Free Rage and Redemption (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg Page B

Compline, but Naomi was too upset to pray. She sat in a secluded corner of the upper bailey informally dubbed the meditation garden. Stone benches scattered throughout the area invited others, but Naomi was glad to be alone.
    She toyed with the figs and nuts contained in the woven basket on her lap. Few actually reached her mouth. Having long since abandoned her sandals, she wiggled her toes in the prickly grass and angled her face to better catch the gentle evening breeze.
    What was she going to do?
    No one seemed to know where she could find Gideon. Half of the people she asked didn’t even know who he was. Even Brother Gabriel hadn’t been in any of his usual places. Were they together somewhere plotting their next move? She chuckled at the ridiculous thought and tossed a nut against the wall. They might share extraordinary abilities but they were still adversaries.
    “I was told you were searching for me.”
    His voice was so much a part of her thoughts that it took Naomi a moment to realize Gideon had really spoken. She looked to her right and found him standing indolently beneath one of the trees. His shoulder rested against the slender trunk, arms crossed over his chest.
    “Brother Aaron received a message from King Louis of France,” Naomi began as she set the basket on the bench beside her. “A man named Leon of Le Puy is making inquiries regarding an infant girl who was born in Jerusalem nineteen years ago.”
    “And you believe this infant girl is you?”
    “I don’t know what I believe. Brother Gabriel seemed…this is not why I was looking for you.”
    He grinned, a slow, salacious smile. Her nipples tightened against her chemise and she fought the urge to cross her arms. Attempting to hide the distinct bumps would only draw attention to her breasts, so she kept her hands in her lap.
    “Brother Gabriel won’t answer my questions. I was hoping you would—” In three long strides he stood before her, his hand cupping her cheek. She turned her face away. “Please don’t touch me. That is not why I came looking for you.”
    “Little liar,” he taunted, drawing her to her feet. “We were parted for less than a day and already you crave my touch. Did you dream about me again? Is that why you were searching for me? So I could show you what it feels like in reality?”
    In a flurry of angry movements, she snatched up the basket and threw the figs at him. Gideon only laughed and batted each aside.
    “You arrogant beast. I want nothing from you but information. When will you accept that fact?”
    A fig bounced off his cheek and Gideon reacted instinctively. He slapped the basket from her hand and shoved her against the curtain wall. His hands pressed against the stones on either side of her while he glared into her eyes.
     
    Fear exploded all around him, the rancid smell, the icy tension, the unwanted stimulation. “Do not push me too far, Naomi. I will retaliate.”
    He knew she was terrified—his senses didn’t lie—but her expression revealed none of her fear. Her wide blue eyes sparked with defiance and her shoulders remained stubbornly squared.
    “You don’t mean me harm,” she said emphatically. “Not physically at least. It wouldn’t serve your purpose.”
    “You have not begun to comprehend my purpose. Only a fool would believe otherwise.” He didn’t touch her, but a heated current flowed between them. He didn’t need to touch her to feel her.
    “If hurting me would accomplish what you have set out to do, you would have ended my life last night.”
    He moved closer, his craving for her a sweet agony. His clothing brushed hers. Her scent filled his nose and all he could see was her eyes. “Shall we speak of last night? What has Gabriel told you? Did he explain what you saw?”
    “He wouldn’t speak of it.” Her lips parted and her tongue darted out. “But you want me to know. That’s why I was looking for you. Why do you want me to know…? What is it you want me to