Page 10 of Kiss of Fire

Shadeed’s eyes narrowed.

“Have a care, Magda. I allow you to take liberties because I have known you for a long time. But I will not be insulted.”

Magda bowed, the bobble on her ridiculous hat almost brushing his knees.

“Sincere apologies, your Lordship. I am just a foolish old woman. Please ignore my ramblings. Now would you carry our guest into the hut before she freezes to death?”

She did look a little blue. He slid his arms under her and lifted her against him. Immediately she pressed herself to his chest, his supernatural warmth registering with her on some unconscious level.

She made a sound, a little sigh that could have been contentment. Her eyelashes fluttered for a moment against the honey of her skin. He tightened his grip, suddenly ashamed he’d left her on the cold forest floor for so long.

He carried her through into the wooden hut, cursing as he smacked his head on the low door frame. He knew the Gatekeeper could fashion any abode she desired and he understood why she’d want something that didn’t look out of place from the outside. But he was surprised she’d chosen to keep the illusion going on the inside as well.

A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and a little table and chair was set with a plate of bread and cheese. On the side was a small glass brimming with what looked suspiciously like alcohol.

He stood for a moment, unsure.

“Where shall I put her?”

“Take her through to the bedroom. Can you keep her warm while I fetch more blankets? Your body heat is working wonders.”

“This is a demeaning chore for one of my stature.”

“Don’t worry, my Lord. I won’t tell anyone.” Her impertinence made his temper rise. Shadows started to pour off him, as black and twisted as his mood. Magda paid them no attention. “Go on, now. Through that door there.”

She shuffled to a large chest and started rooting through it, whistling tunelessly through her teeth. After a moment, Shadeed stalked through to the bedroom. It was tiny and his bulk filled the room. His shins hit the side of the bed.

Muttering a curse that would have made grown men blanch, he deposited Raya among the sheets.

At least she looked healthier. The panacea leaf had reduced the lump on her head and her skin had lost its greyish tinge.

He eyed the bright amber streak of hair that nestled among her dark locks. It looked like a warning sign.

“I hope for your sake you are stronger than you look,” he murmured. “Or your people will burn you alive.”

Her fingers were white. Hesitantly he took them between his hands and rubbed them gently. He looked round the room, suddenly claustrophobic. By the skies, how did Magda bear living in such a confined space? He yearned for his castle, for his home. The sooner he could return there, the better.

It took him a moment to realise her eyes were open. There was silence as she took in the fact that she was lying on a bed in a strange place with a shirtless man standing over her, grasping her hand.

He saw her come to an unsavoury conclusion and opened his mouth to explain.

And then she snatched her hand away and shrieked at the top of her voice, fear and anger radiating from her in equal measure.

“Get the fuck away from me, you pervert!”

Six

Shadeed folded his arms and glared at her, his face pure granite. Raya had scrambled to the other side of the bed and was wedged against the wall, screaming blue murder. He let her continue for a while, hoping she would peter out. But her stamina was impressive and eventually he gave in.

“Silence!”

His voice rumbled through the cottage, the trees, and through her very bones. It was impossible to disobey. Her scream shut off abruptly and she blinked.

“How did you do that?”

“You will cease that infernal cacophony and listen. You are here because you agreed to accompany me. I have not abducted you. I am not…” his voice sank even further to a timbre that hurt her ears, “…a pervert.”

“Then why have you trapped me in a bedroom? Where are your clothes?”

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