Demon Within (19 page)

Finding words to tell her how sorry he was would be difficult as he’d almost killed her brother, even though he deserved it. Shaking his head to remove the hair from his face he raised his head and caught Eloise staring at him with soft brown eyes, he smiled tentatively. Her dark eyes showed more care and concern than he'd ever seen before, and he had to show her there was more to him than what she’d seen today.

‘I’ll go, you should check on your brother.’ Glancing over his shoulder towards the door he knew Leon waited outside and grinned. Leaning forward he spoke quietly.

‘I think Leon’s got more balls than your father and brother put together, but don’t tell him I said so.’

Eloise sensed his unease and embarrassment, and she couldn’t imagine what it was like having something inside, waiting to break free. Not even sure what she’d seen, Kai looked vulnerable and she had no desire to make him more uncomfortable than he already was.

Gently smiling at his comments regarding Leon, she encouraged his attempts to make amends. Returning his actions she leaned forward to whisper and smiled

‘I think you’re right. We’ll keep it between ourselves.’

Eloise could not help but fall for his boyish face. In his eyes she saw an innocent boy thrown into a life of pain and hurt, never seeing anything but violence and bloodshed; she wondered how he’d remained so human, despite the stories saying otherwise. There was more tenderness in him than she’d seen in anyone and she wanted to show him that what she’d seen would not change the feelings she’d had for him previously.

‘How do you keep control?’

Surprised by her directness, Kai drew in a deep breath before answering. Frowning, he tried to explain.

‘It’s not something I can control.’ Moistening dry lips and swallowing, he’d never had to explain it to anyone and wasn’t sure how to. ‘I know it’s there, it’s always there, but when I get angry or start fighting, the blood seems…’

Kai paused and thought for a moment, unsure whether to continue. But Eloise pulled him to meet her gaze, wrapping both arms around his neck. She brushed slender fingers through his hair and encouraged him to continue, wanting to share his pain and let him know he didn’t scare her, and that she trusted him.

Sliding his arms around her waist and feeling the warmth from her body once more, he was awash with emotion. Eloise brought one hand down to his face and brushed her hand across the soft stubble and stared into bright eyes. It was in that moment Kai had no doubt he wanted Eloise as his wife, and despite his hesitation to begin with, knew she would be forever by his side to help him tame what was inside. Staring at her, Kai wished he could taste her lips and steal a kiss.

Eloise felt her heart pound as she watched him lick his lips and saw the excitement in his eyes. Lowering her gaze to her fingertips pressed against his cheek and feeling brazen, she closed the space between them and kissed his cheek. Holding her mouth against him, savoring the moment she spoke softly.

‘I trust you Kai.’

Her soft words eased his worries and Kai had no intention of holding back or restraining himself any longer. Whatever Eloise was doing to him made him feel alive and he didn’t want to let her go. Holding her to him and groaning quietly against her ear, he nestled his face close. Unable to form any words, he breathed in her scent and squeezed her. When he released her, he brushed his face against hers and let his lips rake across her smooth skin; soft and tender flesh excited his mouth as he drew closer to lips he needed to taste. Hesitating and afraid he’d ruin the moment, his lips brushed against hers before returning to rest against her cheek. Neither daring to make the next move they held their position and looked into each other’s eyes.

Eloise had never been kissed and she’d thought about it many times. Her lips parted slightly and if she moved just a little to the side, her lips could find his. Easing her fingertips through his soft hair and caressing his cheek with her other hand; she turned her face to the side. Their lips collided and nothing could pull them apart.

Gently at first, Kai caressed her lips with his before slanting his mouth over hers in a passionate kiss. He consumed her. There was no air, and Eloise didn’t fight to breathe, her body was limp against his. No feeling could have ever prepared her for this moment, it was unique. Sliding her hand from his face down to his chest, she felt the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. Heat overwhelmed her as he pulled her into his embrace and bound her to him with powerful arms.

His beautifully sculpted lips were open wide against hers, soft and sensual and demanding. Kai’s hand slid up her back, winding his hand around her soft hair; wrapping around his muscled arm like a snake. When his hand reached the base of her neck, he pulled her head back and broke the kiss. Hooded eyes, wild and excited watched her head fall backwards as he tugged at her hair. Mesmerized by her parted lips, full and swollen, Kai didn’t want to stop. His mouth raked across her jaw and down her neck, licking her skin, tasting her sweetness. He sucked at the tender flesh beneath her jaw, trailing feather-light kisses upwards towards her ear.

