Free Take Me by Shelli Stevens Page B

deep breath, she followed her through the door and into the hall. She kept her head high, her gaze straight ahead.
    They passed a few people in the walk to his office, and she knew her face was burning with humiliation. Never before had her body been on such obvious display in public. The Council had always kept her covered unless she was in the chamber with them.
    The woman paused outside a door near the end of the hall and gave a sharp rap.
    â€œYou may enter.”
    A tremble moved through Talia’s body at the sound of his voice beyond the door.
    The woman opened the door and walked in, not bothering to look back to ensure Talia followed.
    Talia hesitated and then stepped inside after the woman.
    Ryder stood silhouetted against the window. He turned as they entered the room. His gaze honed in on her, hot and intimate even across the thirty feet or so that still separated them.
    Her heart pounded harder in her chest. She wanted to lower her gaze, or look away, but it was impossible. Her throat went dry and her nipples tightened under the thin fabric.
    â€œHere is the prisoner, sir. Would you like me to get you something to drink?”
    The other woman’s voice had taken on a much more sexual tone, adding fuel to Talia’s suspicion that she had feelings for Ryder.
    â€œNo.” His gaze never left Talia. “We need nothing else at this time.”
    â€œAll right…. Well, you just let me know if you would like me to arrange to have food sent—”
    â€œLeave us, Ines.”
    The woman went quiet and then she nodded. “Of course, sir. Thank you.”
    She turned and headed for the door, her gaze sending hateful darts at Talia.
    The door clicked shut behind her and Talia licked her lips, her heart beating at a furious pace now.
    â€œI suspect that woman doesn’t like me.”
    â€œInes?” He quirked an eyebrow and crossed the floor toward her. “Why do you care?”
    Her pulse quickened at the intent she saw in his gaze. “I don’t, I suppose.”
    â€œDo you like the dress that I had sent to you?”
    He stood just inches away from her now. His woodsy scent swirled in her head, making her dizzy.
    She closed her eyes. “To call it a dress is a mockery.”
    â€œPerhaps.” His hands settled on her waist, his thumbs smoothing up and down the fabric. “Your body hides no secrets in that dress. I like it.”
    Flames licked through her body at his touch and she opened her eyes, meeting his gaze again. “Did you also like having me paraded down the hall so everyone passing might see all my secrets?”
    His mouth curled into a half smile and his hand slid up her stomach to cover one of her breasts possessively. Her nipples tightened further, pressing into his palm as liquid heat filled her pussy.
    â€œAm I not just showing off my spoils of war?”
    â€œBastard.” Her cheeks warmed and she grabbed his wrist, attempting to pull his hand away from her breast. “Leave me be.”
    â€œPrincess, we’re just getting started.” He released her and then reached up to touch the knot on her head. “This will not do.”
    He had the knot freed before she could attempt to stop him. Her hair spilled heavily down her back and his fingers threaded through it, tightening around the strands.
    â€œBeautiful. So beautiful, Talia.” He tugged, jerking her head back. His lips nuzzled the pulse on the curve of her neck. “From now on you will always leave your hair down when you are in my presence.”
    She closed her eyes as her knees weakened and cream gathered between the folds of her cunt. Was this the part where he seduced her? Convinced her to tell him everything about the Council? And if she did, then what?
    He may kill you . The thought sent a new stream of terror through her, dousing her desire for him. Perhaps she was just being paranoid, but what reason would he have to keep her around? There was