Demon Within

by Nicholls, Julie

  Chapter 17

  After leaving Leon and Garlan to watch the rain, Nissa’s attempts to find Sabe failed. Leaving word with the staff that she’d been asking after him, she sat on the edge of Eloise’s bed and hoped her mistress was safe. Kai’s expression when he’d barged in earlier was beyond angry, he looked like a wild animal; seeing him dragging Eloise away on his horse, she knew Eloise would be terrified.

  Sabe already told Leon there was no cause for concern; but she worried. The rain drumming against the roof was surely Eloise’s doing, and she wondered if her state of distress had something to do with it. Nissa had seen her make rain before, but this was torrential, and wherever they were, they were out in it.

  Startled by a knock on the door and rushing to open it, she was greeted by Sabe’s handsome, face, she beamed a bashful smile.

  Her voice was almost a whisper. ‘Come in, please.’

  ‘I heard you were looking for me, and judging from your expression, you’re still worried about your mistress?’

  Moving towards the bed, turning and sitting firmly she huffed out a long sigh. The soft leather of his trousers creaked as he strode towards her. He always wore black, apart from his shirt. That was usually white; open at the neck, and revealed a dusting of dark, silky hair. She raked her eyes towards his face. His eyes, framed by thick, black brows could be deemed sinister; but not to her. Thick lashes framed seductive eyes that made her stomach flutter.

  Looking sideways at him as he sat next to her, her furrowed brows and sad expression confirmed his question.

  ‘I know Kai’s got a reputation Nissa.’ He took her hand and held it gently. ‘But I know him. He won’t hurt Eloise, I promise.’

  ‘After seeing how he dragged her away, I’m not sure what to think. I’m worried.’

  ‘Don’t be.’ He said firmly. ‘Kai doesn’t hurt women.’ He knew his friend would take care of Eloise, after he’d calmed down.

  Staring at Nissa he squeezed her hand. She looked at him and widening her eyes as they locked with his, inhaled sharply. The dark orbs so intense it made her breathing increase; feeling hot and flustered, Nissa had forgotten about her concerns for Eloise and started worrying about what to do next.

  She’d be lying if she denied her attraction to Sabe. He was not only utterly gorgeous, but he made her laugh every time she’d been in his company. Even now, in her worried state, she felt it starting to fade away; knowing within a short time, he’d find something to make her laugh or giggle. They’d only met the previous day, but already she felt a bond with him; even though she knew nothing about him. Nissa was curious how he’d met Kai, and why he thought so highly of him.

  ‘Tell me how you met Kai.’

  ‘He saved me and Kiera from death.’

  Nissa gasped. ‘Really?’

  ‘We were stealing from the gold reserves.’ Grimacing and screwing up his face, ‘Bad, I know.’ He grinned. Releasing her hand, he shrugged his shoulders. ‘But we thought we could get away with it, planned it for days. I was really surprised we got caught.’

  Glancing at Nissa to gauge her reaction, and pleased to see her smiling, he knew she didn’t think that badly of him. Admitting he was a thief wasn’t something he just told anyone, but he didn’t think there was any harm in telling her. She didn’t appear to be someone that would judge another.

  ‘So, there we were, stuck in a pit, waiting to be executed,’ Widening his eyes and turning to Nissa, he shook his head in disbelief, ‘Completely unjustified!’

  Nissa barely suppressed a giggle.

  ‘We heard fighting; the slavers shouted they were being attacked. It was Kai and a few of his slave friends; although we didn’t know that at the time. We started shouting, and I held Kiera up on my shoulders to push her fingers out of the bars on the cover to get their attention.’ Cocking his head to the side and sliding both hands between his thighs, he leaned over. ‘It was Kai, who heard us, and feeling in a generous mood, released us.’

  Nissa laughed at Sabe’s expressions and actions as he told his tale. Feeling sure there was more to it, but glad he’d told her what he had, she smiled.

  ‘Thank you for sharing that.’

  ‘I didn’t bore you, did I?’ He gave a wry grin.

  ‘Oh! No! It sounded exciting.’

  ‘You think execution sounds exciting?’ Smirking.

  ‘Not that part!’