Eloise was in a state of euphoria; her senses in a wild frenzy confused her body as only moments before, she’d been afraid of the man in front of her. His tight grip on her hair as he pulled her head was rough but sensual, creating mixed emotions. Kai’s husky groan against her ear made goose bumps ripple over her skin and she’d never felt anything so exciting when he nibbled her neck.

The hold Kai had on Eloise pressed her hips against his body making him want to grind his to meet hers. The thick swelling of his cock rubbed against her belly beneath their clothing, and he pulled his arm tighter around the small of her back to press himself against her.

This was a dream that Eloise didn’t want to wake from. Pulling at Kai’s hair she sought his mouth to taste him once more.

Unaware of Kai’s presence, Nissa marched into Eloise’s room. ‘I think Roulan’s going to be fine …’

With a gasp at the couple in front of her, she turned to leave before she felt her face redden as Leon asked if everything was alright. Quickly pulling the door closed she assured him everything was just fine.

Kai, interrupted from their embrace, released her chestnut tresses from his hold, slowly pulling head up to meet his. Resting his head to hers, he groaned softly against her forehead and kissed her. Taking her hands and sighing as he gazed into her excited eyes he couldn’t wait to be married. They had the bonding ceremony to look forward to tomorrow, and now he’d had a taste, it was going to be difficult keeping his mind focused.

‘I think I should leave.’ He glanced over towards the door and grinned, knowing Leon and Nissa were still there. ‘I’ll see you at supper.’

Eloise’s cheeks glowed and she wasn’t sure if she’d ever recover, taking a deep breath, she managed to regain some composure.

Nodding and smiling, she felt herself blush at his gaze. ‘I’ll look forward to it.’

Kai walked slowly towards the door and she couldn’t help but follow him with her eyes. For someone so big and menacing, he had the gentlest touch.

After he’d disappeared through the doorway, Nissa burst into the room with wide eyes and a slack mouth at what she’d seen. Nissa talked about Roulan but Eloise didn’t hear a single word; all she could think about was the ceremony tomorrow and what questions she wanted to ask Kai.

When Kai left Eloise’s room, he was greeted with Leon’s scowling face. ‘You almost killed Roulan.’ Leon’s voice was firm but calm.

‘Almost.’

Continuing past Leon, Kai said no more before disappearing down the stairs.

Leon took a deep breath and wondered if Garlan should know about what happened, although he felt sure Roulan would run to his father before he had the chance, looking for a way to bring an end to the agreement.

Leon wiped his hand over his beard and thought while he stood outside Eloise’s bedroom. He could hear Nissa and Eloise talking and didn’t want them to think he was eaves dropping so started to make his way to Garlan’s room when Roulan met him in the hall.

Roulan rubbed his neck as he confronted Leon. ‘You should have protected me! It’s what you’re paid for!’ He snapped.

Not making any movements other than arching a brow, Leon replied, disaffected by his threat.

‘With respect my Lord, I think your days are numbered.’ Seeing Roulan’s slack jaw and astounded expression he continued. ‘I’ve watched you control your sister for too long, and I’m glad someone is finally putting you in your place.’

‘How dare you speak to me like that? I’ll speak to my father and he’ll-’

‘-and he’ll what?’ Leon cocked his head to the side. ‘Your father knows about your ‘meetings’ so if I were you, I’d be a little more careful about how you tread.’

Leon didn’t give Roulan time to reply, but turned on his heels and went back the way he came but continued down the stairs. He could hear Roulan behind him shouting, but ignored his comments. While initially concerned for Roulan’s safety at the hands of Kai, now, he enjoyed the image of him held up against the wall and whining like the coward he was.

Storming back into his room and slamming the door, Roulan picked up the nearest thing he could find and threw it against the wall. It was only a candlestick and didn’t break, but it felt good all the same. Staying here in Blackhill had its advantages, but after he’d got everything he needed he could leave. He was almost ready, and tomorrow, while everyone would be busy with wedding preparations, he could put his plan in motion. There was no need to stay for the wedding, he had no interest in any of it, and the sooner he was back at Brightstone the better. As for his father and what he knew, it was too late to do anything about it now.

