Free Dance With the Enemy by Linda Boulanger Page B

this evening?”
    Touching her own neck, Elenya gasped remembering the neckpiece she’d removed at the seamstress’ quarters. Eyes wide, she bit at her lower lip while she stared at the warrior’s reflection.
    Tahruk laughed, seeming to know exactly what she was thinking. “Rest assured Nema will have taken care of that old piece. Its weight alone makes it impractical, unlike this…” He opened the box to reveal a piece that made her gasp. The combined peach moonstones and pearls were absolutely stunning.
    “Oh, my lord. It’s lovely, though it must have cost a fortune.”
    Tahruk waved away her concerns and worked to remove the necklace from the velvet lined box. Laying it around her neck he latched the heavy gold clasp then squatted beside her, his reflection even with hers in the mirror. “Its price does not compare to what you pay to play pawn in the Masters’ game.”
    Elenya tilted her head, her eyes imploring his as she turned to look directly at him.
    With a snort, he stole a kiss then rose to his feet. “You seem to bring out a softer side in me, my lady, though if you tell anyone, I shall deny it vehemently then punish you severely. Now come.” He extended a hand to help her up. “Let no man be accused of keeping my father waiting.”
     
    An odd mixture of disappointment and relief warred within the young woman as her warrior led her to the family gathering. She was confused, conflicted. On one hand, she felt rescued by this imposed delay, the thought of their coupling still sending tendrils of fear through her.
    On the other hand, she yearned for him, to feel him close. There was no denying the charge between them when he took her in his arms or when his mouth covered hers. His lips and hands seared her flesh with a promise of greater fulfillment. Even now, just thinking about it, fire spread rapidly, engulfing her insides.
    He turned to her as they stepped into the dining hall, his eyes moving over her as if he sensed her desire. She jumped when he stretched his hand toward her, his knuckles caressing her cheek before he circled her lips with a fingertip. The sensation was a sensual tickle that drew her closer to him, her head tilted up asking that his mouth replace his hand.
    He smiled. Eager to fulfill her wish, he cradled the back of her head in his hand, coaxing her head back farther. Her lips parted when his mouth met hers and his tongue probed. He wasted no time, his desire to taste her overwhelming them both.
    “Would have thought your chambers a more suitable location, Brother. Unless, of course, these public displays of yours are merely smoke screens hiding a true lack of desire to fulfill your honor bound duties.”
    “Redahn,” Tahruk growled, pulling back just enough so that his forehead rested against Elenya’s. His breath tickled her mouth where their kiss had left her lips moist.
    As the others joined them he slipped an arm around her shoulders and led her toward the table where no one sat until Renaine had taken his place at the head of the table and lowered himself into the honored seat. Lady Neria sat at his right, Tahruk at his left with Elenya securely by his side. Redahn’s presence next to his mother, directly across from her, was a cause for unease.
    Other family members, including sisters Elenya had met earlier, their husbands whom she had not, and Nema were seated accordingly down the rest of the long table. Elenya’s brows drew down as she watched Nema slip into the seat next to Redahn.
    “Your chosen is troubled by many things, my brother. It appears more than your … inadequate attentions are giving her cause for concern.”
    Elenya didn’t honor Redahn with so much as a glance, turning instead to look at Tahruk. His eyes down, she noted his jaw flexing - a sign she had already learned indicated his anger. Her brows drew deeper.
    “Perhaps a better man could relax the lines from that pretty face…”
    “Enough!” Tahruk exploded from his seat, his fist crashing