Lord of Flesh by Stephen L. Hadley

Author:Stephen L. Hadley [Hadley, Stephen L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Published: 2018-12-23T05:00:00+00:00

To Leo’s surprise, Davin didn’t call for a physician but rather took that duty on herself. She washed, stitched, and bandaged the slice in his arm with practiced efficiency, then seated herself on the foot of the bed and ordered him to explain what had happened.

He did so as best he could, occasionally pausing to shake the sluggishness from his thoughts. Davin proved a patient audience, interrupting only occasionally when his story roamed off track. By the time it was complete, she was nodding and chewing a knuckle thoughtfully.

“I understand,” she said. “You did a good job keeping yourself alive. But I thought you were going to buy some guards? You know, like you said you would? This very morning?”

“I did,” Leo said quickly. “They’re at home.”

“And you didn’t take them with you because…?”

“Because I was summoned by the Count,” Leo said, frowning. Hadn’t he already explained that fact?

“Did he tell you not to take your guards?” Davin pressed him. “Or your sword? Or to wander around the city all day without an escort?”

“Well, no….”

Sighing, Davin made a face and rested her cheek against her palm. “Do you see the issue here?” she said. “I don’t know for sure yet, but I’d assume it was Hammond—or his son—who sent those men after you, Leo. You talk about making Ansiri yours, but so far you’re treating this whole thing like it’s a game. Just like every other stupid, perfumed nobleman.”

Her words stung and Leo bristled. He was about to offer a biting retort of his own but held his tongue at the last second. She was right, after all. At least in a sense. If he was going to make this work, he couldn’t afford to take stupid risks any longer.

“You’re right,” he admitted, grudgingly. “It won’t happen again.”

“It better not. Much as I enjoy seeing you twice in one day, I’d prefer if it wasn’t to stitch you up.”

“Duly noted.” An idea occurred to him and he grinned. “Maybe that’s why I did it. I missed you so terribly that I’d risk life and limb to see you again.”

“Oh?” Davin returned his grin even wider. Crawling across the bed toward him, she did not stop until she loomed over him on all fours. Though she wore trousers and a rather masculine blouse, the angle of her body made the front of her top hang open a bit. She’d bound her breasts but what little he could see left his heart racing.

Leo swallowed hard, tearing his eyes away from the rare glimpse of the woman’s cleavage.

“What’s the matter?” she teased. “You can flirt and joke but can’t take the same?”

“I…” Leo’s tongue felt glued to the roof of his mouth. He tried to form the words but couldn’t speak them properly.

“Or maybe,” Davin continued, inching closer. “You actually meant it. Change your mind about making me your baroness?”

She was close now. Too close. Unthinkingly, Leo reached up to push her back but Davin caught his wrist. Lifting his hand to her cheek she kissed his palm softly.

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