Free Ensnared by Marian Tee Page B

eyes brilliantly green, his skin a smooth, dark bronze, and his body sculpted and toned like a statue.  
    He was possibly the most handsome man she had ever seen, and that was saying something since she had once met the actor playing Captain America in real life.
    When she started to speak, he placed one finger on his lips, indicating that she had to be quiet.
    Against her better judgment, she did.
    A moment later, she came to regret her decision because apparently, keeping quiet meant permission for him to maul her. He was on top of her in an instant, her body trapped under his muscular form. Something sharp pierced her flesh, and when she looked down, she saw the man’s mouth sucking on the skin right above her heart.
    Oh my God, he was a vampire and he was going to suck her dry!
    She screamed, and a moment later, the trolls burst through the door.
    “Help!”  
    But her screams died when all they did was laugh at her. The way they were gazing at her made Zari’s skin crawl, and she realized she had foolishly forgotten something just as important.
    She. Was. Naked.
    “Got thirsty right away, did ya?” Troll A cackled. She recognized him by the gash on his forehead.
    “Just don’t ya kill her,” Troll B reminded.
    The man on top of her shifted, his body shielding hers from the trolls. She was almost grateful for it, but then he lifted his head. That was when she saw the faint traces of blood lining his lower lip, just before he licked it dry. The way he did it so calmly left her dazed, enough for Zari to start doubting herself. Was she really going to survive this without succumbing to fear and madness?
    “Come on, give us some privacy.”  
    Zari jerked in shock under the vampire, his strange tone leaving her even more bewildered. Her attacker had been the picture of formidable strength a moment ago, but now his mewling voice made him seem pathetic. Maybe she really was going crazy.
    The vampire was still whining. “I can’t get my cock up when I have an audience.”
    Troll A snickered. “Doesn’t matter if it stands or not. It’s still gonna look like a piece of shit next to our dicks.”
    Troll B laughed. “That ain’t no way to speak to our rich friend here…even if it sure is true.” They began shoving at each other in jest as they trudged out of the room, the door closing behind them.
    She opened her mouth to speak, but instead she ended up swallowing several drops of blood. Her eyes darted up, and that was when she saw the vampire had his wrist above her lips, his flesh ripped open and blood trickling out of the wound.
    Zari choked, but it was too late. The metallic taste of the vampire’s blood was flowing down her throat.
    Easy, pet. There is nothing to be afraid of. I had to do this so we can share a blood bond.
    Her eyes flew wide open at the voice inside her mind.
    I’m sorry I had to do that suddenly. It was the only way to communicate with you without the others knowing.
    Zari stared at the man still half-lying on top of her. His face remained impassive, but a gentle, quiet sense of strength shone from his bright green eyes. We may be watched, so do not say anything out loud, he continued inside her head. It is best to be careful.
    Was this really happening , Zari wondered dizzily. But then – after everything that had happened, surely this one shouldn’t seem so unbelievable?
    Can…you…hear…me? She asked the question haltingly, unsure if this strange form of communication was two-way.
    Yes…I…can. He deliberately mimicked her halting tone and, after a short stunned pause, Alexandru was rewarded with a murderous glare. Her fiery response pleased him since it meant her captors had not succeeded in breaking her spirit.  
    I’m going to get you out of here, but I need your help.
    How? Zari asked the question warily while determinedly squashing the spurt of hope trying to blossom inside her. She wanted so much to be free that false hope would kill her at this point. She didn’t