t give for a chance for a good stretch.
A sound close to her ear caused her to flinch.
“So, you’re awake?”
The softly delivered statement required no response, and she considered continuing to play possum. The cold ground and her aching body, however, convinced her to open her eyes. She squinted against the outside light backlighting the cave entrance and the man outlined in front of it.
“Who are you?”
“Is that your biggest concern?”
She strained to get a better look. “No. What are
you going to do with me?”
He started forward, causing her to push upright to a more defensive position.
“You’re a run-away slave, so I can do whatever I want.”
“No.”
“Yes.” He gave a dry laugh. “How else would you explain your head-long flight through the woods?”
She stared at him without speaking while her mind raced for an explanation.
“I was out for a walk, and became lost.” The excuse had little merit, but it was the best she could do.
“Stand up.”
The words were delivered in a soft-spoken voice but she never doubted the authority behind them.
“Now!” he shouted when her reaction wasn’t immediate.
Fear prodded her into action, pushing her further than her aching body was prepared to go. She stumbled to her feet, just managing to maintain her balance.
“There, now I can see you properly.”
He moved toward her, and she forced herself not to pull away as he reached out to touch her hair. In her experience the male animal seemed to respect bravery.
She stood still as he threaded his fingers through her tangles and traced the curve of her face. When he leaned forward to kiss her, however, she shrank back.
“I’d rather die than have you touch me with your fifthly barbarian hands.”
He stiffened with anger and slapped her hard across the face. She would have fallen if he hadn’t grabbed her firmly by the arm. “You’ll not only suffer my hands moving over your body, you’ll like it.”
Her eyes widened in horror and for the first time, she longed to be back at the fortress, protected by General Mikelle.
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