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  The long mirror displayed her face and posture well, enough that she instantly began to make minor adjustments. She tipped her chin slightly, making certain there wasn't even a glimmer of a smile on her face. It took a little more practice to make sure her gaze appeared to be cool, disinterested. Most of the work came from within. She took a hold of the ice she'd built within and wrapped it one inch at a time over her features and heart.

  There. Not one sign of the innocent farm girl, still hoping for love and a family, remained in the image she saw in the mirror.

  He'd destroyed that dream, and now he'd see the result. He'd had more than a hand in creating the Ice Queen, now he would be introduced to that once and for all. She smoothed down her dress and took three slow, deep breaths. No matter what he did she would remain calm. He would be unable to shake her, or force her to disgrace herself. She had the upper hand here.

  Then why am I so afraid?

  Because she had been in his hands for a long time. Enough that the urge to run to his room and submit, to beg for forgiveness, flickered at the back of her mind.

  Control it. Don't let it loose. If he senses that even for a moment I'm lost.

  She couldn't afford that. No, she'd keep her emotions and expression in check. She wouldn't allow him to push her over the edge. Not this time.

  Then don't wait. Go for the meal, prove I'm not afraid of him and then return to this room.

  Easy to say, not so easy to do.

  She gathered her hair into a tight, formal braid and then left her room. She didn't wish to appear soft, or seductive. She couldn't do anything about the dress she wore, but it didn't reveal too much. The soft material clung to her curves, but it didn't leave her feeling exposed.

  The soft slipper like boots she wore made almost no sound as she walked through the fortress. She didn't even look around at the slaves as she walked through the fortress. She didn't need their attention or help, thanks to the one who have brought the message she knew exactly where Davien was.

  I should have found a way to avoid doing this. He'll drive me to the brink.

  No, it wouldn't. She wouldn't permit that to happen. She was stronger than that and he was about to find that out once and for all.

  “Celeste, where are you going?” Steven's voice broke through her thoughts and she turned to face the man.

  “To dinner, I've been invited for a meal.”

  “By whom?”

  “Davien Blood,” she didn't falter as she spoke.

  “Are you insane? He'll... ”

  “He'll attempt to frighten me, and fail.” Celeste looked him directly in the eyes. “If I don't go it will be assumed that I am afraid of him and I will not permit that.”

  “He'll trap you.”

  “Not with the guards waiting outside he won't. I'm no fool, Steven. I will take no risks. I will eat dinner with him and leave.”

  “I won't let you.” He reached out, grabbing her by the arm. “You will not do this.”

  “By what right do you tell me what I can and cannot do?” Her voice turned to shards of ice that lashed out at him. “I am not your slave.”

  “No but... ”

  Celeste tugged her arm free. “Do not, ever, grab me like that again. Is that clear?”

  “Yes.” He paled. “I'm sorry. I just don't want him hurting you.”

  “He won't be allowed to. The guard will be outside. If there are problems actions will be taken.” She kept her voice calm as she looked at him. “And if you grab me again I will report you to the guards as well.”

  “I— I understand.” He stammered and took a step back from her.

  “Good. I don't want to have to go through this with you again.” She tipped her chin up a little more, fixing him with an icy glare. “Now, was there anything else?”

  “No. I'm sorry.” He stepped away and hurried back down the corridor.

  Celeste let out a long, slow sigh of relief. This wasn't what she'd wanted to deal with on top of sharing dinner with Davien. Calm. She still had to remain calm and not let her nerves get to her.

  Five minutes later she stood outside of Davien's room. The guard nodded his respects to her, but didn't speak. At least he was there.

  Check his orders. Don't assume and walk into trouble.

  “What are your orders?”

  “To stay outside of the door until you leave his room.”

  “And?”

  “Enter the room if you cry out for help, Lady. You are to then be escorted back to your room once you are ready to leave in case he tries to follow you. I am to make sure you're kept safe.” He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I will make sure you're all right, lady. I promise you that.”

