In the Light of the Passing: Book 1

Fadre released his grip on her hair and slowly ran his finger down Nadeena’s cheek and over her chin. It continued its downward journey, lightly brushing her neck before dropping further to trace the curve of her breast. Nadeena stiffened and pulled back, but the miner wrapped his arm around the small of her back, and drew her in closer.

“Rotek had no right to take you from me. I found you; you were mine.” He once more lowered his face to hers, allowing the scent of her to swirl about inside of his head. “But none of that matters now, does it? He won’t be here to save you this time. He was very busy when I left him—I saw to that.”

He pushed her back against the damp, stone wall, and lifted her captive arm up and over his shoulder until her chest was pressing hard against his. She could feel the wild hammering of his heart, and his foul breath washed over her, choking her. Her stomach churned and she swallowed hard. Nadeena struggled, frantically trying to pull free, but her every movement served to brush her body more earnestly against him and he took an obvious delight in her efforts. Trembling uncontrollably, she ceased squirming and tried to be still.

“You have no idea how long it has been.” He brushed his lips against her forehead, tasting her. Grabbing her chin, he pulled her face up to meet his. She wanted to spit, but was too afraid.

He stared at her, his eyes hungry slits. Letting go of her chin, his hand once again moved downward, brushing along the skin of her neck, then lower, lower—hesitant, searching. She slapped him suddenly, striking him sharply with her free hand. The sound echoed through the thick, stale darkness. Nadeena braced herself, expecting to be hit in return, but the miner only threw back his head and laughed. The sound crept like a cold, dead hand down Nadeena’s back, causing her heart to skip a beat.

“I beg you, Nadeena, fight me all the way, if that is your desire. It will only make the conquest that much sweeter. I have never bedded a commander’s daughter and dare say I never will again. But you are still just a woman, royalty or not. I’ve bedded many, and know well the secrets you are hiding. So fight me if you like, but it will do you no good.”