Free Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg Page A

simply not give a damn? He was blinded by lust! Judith had no idea when or how they’d met, but Lailah and Nate were lovers.
    Stepping inside her bedchamber, Judith shoved the door closed and slammed the bolt home. “That irrational son of a whore.” She flipped open the trunk at the foot of her bed and gathered a massive armful of clothes.
    “Going somewhere?”
    She gasped at Daniel’s amused question. Some of the gowns spilled from her arms as she tossed the rest onto the bed. “How did you get in here?” The door was still securely bolted.
    “You disappoint me.” He ambled toward her. She stubbornly held her ground. “I didn’t take you for the kind to slink away in the dark of night.” Bending, he picked up the fallen garments and handed them to her.
    He stood so close she could see tiny flecks of gold scattered across his dark eyes. “I will do whatever it takes to protect my children.”
    “Your only hope of keeping them safe is remaining within the castle walls.”
    Her chin lifted and she clutched the crumpled gowns to her chest. “You are an imposter at best, part of the threat at worst. Why should I accept your counsel?”
    “Because you have no choice.” He took the clothes from her and piled them on top of the others.
    A stray gown remained on the floor. She stooped as if to pick it up but launched her shoulder into his belly instead. Grunting, he stumbled. She retrieved her dagger from the sheath strapped to her calf and faced him with new confidence.
    “There are always choices.” She deftly twirled the knife, her gaze boring into his. “Yours is to live or die.”
    “By your hand?” he mocked.
    “No one harms my children.” She sneered and threw the knife.
    Daniel batted the blade aside and reached her in three long strides. His arms encircled her like iron bands and she collided with his chest. Judith flailed and twisted. How had he moved so fast? Her knife should be embedded hilt-deep in his shoulder. Her aim was true!
    “You’re not leaving the castle. In fact, you’re not leaving this room without me by your side.”
    His angry words interrupted her confusion, inciting her temper again. “Are you going to bind me to a chair and—”
    “I think the bed will serve us better.” Ignoring her indignant gasp and frantic struggles, he pushed her against one of the thick bedposts and snatched a braided belt from the pile of clothing.
    “Release me this instant or I’ll scream down the house!”
    He chuckled, holding her in place with his powerful torso as he tied her wrists behind her back. Hot, hard, male , his body rubbed against hers. His hair brushed her cheek and her breasts pressed against his chest, the nipples tingling. All she had to do was scream . Why wasn’t she screaming?
    “Are you always such a vixen?” He straightened, a smile curving his lips.
    “You have no idea.” She tugged against the belt. It held firm.
    “Would you really kill to protect your children?” Mockery left his tone. He sounded merely curious.
    “I aimed for your shoulder, not your heart. But the answer to your question is aye. I will do anything to protect my children.”
    “Anything?” He grinned.
    Her heart leapt within her breast, and heat erupted between her thighs. What was wrong with her? “Only a bastard would suggest—”
    “I made no suggestion.” His eyes widened with feigned innocence. “If you’re in need of fulfillment, I’d be happy to oblige, but I don’t barter my favors.”
    “You flatter yourself.” She averted her face.
    “Do I?” He moved closer, turning her face until their gazes locked. “I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome of our last meeting.”
    “How unfortunate for you.”
    He brushed her lower lip with his thumb, his gaze lowered to her mouth. “Did your conversation with Nate displease you?”
    She gasped. “Were you spying on us?”
    “You were gathering your clothing.” He nodded toward the mound behind her on the bed. “That generally