'Til the End of Time Read Online Free PDF Page A

defending myself. You can leave me to my own devices with a clear conscience. Day after tomorrow I’ll be out of Tamrovia and you can go back to your little gam—” She broke off as she caught his menacing gaze. She shrugged, and said instead, “Your revolution.”
    “Naldona’s goons won’t be taken off guard again. The danger hasn’t lessened because you’ve won the first round.” He sat back on his heels. “Look, promise me you’ll leave before dawn this morning and I’ll remove myself from the scene. Fontaine can provide enough security for that length of time. I doubt if there’ll be another attempt on you before then.”
    She hesitated and then slowly shook her head.“It’s too soon. I have something very important to do before I leave Belajo.”
    His gaze became speculative. “I suppose you wouldn’t care to tell me what that ‘something’ is?”
    She shook her head.
    “I didn’t think so. I have an idea you’re a multidimensional woman, Alessandra.” His gaze held the faintest touch of mischief as it rested on the full thrust of her breasts beneath the white chiffon of her gown. “And I’m looking forward to familiarizing myself with every aspect of those dimensions.” He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a snub-nosed pistol and pointed it at her. “I tried to avoid this. You’re an exceptionally determined woman. It’s a quality I admire, but it does get in the way.”
    She went very still. “Choices again, Karpathan?”
    “Not such a traumatic one this time. The gun is equipped with a silencer, and all I have to do is inflict a slight wound to encourage your cooperation.”
    “Cooperation?”
    He nodded. “First you’re going to write a note to Bruner explaining the situation and then you’re going to accompany me out of the palace and eventually out of Belajo.” His expression hardened. “I told you I couldn’t allow you to have your own way in this. There’s too much at stake.”
    “You could be bluffing.”
    He smiled mirthlessly. “Do you think I am?”
    No. She didn’t think so. She doubted if Karpathan ever made a threat he wasn’t prepared to back up with action. “It won’t do you any good. I’m not going to submit meekly, you know. I’llescape. You’re not going to get away with this, Karpathan.”
    “Taking into consideration your rather unique personality, you’re probably right.” His smile was self-mocking. “I may have bitten off more than I can chew.”
    “You’re damn right you have.”
    “Still, it may give me the time I need.” He made a motion with the gun. “We’ll be traveling through rough country. Your gown is lovely, but not exactly appropriate. Change your clothes.”
    Her eyes widened. “In front of you?”
    “I’m hardly going to turn my back. I’ve seen how efficient you can be in a rear attack.” He rose to his feet and stood with easy grace. “I realize you’re not experienced with younger men, but I assure you we don’t go mad with lust at the sight of a naked woman.”
    He noted her expression of smoldering resentment again. Odd, he thought.
    “I didn’t think you would,” she said acidly. “I’m sure I’ve nothing new to show you. I was just surprised.” She turned and walked to the antique armoire across the room. “Enjoy yourself, Karpathan.”
    He lifted a brow. “Thank you. I intend to.” He dropped into the chair beside the bed. “Terrorizing young women into impromptu stripteases is what this revolution is all about. I can’t tell you how I enjoy this aspect of my ‘game,’ Alessandra.”
    She had clearly struck a nerve by using that term to describe his cause. He wasn’t even bothering to disguise the bitterness in his tone. Good. Perhaps if he found her presence abrasive enough he’d be willing to release her. She quickly pulledout a pair of jeans and a tailored shirt from the armoire. “No striptease. I’m hardly the type. You’ll have to be satisfied with