William's Tale Read Online Free PDF Page A

such a defiant expression on her face. He liked opinionated, strong women, and she looked lovely to him. But she was obviously hiding something.
    He took a deep breath as he eyed her. Even with her small, human form, she appeared to be a force to be reckoned with. She seemed to be the type of woman that prison inmates would say Ma’am to instead of making catcalls. God, if she could, he’d bet she would belt him across the face if he got out of line. He found the notion incredibly sexy.
    “Now don’t be starin’ at me like that. I’m guessing this is about my petition,” she said, standing her ground. “I got more than the required number of names for it, and those schools need their funding back. I was only kidding when I wrote to my congressmen saying he needed to stop pretending to protect us citizens.” She paused. “I know I shouldn’t have said he’s just sittin’ around on his fat ass while inner–city kids do without, but the man is in office to hear the needs of his constituents. And if he ain’t up to the task…”
    William held out his hand to stop her. For as well–bred as she appeared, she had an inner–city accent — a real ‘life on the street’ way about her that he assumed came out when she was angry. “A petition isn’t why I removed you from the library.”
    Her eyes widened, and he noticed her pause for a moment. He then watched as she regrouped with fury. “You have no right to haul me out of that room like a common criminal — and in front of the principal and the teachers.”
    “Ma’am, you need to settle down.” He wasn’t sure if it was her tone, or the fact that her finger was wagging at him like he was a naughty boy, but he felt like she was in control of the room. He figured she took control in any room she was in. She certainly qualified as a spitfire.
    Giving him a stern glance, she rubbed her arm where he had held her. “Do you know how hard you grabbed me?”
    For the first time, William noticed how muscular the woman was. He had felt it when he had grabbed her, but it hadn’t registered. When she had pulled away, she had really pulled away. He wasn’t holding her with all his might, but he surely left a bruise.
    He gave her an unresponsive glance and got to the business at hand. “I’m sorry for any inconvenience, but I need to ask you about your intentions involving the President.”
    “My intentions?”
    He looked deep into her soulful brown eyes, and compelled her to answer his questions truthfully. He watched as her eyes went dim and lost their spark. Her skin paled, and she became under his power — like a doll he controlled.
    William glanced away. He hated seeing humans in this state. Mere human puppets. It never bothered him when a criminal was under a compulsion, or even a member of the wait staff so they’d not notice him acting un–human–like. But to see a beautiful, passionate woman like this go spiritless, it was difficult to look her in the eyes afterward.
    And she was beautiful. A phrase that came quickly to his mind was, “strikingly put together.” Her fingers flaunted a manicure, and he suspected her boot–covered toes sported a nice pedicure as well. Her thick shoulder–length modern hairdo seemed stylish, although he didn’t keep up with fashion trends. All of her jewelry was simple, but coordinated with her outfit. Even her tight, well fitting suit showed off her shapely figure and complemented her warm mocha skin tone.
    In the state of compulsion she was in, she would just stand there waiting for him to ask his questions, so he didn’t keep her waiting.
    “Are you angry or upset with the President or his administration?”
    “Yes, I am.”
    What? That wasn't what he had hoped to hear, especially how quickly she had responded. He carefully phrased his next question. “Do you intend to do any harm to the President?”
    “Harm? Don’t be silly.”
    He looked into her eyes. Normally, humans answered sparsely with an even tone