Mercy Read Online Free PDF

wife’s relatives and will support their interests as they deserve.”
    “That will be difficult to accomplish from beyond the jungle, will it not?” Arturo’s voice expressed only mild curiosity as he appeared suddenly at Iada’s elbow, forcing her to shift her body to allow him room. Gabriel’s feet remained firmly planted, not allowing even so subtle a deference. Iada had to slide her arm around Gabriel’s waist to keep her balance.
    “I am your king,” Gabriel said firmly, and the statement seemed to ring out over the crowd. His eyes glittered in the dim light, daring anyone to challenge him. An unnatural silence fell over the celebration.
    Vin chuckled. “I assumed, as did we all, that you would be an absent one. Iada is quite capable of remaining here to preside over the daily concerns of the people while you enjoy the rewards of your victory. You have won that fairly.” He gestured with his still-full glass of champagne, slopping it over the rim in Iada’s direction. “Very clever to preserve the girl to attend to the more tedious demands. It was well done. Very well done indeed.”
    It was an offer of peace. A murmur ran through the gathered crowd, no longer even pretending not to hang on every word. They would recognize Gabriel as king, in name at least, an unexpectedly generous move on her uncle’s part, and Iada couldn’t help but wonder at it. They must be desperate indeed. They feared this man and the realization sent a shiver of desire through her. Gabriel’s nostrils flared as he recognized her response even as his eyes narrowed. Did he think that she was aroused at the thought of ruling in his absence? The fool. She let her fingers trace the smooth muscles that wrapped his flank just above his hip.
    “And if the girl objects to that arrangement?” she asked her uncle, lifting her chin.
    Three pairs of cold eyes settled on her, all of them promising some form of retribution if she picked the wrong side.
    “She will not,” Arturo said firmly.
    Gabriel watched her, eyes blazing. She could feel the tension in his body as he waited, silently urging her to deny her uncle and declare her support for him. She looked away. She could not afford to entirely reject her family. Not yet. Not for a stranger and not until she learned the truth. She could feel the dull rumble of disappointment in his chest when he finally turned back to Vin and Arturo.
    “I don’t neglect my responsibilities,” Gabriel said coldly. “Your concerns on that front are entirely unfounded.”
    Before they could say anything more, Gabriel turned from them in clear dismissal. Iada caught the look of disbelief in Vin’s eyes just as Gabriel turned her and led her toward the dance floor, which had been laid for the occasion. He signaled for the musicians to resume. One warm hand splayed on the bare skin of her back as he expertly guided her through the steps. After a time, a few brave couples joined them.
    “You’re barefoot,” he said.
    “So I am.” She balanced on the balls of her feet, enjoying the sway of his body, the firm, confident pressure of his hands, the occasional brush of hard thigh and chest. “You should have given them something,” she said. “They were willing to concede you the crown.”
    “I won’t negotiate with them. They’ll learn to adapt. Their kind always does.” She hoped the derision she heard in his voice did not extend to her as well. Stupid hope—she knew which category she fell into in Gabriel’s mind.
    “You’ve declared open war.”
    He didn’t answer. A few moments later, the music ended and couples swept past them, exiting the floor. She started to follow but his hand closed on hers. His eyes, cool and assessing, bore into hers. “You need to choose a side, beauty. Don’t think to play us both. It is too dangerous a game even for you.”
    She turned and left him standing there, watching her weave through the crowd. She spoke absently to friends and family, hoping that her