LustingtheEnemy Read Online Free PDF Page B

first opportunity.
    Before it was too late.
    The road quickly narrowed until small wooden houses either
side were easily within arm’s reach, wooden shutters tightly drawn. Everything
was neat and clean, but claustrophobia pushed in at her from every side.
    Terror constricted her chest and she shrank back in the
carriage seat, inching ever closer to the shelter of Judas’ hard heat. She’d
never liked small spaces and big crowds. It was yet another reason her father
had given her a freedom that few princesses experienced.
    For most of her life she’d lived with her father in a
simple, but large sprawling home in the forest. More often than not she was
outside, avoiding the scattering of other larakyte houses and exploring,
hunting and breathing in the open spaces, the crystal clean air pungent with
the scent of pine.
    Judas put an arm around her shoulders. His hand that
absently stroked her upper arm kept most anxiety at bay, but even so she fought
against the churning in her belly, her mind. She refused to allow him to see
her one paranoia. Besides, if she let anxiety get out of control—any
emotion—she mightn’t find the strength of will to restrain the beast already
stirring within.
    Smokey cooked bacon and open fires assailed her nostrils as
the carriage clattered into the crowded market place, where vendors in little
tents sold their goods. The noise as they shouted out their wares even while
buyers quibbled over prices, goat and sheep herds bleating with fright, was
almost overwhelming.
    “Are you okay?” Judas’ dark eyes searched her undoubtedly
taut expression.
    “Of course,” she lied. She wouldn’t let his being nice tear
down her defenses. But when she took in his poised, calm expression, all sense
of false bravery faded away. Her voice cracked, “Just stay close.” Please.
    His eyes glinted, perceptive, knowing. But his smile was
easy. “I won’t be letting you out of my sight, believe me.”
    That’s what I’m afraid of .
    As much as she wanted Judas’ possessiveness; counted on it,
one slip up in front of his sharp stare and she could forget about helping her
people. Her deceit might very well cause the larakytes more harm than
good.
    She put a hand to her mouth, stifling an alarmed gasp of
dismay. It might well be her actions that finished them all off.
    Judas wrapped a protective arm around her waist. “Relax,
angel, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
    Won’t you?
    Yet, soon enough his touch calmed her frazzled nerves. Soon
enough she even began to forget about all the “what ifs” and enjoyed the festive
air, the camaraderie of the humans who seemed all the happier for seeing their
king. Though everyone clearly sensed his ruthless side and remained respectful
at all times, none appeared to fear him.
    They welcomed him.
    She leaned closer still to his hard strength.
    He really is a great king .
    Even the soldiers trailing some yards behind faded into
oblivion as she lost herself in the array of markets. The stores were
fascinating, the vendors selling everything from boiled fish eyes, cakes
sweetened with honey, to squawking chickens in reed-woven cages and the most
intricate of gold and silver jewelry behind sealed glass cases.
    Diamonds dazzled from one of the wealthier stalls. The
vendor’s apathetic stare widened, his be-ringed, veined hands clapping together
when Judas steered her toward him. “Your Majesty!” The man bowed his head,
clasped hands pressing against his lined brow.
    “Vasilous,” Judas said with a wry smile.
    Akeisha hid a smile of her own at the man’s almost pompous
display of deference. But she was somehow unsurprised by the fact the king knew
many, if not all, his people’s names.
    “What do I owe the pleasure of the king’s company?” Vasilous
asked.
    Judas’ arm tightened around her momentarily, before he
commanded, “I’d like to tempt Akeisha with some of your best work. I’m sure you
have a piece or two hidden away?”
    The older man