  “Thank you for that.”

  He bowed slightly the stood up at the side of the door.

  Time to face the music. She tapped, lightly, on the closed heavy wooden door.

  “Enter.” His voice rang out, clear and undeniable.

  She pushed the door open, nodded one last time to the guard, then walked into Davien Blood's room, letting the door close behind her.

  “Ah, Celeste. I wasn't sure you'd show up, despite the message you sent via the slave.” He stood in the center of the room, his back to her.

  “I am not the scared little girl I once was.”

  “True. Now you're a terrified, sensual woman.” He turned, his voice cool, his gaze tearing into her.

  “Woman yes, terrified no. If that were the case do you really think I'd be within this room alone? The guard would be on the inside of the door, not the outside.”

  “Would he? To do what? Watch you in the throes of your humiliation?”

  “Ah, and there it is, the assumption that you would get the chance to humiliate me. How like you, Lord Blood. Perhaps you assume that your wealth and position will grant you the right to touch me without my consent? Not here. Not on the Island. You have no power unless Jamezen grants it. And he hasn't.”

  “Jamezen is a fool.”

  “Perhaps, but he rules here.” Fool or not she wasn't about to challenge Jamezen's rules and assumed that Davien would also bide his time before he flaunted them, or found a way around them. “And his guards protect this place, as well as those within the walls here.”

  “A fair point.” Davien gave a slight shrug. “I invited you for dinner and I'd be a poor host if I did not continue to offer you that dinner. Please, be seated.” He gave a slight wave toward the waiting table and chairs.

  “Thank you.” Celeste looked over the table and took one seat where she could see the door clearly. “And what did you have planned for this meal?”

  “Baked fish, I forget what type.” He settled down into the other chair. “And some wine, if that is to your taste. A white, of course.”

  “Of course, what else would be served with fish.” Two could play this game. “You will be staying long?”

  “As long as is needed. I'm sure you can understand that.” He looked her directly in the eyes.

  Yes, I can. “You might find yourself growing weary here, though there are plenty of slaves that you could sport with.” That was one thing that the Island had plenty of, willing and not so willing slaves to serves the needs of the free. “They will provide you with whatever it is you might need in the way of entertainment and sexual sport.”

  “They might be amusing, but nothing more than that.”

  “Ah, there are some talented slaves here, I believe they might provide a little more if you were open to that. You just have to explore what they have to offer.”

  “You know what I want in a woman.” His voice dropped into a cold whisper. “And you know full well that I will not find that in the sluts here. You're trained for my tastes, they aren't. You will return to me. You know it. I know it.”

  Her heart skipped a beat, her stomach knotting. His confidence threatened to floor her, she knew this was a part of his nature, but dealing with it again, face to face, wasn't as easy as she first hoped it would be. His strength was undeni
able. His stubborn streak? That hadn't changed either.

  “You look a little pale, is there something wrong, Celeste?”

  “No, nothing at all. Just hungry, that's all.”

  “Is that true, I don't think so, you forget I know you all too well. I made you. I will remake at the first chance I get and remove the taint of that man. His misuse of you led to this mess.”

  “And you played no part in it at all, how typical.”

  “No. That I never claimed to be true, Celeste. I am well aware of what I have done that caused this problem and that will not happen again. Once you are in my grasp again then you will be kept under close guard. No more mistakes, little Celeste. I will not lose you again. You will be mine for the rest of your life.”

  She paled. She couldn't help it. She could feel the color draining from her face. “I will not become a slave again.”

  “Yes, you will. In time.”

  “No, Davien. I will not be.” Celeste swallowed hard, forcing her fear back under control. “I have no desire to be yours, or any one else's, again. I will not, ever, be a slave again.”

  “No one knows what the future will hold for you, Celeste. Not you. Or I. It's best you remember that. And recall just what I am capable of doing to you if given the chance.”