  Chuckling. ‘Glad to hear it!’

  Nissa went quiet and thought how horrible it must have been for him and his sister. While she didn’t like Kiera much she wouldn’t wish her harm, and if Sabe wasn’t here, it would be very dull.

  ‘I’m glad he saved you.’ Nissa lowered her head and blushed at her confession.

  Sabe leaned close, and nudging her arm with his elbow, whispered in her ear. ‘Me too.’

  He was sure Nissa had feelings for him, like he had for her, her blushing made that part obvious. But he didn’t want to push or make her uncomfortable, and tried to keep his hands to himself. It wasn’t easy. She was a delight, and not because she laughed at his jokes; but she had something about her that made him smile. Leon had commented to him that morning while they were unloading the carriages; that she brought a ray of sunshine to the castle, when she’d first arrived. Sabe understood what he meant. Bright blue eyes and blond curly hair captivated him instantly. Dainty with perfect curves, her perfectly rounded bottom brought images to his mind that made him sigh. He was trying to be a gentleman; amazingly, he was, so far. But seeing her look at him the way she did, he wasn’t sure for how long. Trying to remove sinful thoughts from his mind, he let the pouring rain distract him as he looked towards the window.

  Nissa wondered if she should tell Sabe about Eloise and her abilities; she felt sure this was her work. Gnawing the inside of her cheek and thinking for a moment, she decided it wasn’t a good idea. While the rain distracted Sabe, she took the opportunity to stare while he wasn’t looking.

  Sabe was indisputably handsome. Noticing his good looks from their first meeting, he was never far from her thoughts. Nissa had never known a man intimately, but Sabe caused sensations in her body, she’d never experienced; there was an unexplainable pull between them.

  Lazily moving her gaze between his eyes and his mouth, a ripple in her lower belly made her gasp softly. Seeing her staring, he grinned. Afraid she was acting improperly she jumped up off the bed and walked over to the window.

  Following, he approached slowly. Standing behind her, he leaned close and drew in a deep breath. She smelled sweet and the moment her scent flooded his senses, he felt the strain in his leathers. Hesitating before speaking and clearing his throat, his hands gently rested against her arms.

  Nissa shuddered and closed her eyes at his touch. Feeling his warm breath against her neck as he leaned closer, her skin prickled. Goose bumps spread rapidly, making her tremble.

  ‘Nissa, if you want me to leave, I will.’ His soft, husky voice made her sigh.

  ‘I don’t want you to leave.’ Her head lowered.

  His warm lips brushed against the soft flesh of her neck. She gasped and let her head fall back and rest against his shoulder. Slowly turning her head to face him, without warning, he brushed his mouth against hers in an unhurried kiss.

  Sabe’s hand snaked around her waist, and without releasing her lips, he effortlessly turned her to face him. His other hand slid around her neck, under her hair to pull her tightly against him, making his mouth press harder against hers.

  Nissa rested her hands against his chest and let her fingertips stroke the hard muscle beneath the soft fabric of his shirt. His tongue flicked into her mouth, tasting her. Opening for him and eager for more, Nissa groaned against his mouth and endured another wave of pleasure as his tongue plunged deeper and sought out her tongue. Feeling a cascade of heat rush through her body, she melted against him.

  He released her mouth and she gasped. Her eyes widened and gazed into his; wild, and showing a frenzy of excitement, she imagined the
y were a mirror of her own.

  Sabe pulled her close and let out a soft moan against her mouth as his stiffening ache brushed against her stomach. Pulling his hand forward from around her neck, dragging a few strands of her blond hair, he let them slide through his fingers. He’d rested his forehead against hers, and glanced sideways at his fingers as they drew forward and released the soft hair, letting it fall across her shoulder.

  ‘I’ve wanted to kiss you from the moment I saw you.’

  His eyes sought hers as he spoke; his rasping voice fell against her mouth. Like the thief he was, he tried to steal another kiss.

  Moving her head to the side, his soft lips landed on her cheek. Turning her face back towards him, she stared into seductive eyes.

  ‘Me too. But…’ Nissa froze, closing her eyes.

  ‘What?’

