KDBookOnline
Share Us
He snorted. “I will show you where you can wait for me.”
I folded my arms. “I’m not following you anywhere.”
“I don’t have time for this,” he muttered. “If you want to stand around and wait—”
“I’ve never been kidnapped before,” I cut him off. “I’m sorry if I’m inconveniencing you.”
His mouth twitched. “Kidnapped? What an ugly word.”
“It fits,” I snapped back. “Where shall I wait, my lord? The dungeon?” But despite the fire in my voice, icy dread filtered into my veins.
This time, his lips lifted into a smile. “We don’t have a dungeon.” He paced toward me. “If I decide to keep you shackled, I have far more interesting ways to bind you.”
I blanched under the weight of his gaze, uncertain if that was a threat or a promise. Gathering up the remaining shreds of my courage, I lifted my chin. “If you expect me to sit around and wait for you like a dog, you’ll find yourself disappointed.”
I would remain until I could find a way out, but I wasn’t going to let him see my fear. Showing fear was more dangerous than showing weakness. Fear could be exploited. Another hard lesson learned.
“Such a sharp tongue”—his eyes studied my mouth, darkening slightly as wisps of shadows swirled around us—“for such a weak creature.”
“Oh, I forgot that I’m supposed to be cowering in fear.” I smiled at his blink of surprise. “Would you like me to fall on my knees and grovel for your mercy?”
“That won’t be necessary. Although, if you want to get on your knees…” He swept a hand toward the floor in invitation.
“You’re a pig!”
“I’ve been called worse, princess.” He shrugged. “Feel free to explore. I’ll find you when I get back.”
Was he actually going to leave me here in this strange place without any clue where I was or where I was going?
“What if I get lost?” I hated the tremble that splintered my words.
“You won’t.” A hint of that sinful, unnaturally beautiful smile.
“What if I escape?”
He didn’t even blink at the suggestion. “You won’t.”
“You can’t just—”
He snapped his fingers and vanished.
“Asshole!” I hurled the insult at the empty space where he’d stood a moment ago.
Couldn’t escape? We’d see about that. I started toward the door, making it two steps before it snicked shut with an ominous thud. I rushed to it, yanking on the knob but finding it as immovable as before. I smashed my fist into the oak as hard as I could. And nearly broke my hand.
Pain sliced through my arm as I cradled my throbbing hand to my chest. The door wasn’t an option, but there had to be another way out.
This was no time to panic. No, that was probably about fifteen minutes ago when he’d stolen me away to a fae underworld. All because I’d let my guard down for a moment, blinded by a heady combination of desperation, curiosity, and his stupid smirk. I wasn’t sure what was more dangerous: my circumstances or that smile.
Chapter Five
With no idea how long I had until he returned, I didn’t waste any time. Dashing into the adjoining sitting room, I grabbed a candlestick from a table near the door and hurled it at the green glass window. It bounced right off. A string of curses fell from my mouth.
Just then, a soft howl whispered through the air, and I whipped around only to find myself alone. I shivered as my unease sent me out of the room and deeper into the house.
My footsteps echoed through the empty, cavernous rooms, each colder and more elegant than the last. I stumbled into a dining room with a black stone table that stretched to fit twenty seats. Silver candelabras dotted its center, surrounded by crystal bowls spilling over with ivy and cream-colored peonies in full bloom. Their powdery scent filled the air, the softness at odds with the brutal, polished beauty of their surroundings. I started toward the hall joining the far end of the room, but as soon as I took a step closer to the table, a shimmering aura glimmered around me, and out of nowhere, gold platters laden with plump strawberries, velvet-kissed peaches, and glossy apples appeared. I didn’t dare touch any of it. I’d learned my lesson about taking food from the fae. Hurrying forward, I heard another soft wail whisper through the room and froze.
“Is someone there?” I called out. Silence answered me, somehow more disconcerting than the creepy, invisible laughter that seemed to be following me.