Free Angel in Black by Fela Dawson Scott Page A

everyone.”
    Rina tensed and Blake witnessed a sudden change in her mood. The fierce, cold hatred in her eyes took him by surprise.
    “Langsford is a fool,” Rina hissed between clenched teeth. Closing her eyes, she fought to control her feelings. She should be careful of what she said in front of Blake Roberts — after all she didn’t know this man, he was a stranger.
    Blake wrapped his arms protectively around her and whispered, “Rina, it seems my careless words have upset you … again, it was not my intent.” Tenderly, he kissed the top of her head.
    Cradled in his strong arms, Rina felt confused by his sudden gentleness and the feeling of security it gave her. One moment he was angry and hurtful, the next gentle and kind. It puzzled her, so she pulled away from his warm embrace and turned back to Hera. “May I ride her, Lord Roberts?”
    It took Blake a moment to adjust to the emptiness of his arms. “Please call me Blake, little one.”
    Rina hesitated at his request but complied with a shrug of indifference. “May I ride her, Blake?”
    “I’m afraid she allows no one else to ride her. We could ride together,” he offered, hoping she would accept, anxious to hold her in his arms again.
    “Perhaps no one else has asked her properly. She’s a noble and grand lady — but she is also fickle. Only those who truly respect her may sit on her back. It would be an honor to ride her, and they must know it.” Rina spoke lovingly to Hera, as if she knew the horse understood the meaning of her words. To Blake’s surprise, she mounted Hera, her eyes meeting his astonished look.
    “Is that what you want, Rina? A man who will respect you? A man who will know what an honor it is to be with you?”
    It was an honest question, with no sarcasm intended. Rina did not turn away but instead held his eyes steadily. Blake read the hesitation in them, her answer barely above a whisper. “Perhaps — I truly don’t know.”
    “What of love and marriage? Most women want — no, need them,” asked Blake, eager to understand her.
    “I don’t believe I will ever have them.” A touch of sadness tinged her words as she prompted Hera into a canter.
    This tugged at Blake’s heart — never had he been so intrigued and bewildered at the same time. One moment he wanted to thrash her — the next he wanted to hold and protect her. His desire for her was maddening, spurring the need to take her and tame her wild nature; her strong will be damned. Yet, he wanted her to willingly warm his bed, full of passion and fire. He was certain she was just a clever strumpet, but she had an air of innocence he could not explain, or ignore. Was she trying to play him for a fool? Why had he made that ridiculous promise, to wait until she came to him?
    Rina rode Hera around the pool and returned to where he stood. She started to dismount when he reached up and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her close as she slowly slid down the length of him. They froze, their eyes locked as neither was able to move. Tenderly, he kissed her, slowly, sweetly. Rina knees grew weak, as if he physically drained the strength from her. Blake supported her in his arms, his lips roaming to her eyes and the lovely curve of her neck. He buried his face in her soft, golden hair and moaned into her ear, more to himself than to Rina.
    “God, you will drive me mad.” As if he could no longer stand to touch her, Blake released her and turned away.
    Rina blinked, startled by his sudden withdrawal. She stared forlornly at his back and started to reach out and touch him, but hesitated. Instead, she went to Blackstar and mounted; she should go home.
    It was late and it would be dark soon. In silence she made her way from her … no, their, secret place. She was so immersed in her thoughts she did not notice Blake following closely behind her. When she did, she turned and spoke. “I know my way home. You need not go out of your way on my account.”
    Blake looked