Free A King's Revenge: Warlords Series Book 2 by Michelle Howard Page B

waist
rested thick gold braided rope with the long ends dangling at his side and a
sword on his hip. The slide slits of his tunic showed teasing glimpses of black
pants tucked into the top of black leather boots with the upper flaps folded
down. Gold chains wrapped around each ankle of the boots and clinked with every
step he took in her direction.
    Overhead the
controller announced the next launch. Guards bowed as Tarik passed them. Heart
pounding, Lea realized that she should have made the connection sooner. Tarik
arrived while the United Alliance was in session. She’d seen him leaving a
meeting with several members of the Alliance. Although she didn’t stay up to
date on galactic policy she had to be a fool not to have recognized what he was
if not who.
    Being here during this
time and with this group meant he wasn’t an ordinary stranger in a bar. He was
important. Important enough to warrant the attention of every person in the
bay. Heads swiveled in their direction.
    Kord stepped in front
of her blocking Tarik from her view when he reached them.
    “Stand aside.” Tarik’s
low voice growled the order expecting to be obeyed.
    Lea shivered and
peered around Kord’s side.
    “Go away King of
Desani.”
    Tarik was a King? How
could Kord possibly know the King on a planet they’d never gone to even when
she hinted at going to her home world for a visit?

 
    ***

 
    Tarik sensed her
confusion. Aggression filled the air from her friend. The man was pissed. Since
he’d never met him before, Tarik couldn’t place the reason for the anger. He
tried to get a closer look at Lea but the man shifted to block his view.
    She wore her visor and
Tarik wished he’d gone with his instincts and removed them while she slept. He
had a sudden desire to see her eyes. Prove that his thoughts, his hopes, were
foolish. Tarik considered his actions. The sheer impossibility of what he
imagined. Hensel and Mati on the other hand stared in shock leaving him no
choice but to follow through.
    Tarik studied Lea as
she tried without success to get around her friend.
    “What is going on with
the two of you?”
    He deserved to know
the truth. Tarik braced himself for her shock and disbelief. “I have reason to
believe you may be my presumed deceased wife.”
    Her mouth dropped
open. “What?!”
    Tarik wasn’t going to
walk away without knowing absolutely for certain. “I have a favor to ask.
Remove your glasses.” She started to protest. “Please. I need to see your eyes.” Tarik hoped, no he prayed that she would
allow him the courtesy.
    “Listen, Tarik. What
we shared was great. But I’m not whoever you think I am and seeing my eyes won’t
change that.”
    He knew she’d refused
but she was wrong. “Seeing your eyes will change everything. I refuse to lie
and say there isn’t a part of me that wants you to be her but if you aren’t, I
can accept it. I would still be interested in having you visit Desani.”
    She shook her head
again and turned to leave.
    Tarik gripped her arm,
ignoring the sharp curse from the man at her side. “Please.”
    Lea studied him then
sighed. “Fine.” Her hand whipped the dark visor off and she stared at him full
on.
    Tarik stumbled back
pulling her with him. He thought he’d prepared for the disappointment.
    Perhaps he had.
    What he hadn’t
prepared for was the tremendous relief, joy and happiness.
    Eyes blazing white
pupil and iris met his gaze defiantly.
    “Maliya,” he murmured,
stepping close. His free hand cupped her cheek.
    When she flinched,
Tarik dropped his hand to his side but he didn’t lose his hold on her arm.
    Her friend cursed.
Mati and Hensel gasped and drew closer.
    “I’m not her.” Lea
tugged on her arm. Her lips quivered
    She had a sexy mouth. One
he’d kissed over and over the night before and planned to kiss many more times.
    “You are,” he
confirmed. “There are holo records of our union, paintings of you…no other
woman has those eyes. Surely you know