  Sabe brought his fingertips to her chin and raised it gently. He sensed her anxiety, but couldn’t understand why.

  ‘I need to speak with Eloise.’

  Reluctantly pulling away from Sabe’s tender hold, she missed the heat from his body instantly.

  ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lead-’

  ‘You didn’t. You’re right to speak to your mistress first.’

  Taking her hands in his and squeezing them gently, he leaned forward to kiss her. He didn’t want to cause her distress or make her uncomfortable and smiled before turning to leave.

  Sabe was still in the room and Nissa missed him already. Her duties to Eloise had to come first and sneaking behind her back wasn’t something Nissa felt comfortable with. There was no reason to believe Eloise wouldn’t allow her to see Sabe, but she felt obligated to request permission.

  Gazing back out of the window and looking up to the gloomy sky, she wished Eloise was here.

  Chapter 18

  The ground, for the first time in months, softened. Its thirst for water made swift use of the rain. A cool breeze accompanied the downpour making the air fresher; over the mountains and farther the gathering clouds waiting to release their load onto thirsting land. Free from the constraints of rationing, the withering crops now revitalized, would provide nourishment over the winter months. In Blackhill and the surrounding regions everyone would feast well that evening and celebrate the end of the drought.

  Watching sheets of rain fall and drench the soil around them, Eloise nestled against Kai’s body and sighed. Some may complain. Being soaked through to the skin with a chill setting deep into their bones would send others to seek shelter. But the heat from Kai’s body and his appreciation of her performance, kept her body and mind warm. Feeling valued for the first time in her life and enjoying the elated feeling she nestled in the opening of his shirt to rest her cheek against his bare skin.

  Walking their horse at a steady pace they were almost home. Kai, still overwhelmed at the miracle Eloise had performed and astounded she wasn’t held in a higher regard by her family, squeezed her lovingly. Feeling her warm breath fall against his skin, he’d never appreciated how pleasant the sensation could be; he felt a connection he’d not had with anyone else.

  Robbed of emotion his whole life, Kai struggled to connect emotionally with a woman. Having satisfied his sexual demands he’d dismiss them afterwards with no further need for their counsel. After winning his first fight at sixteen and rewarded with a young woman to use for his sexual pleasure, his education had begun. Equal to a stallion used for stud, he’d perform his duties well. Detached from the emotion he didn’t need to know the names of the women he serviced. They were slaves, like him. Once he’d completed his task and they were removed from his cell, he’d never see them again.

  As a child learns the difference between right and wrong from his parents, Kai learned the same from his slavers; a twisted education that taught him killing earned rewards. Years of systematic training made him a warrior and a fighter. They didn’t teach him about love; that would have to come from someone who could forgive his life of butchery and carnage.

  Eloise’s delicate form nestled against him making his blood heat more than any other woman he’d ever touched. Looking forward to the bonding ceremony tomorrow, he prayed she wouldn’t shun or recoil after hearing his truthful replies to any questions she asks. Feeling her gentle breaths fall against his chest he dared to hope Eloise would open her mind and see past the horror he’d inflicted in his past; take a chance, and choose to understand that as the ground needs rain, his heart needs love. He drew in a deep breath while resting his chin on the top of her head and wondered what he’d done to deserve such a blessing.

  Eloise stirred in Kai’s arms, feeling dreamy and relaxed; she’d been staring at the gold band on his arm for a while. Reaching to touch her fingertips to it, she brushed them along the ridges and carvings and wondered if they had meaning. No words, just icons and symbols wrapped around the band which she’d never seen previously made her curious. The size of them impressed her, as did his arms; thick and bulging beneath the gold restraint of the band, she moved her fingers lower and made circles with her fingertips on his bronzed skin. Kai watched her play, pleased she felt comfortable enough to explore his body.

  ‘Do you like the band?’ His soft voice interrupted her doodling.

  ‘Yes, it’s beautiful.’ Remembering he had one on each arm. ‘Is the other the same?’

  Raising her head to look at him, seductive green eyes greeted her. Fluttering in her lower belly made her gasp.

  ‘Almost, I had them made to honor a friend.’ Kai frowned and remembered the friend he’d tried to save from the mines when he’d first broken free.