  You won't get the chance. Not a second time. “I recall and I recall what I have learned about myself. All of the strength and more that has come to be a part of me. The time with Tearlach and on the ship taught me more about myself than I dared hope for.”

  “And what did you learn my sweet Irish lass?”

  Her jaw clenched, she didn't belong to him and would not fall into the habit of answering that type of question. “The slave is late with the meal.”

  “Perhaps.” He shrugged.

  “Unless there is no meal and you lied to me?”

  “I have no reason to lie, Celeste. You, however, have every reason to look for escape without losing face.”

  “If there is no meal then there is no reason to stay, is there.” Celeste slowly pushed her chair back from the table.

  “Perhaps you're afraid I will kiss you?” He stood up and looked at her.

  “Afraid of that? I do not fear you, Davien. Perhaps you'll understand that one day.” Her pulse raced. His kiss. Her lips tingled at the memory of his kiss. No, she wouldn't let him do that to her again.

  “If you're not afraid then shall we test it?”

  “What do you mean?” She stood up, no longer willing to let him loom over her. “Test what?”

  “Your fear, of course, with a simple kiss. Unless you lied and you're afraid of my touch, my kiss. Is that it, Celeste? Did you lie?”

  “No!” Yes. Oh, god, don't let him near me. “I have not lied.”

  “Then you have no problems with testing this little theory.” He walked toward her, his steps silent, dangerous, his gaze locked on hers. “You aren't afraid of me, after all, so let's prove it.”

  Run, get out now! Except if she did she would hear his laughter ringing in her ears for days, if not weeks, to come. “I have nothing to be afraid of.”

  “We'll find out.” He closed the gap between them without further warning.

  Her breath caught at the back of her throat. She froze, wanting to flee, unable to take the risk of even trying. Focus, it won't be that bad, he doesn't have any power over me now. Not unless she gave him that power. Not something that would happen. So keep control, he won't like it and won't accept it.

  His left hand snaked into her hair, his frown clear. “The braid doesn't suit you.”

  “It suits my needs.” She tensed at his touch, she wanted to move back from him, but couldn't. Her heart pounded against her rib cage. Sweat beaded across her body. Her palms grew slick. “I prefer the severe look.”

  “You looked better soft and naked at my feet.” He whispered against her lips. “You know that. You've always known that about me.”

  “That's not who I am. Not any more.” She wanted to move away from him but couldn't, not with the way his hand was tight in her hair. A soft tremble worked through her body. “You know that, I wouldn't have run from you if I was that soft creature who needed to kneel and please you.”

  “You are, you just keep trying to hide it, you're afraid of being that person, of embracing the darkness I've shown you.” His words taunted her, promising her pleasure and pain all rolled into one. “You know that.”

  “I know you're conceited.”

  “Yes, and you like that.”

  “No, I don't.”

  “You do, remember that. How it feels... ”

  Celeste growled. “Why do you do this to me? Confuse me? I hate you.”

  “You need me.” He growled, claiming her lips fully.

  Her hands clenched and pressed against his chest. She tried to strike out, to make him stop, but he didn't let her move away from him. His hand remained fisted in her hair, holding her tight against him. She whimpered. Her lips parted softly beneath the touch of his tongue as she tried to fight the urge to arch against him.

  No. He's cruel. I hate him!

  She moaned as his tongue swept slowly through her mouth. This wasn't happening. She wasn't reacting to him. She wouldn't betray herself like that.

  But I am. It's happening!

  It wasn't supposed to happen. She wasn't about to let him confuse her like this.

  Her body shivered, heating beneath his touch. His hand still tight in her hair. His tongue dueled with hers, stroking, tasting, claiming her body as he had long since marked her soul. Her nipples hardened and pressed against her clothing, teasing her with the knowledge of his presence, the kiss that they shared, her body heating beneath his touch.

  Then it was over.

