45. Tori

"W

hatthe hell were you thinking?" Abraxas was still across the room from me, where Jun had pushed him back. He approached in two long strides; his arm looped around my waist and pulled my body tight against him.

"I like it when you're angry like this," he said, and I swore I saw his forked tongue dart out between his teeth as he leaned in and surrounded me.

"Abraxas, this is serious."

"Oh, it certainly is going to be…" His lips pressed into the skin of my neck as his fangs left trails of harsh sensation behind them. I shoved him back, and his face lost that glimmer of amusement.

"Are you truly so concerned with my treatment of her?"

"Pallas is the most valuable piece we have against Hadeon. She knows him; she knows about the enchantment around your father's heart."

"I know that, little bird. Why do you think I brought her in here? Gods, I didn't even hurt her."

"You think intimidation would work? Abraxas, she's delicate. You need to be gentler with her."

"Is that what you wish? For me to be soft-hearted and gentle? I fear you will be sorely disappointed, my love."

"Do you think I fell in love with the DragonKing for his gentle demeanor? No, but I also have never known you to be cruel. And what you just did to Pallas, that was cruel."

"ThenI'm afraid you don't know me well at all." He started to caress my face.

Islapped his hand away. "Don't give me that. I know you, Abraxas. I know your very soul. Pallas has been Hadeon's prisoner for centuries. You, of all people, would understand that."

Thecorner of his lip curved down as his face pulled on the cold mask I hated more than anything. "She didn't look like a prisoner to me. What do you really know of her, Tori?"

"I know enough. The scars are there if you know where to look. Every woman does."

Abraxasstiffened. "I never considered that she, too, wore a mask; that she fought for survival…"

"Obviously, you didn't. And now look what you've done! All the trust I have built with her, destroyed in an afternoon."

"And you think she is worthy of your trust?"

"If she hadn't been here, Avlyn would be a fish somewhere in the Sea of Spirits."

Hisface went slack. "What?" He shook his head, regaining his composure. "My love, you have always been more trusting than is advisable. RememberCiara? Remember how it cost us nearly everything? Pallas has had centuries in Hadeon's court. Do you really think she doesn't work to fulfill her own goals?"

"I think she has been fighting to just survive. We were finally making progress."

"You give too much of yourself too easily, Princess. You are too trusting. If you're not careful, it will be your undoing."

"You didn't seem to mind when it was you I gave myself to."

"That's different. You are mine," he grumbled, his jaw clenching.

"Possessive reptile. I would think that you would see the same behavior in Pallas."

Hefurrowed his eyebrows at me.

"She loves Jun, that I know for certain. And that is enough for me." I would take no more arguments from him, but he pushed on anyway.

"Tori, that's..." He didn't finish his sentence.

"What, stupid? Say what you mean."

Hisface hardened. "Na?ve."

"I've heard it before, hundreds of times, in fact. But this na?ve princess and that brave woman are the reason your scaly ass is alive, so perhaps you should show some godsdamned respect."

Hisface twisted as if in pain. "Tori, no matter what else happens in this world, I will always respect you. You don't need to prove anything to me."

"Then trust me, Abraxas. Pallas… she is hurt, but I know she would do anything to protect Jun. Even if you cannot trust her, trust that."

"It would be foolish for Pallas to so easily turn to our side, but I know better than anyone that love turns us into the greatest fools on the planet." He gave a long sigh. "You also see a part of yourself in her, don't you?" He knew me well.

"Yes, I didn't always know how to fight back for myself. I had to learn that. She can, too."

Abraxaswrapped his arm around me gently and placed a kiss on my forehead. "I will trust your decision, my love." He sighed. "DoI need to go apologize to her?"

"That may do more harm than good right now. I've got to do all I can to repair this."

Henodded. "Yes, you're right, little bird. I will await your command." That grin slid back onto his face, and he released me. ButI grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him close.

"But you will apologize to me, YourMajesty. On your knees."

Hisgrin grew wicked. "Whatever you command, my goddess." He dropped down, burying his face in the folds of my dress. He inhaled deeply before running his hands up my legs and pulling down my panties. I lifted my dress as he traced one hand up the back of my thigh, his fingers setting off every nerve as he wrapped his hand around it and draped it over his shoulder.

"I'll make sure you feel how very, very sorry I am."