He didn’t want to join the rest of the party for supper, not able to stomach the idea of sitting and watching Kai drool over his sister he thought he’d stay in his room and have something brought up; he knew no one would miss him anyway.

The smell coming from the dining room caused Sabe’s stomach to growl in protest. Roast pork, chicken, slow cooked lamb, goat and fresh vegetables lavishly covering the table made his mouth water. Kai, Kiera and Leon were already sat, he’d seen them go in but he waited for Nissa, eager to find out if she’d spoken to Eloise yet. Having heard about the incident with Roulan, he wouldn’t be surprised if the sly man didn’t join them for supper, but that was fine, he didn’t like him anyway. Needing an excuse to call on Nissa, he thought he’d let Garlan know that supper was ready; he wasn’t usually late for meals and wondered if he was with Roulan.

Striding down the hall Sabe reached Eloise’s room and put his ear to the door, he could hear Nissa’s voice, as well as Eloise’s. Disheartened at Eloise’s presence, he carried on walking, he might as well check on Garlan while he was here. He reached his door, knocked, and heard Garlan call him in after a few moments.

‘Supper’s ready if you’re interested?’ Sabe grinned as Garlan almost leapt off the bed with half closed eyes, he’d clearly fallen asleep. After straightening his tunic and smoothing his wayward hair, he smiled at Sabe.

‘Thank you! I’m looking forward to trying some of your local wine that Kai’s been telling me about.’ Slapping Sabe on the arm as he breezed past him into the hall Sabe shook his head and chuckled.

Following Garlan out of the room he kept a few paces behind him. As Garlan walked past everyone’s room, he banged on their doors, not saying a word or stopping to hear a reply. Sabe watched him disappear down the stairs then walked back towards Eloise’s room. Quickly turning as the door opened, he was greeted with Nissa.

Startled at his presence, with her eyes wide she looked lovely. The gown she wore was a rich purple and it clung to her soft curves. Remembering his hands around those curves earlier, Sabe drew in a deep breath and smiled.

‘You look beautiful Nissa, I’m almost speechless!’

He reached for her hand and placed a lingering kiss on her knuckles, her wrist, edging up her arm with each kiss making her giggle.

‘Hmm, I don’t think I can stop, you’re too delicious.’

‘I’m sorry to interrupt but I’m sure there will be plenty of food on the table to eat if you’re so hungry Sabe.’

They both sprang apart at Eloise standing in the doorway; neither of them saw her approach, too wrapped up in their pleasure. Nissa lowered her head guiltily, placing her hands behind her back, whilst Sabe directed his words to Eloise.

‘You’re quite right, my apologies. Might I just say that you look beautiful too?’

He was about to step towards her when she held up her hand.

‘I think you’ve sampled quite enough for one evening, don’t you?’

Eloise couldn’t keep the harsh glare for much longer. After seeing the panic in Sabe’s eyes, laughter burst from her lips as she shared a knowing look with Nissa.

‘Did I miss something?’

‘I told Eloise about… us.’ The word sounded new and strange to her, she blushed whilst Sabe’s expression turned into a wide grin. ‘And there’s no problem.’

Turning back to Eloise he bowed and rested his hand over his chest. ‘Thank you beautiful lady.’

‘You’re welcome, but I’m warning you Sabe. You do anything to hurt her and I’ll send thunderbolts after you.’ She pointed her finger with a giggle.

‘I’m sure you will and I’ll deserve them too!’

Reaching for Eloise’s hand he kissed the back of it gently before speaking further. ‘I give you my word; I’ll take very good care of her.’

‘Well I’m going to eat, so you two can do what you want.’ With a last look towards Nissa, she almost flew down the stairs, eager to see Kai.

Nissa waited until Eloise had gone then turned to Sabe. Standing in the doorway his hair fell loose around his face in soft feathers, he looked unbelievably handsome. Her hands were still behind her back and she started swaying gently from side to side while waiting for something to happen. Sabe didn’t move, he just stared at her and couldn’t stop. It took him a few moments to move and when he stepped towards her he cupped her face in both hands and gently kissed her forehead.

