Page 7 of Terror at the Gates

The man at my feet groaned, and Zahariev’s attention turned to him. Relief washed through me, but I refused to let my shoulders fall.

“Isiah,” he said, and the man staggered to his feet, holding his nose. Blood seeped from between his fingers. “Tell me why you are locked in a room with the daughter of House Leviathan?”

The man looked at me, wide-eyed. I almost grinned at his shocked expression.

“She was stealing!” he sputtered.

“Prove it,” I hissed.

“I wastrying!”

“By removing my clothes?” I asked.

Zahariev rarely showed emotion, but his eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing that.

“I gave you achoice!”

“You threatened,” I said.

“Enough!” Zahariev’s command was like a slap to the face.

We both shut up and looked at him.

“My office, Isiah,” he said.

“Sir—”

Zahariev didn’t have to do anything but stare, and Isiah went silent, his mouth tight. He nodded once and then left the room.

“What makes you think he will actually obey you?” I asked. “If I were him, I’d run.”

“Because some people, despite their stupidity, have a sense of loyalty,” said Zahariev.

“Was that supposed to hurt my feelings?” I asked.

“You have feelings?”

“Fuck off.”

Zahariev smiled and approached, his shining shoes clicking as he came close. His energy was like lightning. It moved through my body, straightening my spine and prickling my flesh. It wasn’t the energy I usually felt from men. There wasn’t a drop of desire, just raw power.

As much as I resented it, I was a little intimidated by it.

He stopped only a few inches from me, holding my gaze. He smelled good, like vanilla and sandalwood.

“Give it,” he said.

“Take it,” I challenged.

He just stared at me. I knew he wouldn’t. I had goaded Zahariev for years, and he had never given in, never touched me.

It disturbed me, which was why I pushed so hard.

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “I hate you.”

I pulled the small blade from the bodice of my dress,disappointed that Zahariev’s eyes didn’t even dart to my breasts.

This fucking man, I thought.