Beyond Bewitching Read Online Free PDF Page B

and executioner. You’ll stand trial before the Xanthus clan.”
    Her captors possessed honor, something she hadn’t expected. “What are the charges?”
    Weaving the strap around her ankles, John tied a knot. “You don’t deny that you’re an elder of the Triad?”
    She shrugged. “Would you believe me if I did? I have nothing to gain by denying what I am.”
    Tanner tensed behind her. Had he thought she’d try to convince them to release her? Or had he had doubts about her identity? “The charges will be read to you prior to the proceedings.”
    “I have stolen, murdered, and left my enemies for dead. The curses I’ve brought down on the world would strike fear into the hearts of the most hardened of men. I have no heart, and my soul is black. The accusations lodged against me are true, whether I know them or not.” Perhaps if she provoked them with her misdeeds, they’d tire of her bragging and end the business sooner rather than later. “I have tortured men for the sole purpose of seeing them suffer.”
    Keeping his fingers woven in the leather laces, John rolled his eyes. “You have also tortured men with your endless chatter, no doubt.”
    Tanner’s chuckle vibrated through her spine. “She does talk a lot. But then again, most women do.”
    For the first time in years, her temper truly sparked. “I’ll bet you have to beat them off with a stick. Or do you gag them while you rut like a pig?”
    John’s palm smoothed up her calf. “No need for a gag. I enjoy hearing a woman scream when she comes. Besides, I’d find plenty for her mouth to do. She’d be too busy for talking.”
    Despite the riot of tingles racing up her thigh to her pussy, she stifled her body’s reaction, focusing instead on the revulsion his words incited. “Men like you are the reason women like me exist. Sex is always about what you can make her do for you, and then you claim you’re a great lover. If she screams, it’s because she’s in pain or she’s faking her orgasm so you’ll stop.”
    His hand stilled at her knee, and he frowned. “I would never force a woman to do anything she didn’t like or want.”
    “Is that what happened to you, Sarah?” Tanner’s breath tickled her ear, sending a flurry of anticipation to her nipples. “Did hatred of a man who used and abused you turn your soul black? Not all men—”
    A snarl erupted from her chest, and she flung herself free of her captors. The volcanic heat in her veins from John’s and Tanner’s touch changed to ice. She jerked her ankles apart, shredding the bonds. The metal cuffs shattered and fell from her wrists as she allowed her fury full rein. She didn’t need a mirror to know her gray-green irises had suddenly drowned in the blackness of her past.
    If they’d questioned her powers before, they wouldn’t anymore.
    She struggled to her feet. Dizziness swept over her, but she straightened her spine and pulled in a fortifying breath. “Kill me or die.”
    Gathering his wits after Sarah’s surprising escape, Tanner debated standing to face off with her. She’d suffered through the Goddess only knew what at the hands of a cruel, sadistic man. Putting himself on equal footing wouldn’t calm her rage or increase the odds of taking her alive. Given the ease with which she’d destroyed her bonds, he and John would likely have to kill her or be killed in a recapture.
    But is she truly evil? Or is she protecting herself?
    John rubbed his right hand, the leather straps having burned bright red stripes across his palm when she’d pitched herself sideways. “Why didn’t you kill us when you had the chance, Sarah? You could’ve, you know.”
    Throwing a frown at his partner, Tanner snorted. “Great strategy, John. Antagonize an angry woman.”
    “She doesn’t want to hurt us. Otherwise, I’m pretty damn sure we’d be dead already. Isn’t that right, Sarah?”
    The black began to fade from her eyes, but she turned her back to them before the natural