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Chapter 20
Theo
My chest hums as I practically snarl at the woman before me.
Gods, I am turning into one of them the longer I’m here.
I clear my throat, trying to shake off any lingering animalistic noises as I step toward her. My eyes trail over the cuts and bruises along her face before stopping on her neck. Her pale skin is different shades of purple with long lines from where fingers clamped down. I drag my gaze up, only to be halted by soft, pink lips curled into a smile that causes my mind to stutter briefly.
“Are you ok?” I ask, unable to stop staring at her mouth.
Her delicate lips part, and I meet her gaze. Eyes the color of vibrant-green gemstones stare back at me. My steps falter.
Dear gods, who could hurt a woman as stunning as her? Monsters, that’s who.
“I’m fine, Captain. I’d be better if you stopped trying to hurt my guards, though. What seems to be the problem?” she asks.
I’m mesmerized by every inch of her, and I fight back the urge to look down at her breasts, perfectly accentuated in her low-cut black dress.
“I asked to speak to King Asher. Where is he?” I answer through clenched teeth.
She watches me for a brief moment.
“You’ve had several meetings with our king but refused to speak. Yet, here you are, suddenly, trying to summon him. Why?” she asks, stepping closer to the bars.
I stare at her delicate bruised skin and fight back the rage that wants to boil over.
Save it for King Asher.
“I have my reasons,” I reply in clipped words.
She takes another step toward the cell, well within my reach now.
“Would I be one of those reasons?” she asks, gently inquisitive.
I don’t answer as she stares expectantly. Shadows dance across her face from the flickering lanterns.
“What? Does a nobu have your tongue, Captain?” she teases as if her injuries are a laughing matter.
She’s taunting me.
I rush forward, slamming into the bars, expecting her to flinch or step back. She doesn’t. She continues to stare at me like she’s sizing me up for battle. I grip the iron tight and lean through the gap. I catch a whiff of roses as my face nears her hair.
The shuffle of boots sounds from down the hall. With a simple lift of her hand, it stops, halting whoever was trying to come to her aid.
A little late to be trying to protect her now.
“I asked to speak to King Asher because I finally have something to say. In my kingdom, hurting a woman is not tolerated. Even if the king is the one doing the hurting,” I say through gritted teeth.
Her eyes soften for a moment but turn dark just as quickly.
“I wanted to tell him that if he needs a punching bag, I’m right here. That’s if he’s man enough to go after someone who can fight back, instead of ambushing a beautiful woman.” I tell her.