  Eloise wondered what happened to him, but unsure whether she should ask, remained quiet.

  ‘He was a slave, like me…his name was Lorne, but he died working in the gold mines.’

  Watching Eloise nibble her lower lip, he gave her a gentle smile.

  ‘I closed the mines after I’d…’

  Eloise suddenly straightened, remembering what Dori had told her, she kept his gaze. Kai didn’t finish the sentence; he thought it would be better to not mention what happened at the gold mines.

  Moving her hand from his arm, Eloise pressed her fingertips to his cheek and ran it down along his jaw; her eyes followed her fingers before glancing to meet his.

  ‘I didn’t mean to make you remember. I’m sorry’

  ‘I’m more concerned about what you’ll think of me, if I continue.’ He lowered his gaze.

  Eloise breathed deeply. She wasn’t sure she wanted the tale confirming. It was just a story at the moment, albeit graphic. Hearing Kai confirm it would bring it to life. She wasn’t ready to hear about it, just yet.

  ‘Don’t be.’

  Eloise couldn’t believe her boldness, as her finger smoothed along the seal of his lips. Kai breathed in deeply and let out a quiet groan his eyes growing wider. Taking her fingers in his hand, he pressed them against his lips before moving them to rest against his chest.

  ‘Tomorrow, we’ll go to the temple under the mountains, for a bonding ceremony.’

  He swallowed, knowing Eloise could ask questions he wouldn’t want to answer; lying would bring bad luck to the marriage.

  ‘You can ask anything, and so can I. We’re bound to answer truthfully.’ Pausing, his eyes narrowed as he continued. ‘Our marriage won’t be blessed if we lie.’

  Wide eyes stared back in disbelief as Eloise listened to Kai’s warning. She’d never heard of this ceremony, and assumed it was something only practiced in Wild Plains. How anyone would know whether a lie would be told or not, she deduced that honor and respect bound a person to tell the truth to their betrothed. She wondered if anyone had refused to marry their intended after hearing something that shocked or surprised them. It would be interesting if nothing else, although at the moment she wasn’t sure she wanted to ask Kai anything.

  ‘It sounds interesting. Should I make a list?’ she wondered what Nissa would make of it. No doubt she’d compose a list for herself, being a nosey person.


  Kai chuckled, but inside he worried. They wouldn’t be doing the ceremony if he’d had his way, it was Sabe’s idea; pointing out it wouldn’t set a good example to the people at Blackhill if their leader didn’t do it. The point of the ceremony was to form a bond with the intended spouse, making for a stronger and happier marriage. Kai had sighed and rolled his eyes at Sabe’s insistence, but he’d gone along with everything else he’d arranged and thought he might as well let him arrange this too.

  ‘At least you’ll get a warm bath.’ He mocked.

  Frowning, Eloise questioned his words. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘The temple is hidden in the mountains; it’s in a cave with a natural warm spring. We get to bathe each other while we ask questions.’

  ‘We?’ she frowned.

  Nodding, Kai grinned. ‘Me and you, together.’

  Gasping and pushing away from his body, Eloise straightened and stared.

  ‘Naked?’

  Kai’s amusement grew. ‘How am I to wash you if you’re clothed?’ Raising both brows, he added. ‘Don’t worry, we won’t be alone.’

  Feeling her face redden. ‘Who else is going to be there? Unable to wait for his answer she burst out, ‘If it’s my father or anyone else I know, I’m not doing it!’

  Laughing out loud, Kai couldn’t contain himself after seeing Eloise’s horror stricken face. He moved his arm around her waist and pulled her back to lean against him, missing her warmth and her relaxed state, he tried to settle her.

  ‘It won’t be, I promise.’ Kai gently pressed his lips to her head as she fell against him. Tightening his arm around her waist, he spurred on his horse and broke into a canter.

  Racing through the gate and up towards the courtyard Kai pulled up by the main door where Sabe was waiting. Shouting to the staff indoors, Sabe had blankets brought, while the stable boy took care of Kai’s horse. Both he and Eloise were completely soaked. Carrying her under the terrace and placing her down, she shivered after the long exposure to the rain and chilling breeze.