  His hand loosened from her hair, his lips no longer against hers as he drew away from the kiss. “You're mine, you've always been mine, you always will be mine and that frightens you.”

  Chapter Three

  “No.” Celeste tried not to stammer as she stepped away from him. “I'm not yours. Those days are over.”

  “No, you've taken a small break from this, but it's not over. It will never be over.” His voice caressed her soul, tempting her with the darkness that her soul craved.

  Why was she letting this happen to her? She was stronger than this. “Don't fool yourself, Davien. It's pathetic. I want nothing to do with you. I hate you, don't you get that?”

  “You hate me because of how you need me, we both know that.” His smile grated at her already taut nerves. “Lie to yourself all you want, but it won't work.”

  “If you've quite finished then I believe I'll look for my meal elsewhere, it appears the slaves managed to lose it.” Her heart pounded against her chest. Her hands slick with sweat. She couldn't let him ruin everything like this. “Goodnight, Lord Blood.”

  He reached out, catching her arm, his grip tight. “I didn't give you permission to leave.”

  “I don't need your permission, remember? Not anymore.” She pulled her arm free of his grasp. “Do not lay hands on me again without my consent. I am not yours to order around, or push around. Remember that.”

  “Things change. Perhaps it is best that you remember that, Celeste.”

  She paled at his words, shaking. “Goodbye, Davien.”

  “Until another time, my Celeste. And there will be another time, have no doubt on that.” He locked his gaze with hers.

  Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. Without another word she turned and walked to the door. The dinner had been a threat, and her stomach growled. She needed something to eat. And she needed to put a distance between them.

  “Always running, Celeste. From me, from your dreams, from your desires. When are you going to find the courage to look what you fear in the eyes?” He murmured behind her. “When are you going to stop running?”

  She didn't answer him, she didn't dare take the risk to say anything more to him, not with how deeply he appeared to know her. She reached for the door, half expec
ting him to say something, do something that would prevent her from breaking free of him. The touch, the word, whatever she'd been expecting, never came.

  Celeste sighed in relief and slipped outside, closing the door behind her. The guard coughed slightly reminding her of his presence and she turned to look at him.

  “Thank you.”

  “I'll escort you back to your room now, Lady.”

  “No, not yet. I still need something to eat. As you noticed, I've not eaten as yet. The promised meal never arrived.”

  “So I saw, Lady.” He nodded and moved to her right hand side. “The hall then, or the kitchen?”

  “Kitchen.” It would be informal and there would less of a chance that someone would cause problems for her there. “I might be able to relax there.”

  “Better than the formality of the hall, Lady?”

  “Indeed.” The kitchen, warmth, food, she needed those and time away from Davien, Tearlach and Steven. “Comforting.”

  “Yes, I can understand that one all too well.” The guard smiled and walked with her through the corridor. “I like being there as well, better than the barracks. Cold and damp there, wouldn't think it mind with being in this part of the world. You'd think it would warm, but down in the rocks it's cold and not nice at all.”

  “So the barracks are down in the guts of the fortress?”

  “Aye, mam. Cold, nasty, wet, none of us like it much but we're fed and paid.” He shrugged a little and continued to walk with her.

  A meal, a warm drink. It would all help. She didn't need to deal with this right now. “Has he said anything? Davien, I mean?”

  “He knew I was outside the door, Lady. But no he didn't step out to speak to me.” The guard stopped for a moment frowning. “He hasn't spoken to any of the guards that I know of, Tearlach did though, he growls a lot that one.”

  “Yes, he does.”

  “Is he always like that?”

  “Yes.”

  “No one tried to kill him then?” The guard flashed a grin.

  “Several times, but he's a pain in the arse as I'm sure you've seen.” She rubbed the back of her neck as she spoke. “He's the type of man that most people try to kill sooner or later. He's a royal pain. He'd be better off buried in the bottom of the ocean. But it's not going to happen any time soon.”