Page 8 of Lady of Darkness

“Admiration?” she said with a raised brow. “I believe you’re mistaken, Captain.”

“That would be unusual.” His amused smile grew as he took in her slightly confused look. “I am rarely ever mistaken.”

Her eyes narrowed at him. “Well, you were mistaken this time because it was not admiration you were glimpsing but puzzlement.”

“Puzzlement?”

“Yes, puzzlement as to how someone who only seems capable of holding up a wall trains a unit of Lord Tyndell’s forces.”

“Would you like a demonstration of what else I am capable of? I would love to share some of my secrets with you.” The glimmer of amusement in his eyes seemed to glow brighter.

“Would you like me to throw a dagger at your face?”

“Scarlett,” Cassius hissed. “He is a very high ranking and highly—”

“I dare you,” the Captain smirked.

“Shit,” Cassius muttered under his breath.

Before the word had finished leaving his lips, Scarlett had pulled a dagger that was strapped to her thigh beneath her gown,cocked it, and hurled it right at the man’s stupid, smirking face.

And hecaughtit. By the handle. He simply stepped to the side and caught it before it embedded itself in the wall, a breath from his ear.

Scarlett stood in shock.

“As I was saying,” Cassius said. She could hear the smile in his voice. “He is a very high ranking and highly skilled soldier.”

Captain Renwell crossed the room and came to a stop mere inches from her. As he extended the blade to her, he leaned in and whispered, “Is it admiration now,Lady?”

Irritation flooded through her, and without warning, she whirled and attempted to kick him in the stomach. But he caught her ankle, and Cassius had to grip her elbow to keep her from falling to the ground.

The man’s cocky grin had her seeing red. “Let go,” she said in a deadly calm whisper.

“And risk you trying to attack me again? I think not.”

She went cold with rage, and as she was contemplating the best move to break his hold, the man’s eyes widened. He dropped her ankle, stepping back from her. His face went from amusement to perplexed as he studied her with that curious expression once more.

Cassius cleared his throat. “You’re in an…interesting mood today, Renwell.”

As if it were nearly impossible to do so, he dragged his stare from her to Cassius. “That will happen when a Lady throws a dagger at your face.”

“Call me Lady one more time, and you will find out just how un-ladylike I am,” she hissed.

“Don’t tempt me,” he replied, that slight glimmer returning to his eyes.

Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, “How did you catch it?”

His brows rose in surprise. “So it was admiration? Did I impress you?”

“Hardly,” she lied. It had been impressive. She was highly trained against numerous types of enemies.It’s why she did the king’s dirty business when assigned. Few could best her, but this man? He could. Easily.

Too easily.

Gods. Shewasout of practice.

“Liar,” he purred.

She stuck out her tongue at him.

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