‘I meant what I said, you are beautiful.’

Sabe’s eyes were so dark and sultry she could feel her soul burning at the thoughts running through her mind. He had a way of looking at her that brought out sinful thoughts. Already feeling the heat on her cheeks and the butterflies in her stomach, she couldn’t stare at him any longer.

‘Why won’t you look at me Nissa?’ He frowned. ‘I’m not that ugly am I?’

Nissa laughed and shoved him with her hands.

‘I think you already know you’re not ugly, that’s why I can’t look at you.’ She looked up to him and smiled. ‘You have an effect on me, and I have to keep looking away.

‘I feel the same when I look at you.’ He pulled her towards him. ‘So I think we should accept it and enjoy ourselves, don’t you?’

Nissa beamed a wide smile and nodded. Before she could say another word his mouth was on hers. Both of them reached their hands to whatever they could get a hold off; Sabe wrapped a hand around her waist while the other slid behind her neck and braced her for his kiss as he’d claimed her mouth. Encircling her arms around his neck, delicate hands reached to Sabe’s hair, her fingers slid through the silky locks as she tried to grab hold of it with her hands. Nissa couldn’t breathe and didn’t care that she couldn’t, she wasn’t letting go of him under any circumstances. Slamming her against the cold stone Sabe crushed her body with his. Releasing her mouth only to stare at her, Sabe could have taken her right there and then.

Nissa released his silky hair and trailer her finger along his jaw. He leaned forward and rested his nose against hers and sighed.

‘I want you so much I don’t know if we’ll make it to supper.’

‘I want you too, but I think we’d be missed.’ Her lower lip caught between her teeth.

Sabe paused for a moment then sealed his lips over hers in a slow kiss that made her tingle between her legs. Sliding his tongue in and out of her mouth slowly while his hips pressed against hers in a slow rhythm, he mimicked with his tongue what other parts of his body were going to do. Nissa’s body bowed against his and unable to control herself, encouraged his actions; grinding herself against his hardness at each press of his hips, she couldn’t stop if she wanted. If Sabe hadn’t come to his sensed they’d be half naked, but pulling his mouth away and gasping for breath, he fought to bring his racing heart back to normality.

‘Oh Nissa what are you doing to me?’ His husky voice fell across her lips and mingled with her ragged breaths. They were hopelessly addicted to one another, and it felt wonderful.

‘I think we should leave this hallway, right now.’ Grazing his lips across hers, he stole a kiss.

Barely able to speak Nissa agreed. ‘Let’s go.’

She pulled at his hair and leaned forward; capturing his lower lip in hers, she suckled on it until he pulled himself free.

‘Right now?’

Sabe’s tongue flicked over her slightly parted lips before pushing into her mouth. It was momentary and Nissa didn’t have time to capture it before he pulled away again.

‘Yes, I think so.’

Sabe leaned in for another kiss but Nissa’s fingertips pressed against his lips, blocking his way.

Releasing her and stepping back, Sabe took her hand and pulled her towards him for a final embrace. His leather trousers bulged embarrassingly, but as long as it disappeared before they reached the dining room, he didn’t care.

Arriving outside the dining room doors, Nissa smoothed her hands down her dress.

‘How do I look?’

Raking his eyes slowly up and down, he grinned. ‘Like you’ve just been ravaged in the hallway.’

Giggling and making one more attempt to smooth the wrinkles from her dress Nissa turned to enter the room as Sabe pushed open the door. Apologizing to everyone for being late he bowed gently to Kai, and ignored Eloise’s knowing grin.

The table was laden with every kind of meat you could wish for, every fruit in season and fresh vegetables of every variety. Fruit pies and tarts made from apples, pears and plumbs, looked delicious while the wine flowed liberally.

Kai toasted his guests and friends and it went quickly and without incident making him happy. No one missed Roulan, not even his father until the end of the night when Garlan asked Leon if he’d seen him. Leon had said that Roulan wasn’t feeling well, that he had a sore throat and wanted to remain in his room. He grinned as he cast a glance towards Kai, who nodded and grinned back, raising his goblet in a toast to wish him a quick recovery.