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The true fey within the borders would have cried out at such a disturbance. Shaken the household with their fury and their fear. But he alone seemed the only one to notice this intrusion. The family slept on.
Coming out into the hall, he nearly collided with Aunt Glynnis. Hysterical, she gripped him, her eyes wild with malice and horror. “You.” A wicked smile twisted her face. “He’s here. He’s come home. Vengeance shall be mine, sayeth the Lord. As you took my love away, so shall he take yours.”
Simon. Ellery.
He pushed her away and ran for the stairs.
Ellery sighed and rolled over, punching her pillow, adjusting her nightgown. She was too hot. Too cold. Thirsty. Itchy. The list went on and on, but she wasn’t fooling herself. She knew what it was her body was craving and it wasn’t another piece of steak and kidney pie or a cup of warm milk.
How had it happened? How had she not felt the trap closing before it was too late? She’d prided herself on her strength, her independence. She’d sworn never to be beholden to a man again. They were takers, all of them. And they offered little in return.
Yet, she stood prepared to throw that aside for the heady rush she felt whenever Conor was near. For the spiraling heat that dre
w her up and up until she thought she might burst for wanting him.
Somewhere close, a door slammed. The latch rattled. A sour wind rushed through the room, billowing the curtains. Glynnis on the prowl again?
Ellery sighed and rolled back over. Stared up at the ceiling. It was going to be a long night.
Conor pulled up short at the sight of Ruan sprawled on his side, his hand clamped to his ribs, his face pinched and white. “He fucking stabbed me.”
Conor knelt, pried Ruan’s fingers away from the oozing wound. “It’s not fatal.”
“Small blessings,” Ruan grunted from between pressed lips.
“Where’s Simon now?”
“He’s gone toward the back stairs.” Conor straightened, drawing his sword. Testing its grip.
“Will you survive until I return?”
“Aye, well enough. Go. Find him. And put a few holes in the blighter for me.”
“As good as done.” Conor dashed for the stairs.
Simon stood between Ellery and the door. “Asher’s anxious to meet you.”
Her stomach rolled and her legs wouldn’t stop shaking. She tried not to give Simon the satisfaction of knowing how scared she was. “It’s an introduction I’d rather pass on if it’s all the same to you,” she brazened.
“Afraid not, pet. He’s asked for you, so he’ll have you. That’s the deal. And he doesn’t take kindly to disappointment.”
Remembering the evil glow in the demon’s eyes, she could well imagine. But she didn’t want to be Asher’s latest entertainment. She screwed up her courage. She’d get only one shot at freedom.
He grabbed for her arm, but she twisted out of his grasp, pivoted before he could recover his balance, and lashed out with all her strength.
Her fist landed flush against his cheekbone, the force of her blow numbing her arm. She ignored it in her race for the door.
Simon was two steps ahead of her, his weapon drawn. He herded her back the way she’d come until she stood cornered against the wardrobe. A hint of hesitation crossed his features. Enough to give her hope and the courage to question.
“Why me?” she asked.
“You interest him.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry. Circumstances have made us enemies, and I’ve come too far to turn back now.”
“Is that what you told Ysbel?”
The blade froze Ellery where she stood, its edge sharp as ice. She tried backing away, but the wardrobe stopped her.
“Don’t mention her name in front of me.” His voice had gone dangerously quiet. “My devil’s bargain is made. And I received everything I wanted from it.”
