Page 27 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

I stared down at him with no thoughts running through my mind.

“You killed your own guard,” I whispered.

“He hurt you.”

“Isn’t thathis job? That’syourguard.”

"Exactly; he should know better than to hurt you. He’s lucky I made it quick.” Cassius stared at me with a longing in his eyes as his hands gripped my hips tightly. His fingers dug into my flesh, and a small sigh escaped me, making Cassius squeeze me tighter.

“So, you killed him because he did his job?”

“I killed him because no one hurts you and lives.” Cassius reached up and brushed my hair over my shoulder. “Are you going to kiss me now? Since we both know you want to.”

A wicked smile spread over his lips when I sat up quickly, moving away from him. I thought he was going to force me back to him with his shadows, but he chuckled softly as we both stood up.

“Don’t miss me too much, my love,” he proclaimed as I watched him use his shadows to wrap around himself and his guards before meeting my eyes and disappearing.

I could have killed him. I should have, but the thought made me feel sick to my stomach. I focused on where he had been standing with his men, but he didn’t appear again. Disappointment filled me, but I put on a mask of indifference as I slipped on a shirt and assessed how many men died this time.

Chapter 9

Thea

It had only been two days since Cassius attacked my camp. Only two days, I told myself, so why did it feel like I missed a man that I didn’t know? I longed for him to come attack our camp, and that was such a stupid thing to think of. I couldn’t help it. Even my darkness seemed to be encouraging it. I was a fucking traitor to Cerithia, and it didn’t bother me in the slightest. If my prize was Cassius, I would hand over my own kingdom. I would give him my family.

Did that make me psychotic?

Probably, but again, I didn’t fucking care. I was losing my mind the longer he hid from me.

I dreamt of him. I dreamt that he didn’t just give me a fleeting kiss. I dreamt of an all-consuming kiss. When I woke up, it was as if I knew exactly how his mouth would dominate mine, how his hands would touch and grip me,how he would whisper dirty words into my ear as he filled me.

“Captain?”

I shook my head and stared at the men in front of me. My cheeks were flushed, and my breathing was at the rate of a hussy. Fuck, I was losing it.

“We did not see any Crimson armies close.” They reported. Damn, I had hoped he was planning another attack. Stars above, I was a sick and twisted fuck. I was hoping for a battle so I could see Cassius. No wonder my father wanted me to stay away from him. Maybe my father knew I would not be able to resist him.

“Alright.” I nodded. “Let’s rest up today, and we’ll move on to them tomorrow.” Because I was going crazy sitting here thinking of him. They bowed to me, and I went to my tent to stew in my lust away from peering eyes.

My eyes dropped to a dark green envelope sitting on my bed. I lifted the small envelope and glanced around. It was forbidden to be in my tent, so I wasn’t sure what soldier thought they were clever in leaving a note in my personal space. The envelope was soft. The paper was high-end, and the color was stunning. I opened it slowly, like it might explode. A small white card fell into my hands. The writing on it was definitely a man’s.

Captain,

I’m disappointed at how easy it was to infiltrate your camp, let alone your tent. With how well you fought, I expected you to be impenetrable. You’ve made this war more interesting... more fun. If you want to forfeit, let me know. Or you may always choose to fight with me. I promise to treat you so well, Thea.

Captain of Crimson Armies,

Cassius, aka coward

That smug prick. How did he have time to get here and put this in my tent without being caught? I have been here all day. Did he walk right past me as I daydreamed of fucking him? I glanced around to make sure he wasn’t lurking in my tent, but nothing was amiss. I should feel threatened that he had been here. But this somehow felt like a game of cat and mouse. It made me excited. I sat at my desk fiddling with the envelope and card before grabbing a piece of paper. My heart pounded in my chest as I quickly wrote my response. Two could play this game, Cassius.

Coward,

Do you think entering my tent while there are no guards is impressive? How pathetic. I want you to know that unlike you, I can put this letter in your tent while your men guard it. You and I are not onthe same level. I will always be a step ahead of you. If you would like to submit to me, you are more than welcome to beg on your knees, but I will still slaughter you.

Captain of Cerithian Armies,

Thea

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