King of the Seditious

“Jax?” She turned beseeching blue eyes on him.

No. Don’t do that!

“I’ve told you hundreds of times.” She whispered.

Her simple words sent his frustration streaking upward.

“Talk. Talking. You want me to talk. About everything. To explain.” He quoted the many paraphrases she’d used. “I don’t know how!”

“You choose not to.”

We’re back to this! His teeth were grinding. And he wanted to strike something. Fight something.

Dimurah stalked rapidly to him while he watched.

His body wound with the type of fury that sent men backing up. Making them certain not to touch him, and most certainly not to do what Murah was intent on doing.

What the devil is she about now?

Reaching him she stretched her arm and soundly slapped him. Hard. Making his head snap to the side and blue eyes widen. Flashing brightly.

His vision flared blood red and he reflexively imagined a hundred ways to kill her in an instant. Having to fight for control of himself.

“There.” She said, putting her fists on her hips, waitingly.

Waiting for what?

His chest heaved and breaths were short. After a moment he eased.

“There.” She nodded with satisfaction.

There, what?

“That was infinitely stupid. I could’ve taken your head off.”

“But you wouldn’t.” She jutted her chin. “The one thing I know about you more than anyone else is that pain slows you down in here.” She tapped the side of her skull. “It calms you.”

That’s probably true. He realized stunned.

I can’t believe she slapped me. No one else would dare slap me. And he was suddenly, violently aroused.

She saw the look on his face and her confident expression faltered. She gripped the rips in her dress and tugged them shut. Taking a tentative step back. “You don’t look calm.”

“I’m not.” He rumbled. Taking a step toward her.

“You look…”

“I am.”

“Well, don’t.” She was backing up. Unsure where she was going.

“I won’t.” His upper lip twitched. Eyes going hooded as he stalked her retreating step predatorily. “Unless you ask me to.”

Her mouth opened on words she didn’t say. Gaze fearful on him as he reached her.

“Why are you so afraid of me?” His eyes roved her face.

“Because I wanted you for mine the moment I saw you, and it took me so long to persuade you. And now…” She shook her head at herself. “Now I know I’ll never have you.”

Never have me? You do have me, Woman. His jaw hardened.

Not finding her words soothing his condition, he twisted past her and walked to a trunk in the corner. Flipping open the lid with his usual quick movements, to pull a bit of blue satin from within. Letting it unravel to reveal a stunning gown. Layered over the bodice in white lace.

“I can’t wear that!”

She doesn’t question it’s for her. He noted in satisfaction. She shouldn’t.

“Why not?” The beginning of a smile twitched his lips. Knowing what she’d say.

She always worries she’ll destroy nice clothes.

“Because I’ll spill something and ruin it!”

“Not in my tent. I’ll put your drinks to your lips.” He winked at her.

“Jax…”

“Try it.” His former rage had vanquished at the excited light in her eyes. “I’d dearly like to see you in it. Besides, you can’t go out in that.”

Looking down at the tattered dress, she hesitantly walked to take it. Looking at him warily.

He turned his back and heard the rustle of garments behind him.

“Will you help me?”

When he turned, she stood with her back to him. The hooks on the back undone except for the bottom three.

All she could reach. Always the same three. He walked to her and gently moved her heavy red hair over her shoulder before expertly fastening the clasps. Working his way up the back, until nearing the neckline. Unable to resist, he pressed a tender kiss to the side of her neck as he secured the last few.

She peered over her shoulder. Looking at him from beneath lowered lids.

“Twirl.” He spun his finger in the motion.

Hanging her head and blushing profusely she lifted the skirt and spun around to him.

He sucked in a quick breath. I guessed slightly small. Still, it framed her outline well. Draping in shimmering folds around her legs. “Do you feel as beautiful as you look?”

You couldn’t possibly.

“Probably more so.” She bit her lip.

“I find that unlikely.” He muttered under his breath. Making her beam. “Do you like it?” He stepped back to sink into his swaying wooden chair. Taking in the full view of her.

She nodded.

“You’re stunning.”

“Then perhaps you should come back over here and turn with me?”

“Dance?” His blonde brow shot up. “I thought we didn’t do that outside your hut?”

“We will today.”

He hopped to his feet and crossed the tent in characteristically rapid steps. Catching her hand without pause, he twirled her perfectly. Moving her forward and back in the steps he’d taught her years ago. One of his rare grins split his face.

Tossing her head back, she laughed merrily as he spun her.

“Why can’t this be enough?” He leaned into her face as she rounded to him again, still smiling with abandon.

But to his deep sadness, that smile faded. “Because I can’t settle for part of you, Jax.”

“You have all of me.”

“It doesn’t feel that way.” Her head fell and she shrank.

I’ve ruined the moment. He realized. Dammit.

“I could give you anything you desired.”

Dresses, delicacies, wines…

“I want a home, someday, Jax.”

And with that, he was instantly dejected. Stiffening. “You don’t think you could have that with me?”