FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

It was hours later after rain began pelting the Blue Lark, that a blade soundlessly slipped between the shutters of Dimurah’s bedroom. The slip of silver slid upward and flipped the latch. Pushing the shutters open, Savage gripped the overhanging roof and swung booted feet through the opening. Landing smoothly inside. A wrapped parcel tucked under an arm.

He spotted her laying in the dark. Closing the shutters, he flipped the latch back down.

She needs a bit more than that.

Too easy. He decided.

He turned and saw the soft curve of her hip and the rounded turn of her shoulder beneath a thin wool blanket.

The same one she’s used for years. Despite all his urgings. In characteristic manner he’d given up offering and brought the gift. He unraveled the plush cover he’d bought for her in today’s Undermarket and silently settled it over her.

She sighed comfortably and snuggled deeper under the layers.

Savage rounded to crouch next to the bed, inches from her face. Resting his elbows on his knees he dropped his chin on his overlapped fists. Studying her long curling lashes wisping against her warmly tanned cheek. Her short, upturned nose and small bow mouth. Relaxed and open slightly as she drew soft breaths in slumber. A twisted red lock angled across her face. He reached out a finger to slide the tress from her face and over her shoulder.

A blue eye slid open, soft with sleep. “Good eve, Lover.” She whispered huskily.

“Hello Murah.”

Blue eyes roved his face lovingly. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

“No, Murah.” He shook his head. “You’re beautiful.”

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” He confessed rising.

“Don’t go, Jax!” Her small hand shot from under the blankets to catch his wrist.

He looked down at her, almost sadly. Waiting for her to wake.

“Oh my God!” She sat bolt upright, hand sliding from his arm. Long red hair tossing over her shoulder and waving down her back. “How did you get in here? What’ve you done!”

And there she is. His expression was mournful.

“What are you doing here?”

“That’s not what you were saying a moment ago.” He murmured.

“I wasn’t fully aware, as you know completely well!”

It’s true. I did know.

I could see it the moment she was sweet again…Mine.

“How did you get in?” She demanded harshly.

“I didn’t harm your men.”

She blew a relieved breath.

She sees me as utterly merciless.

“Why are you here?” She queried coldly.

He was quiet. Chin lifting.

“You can’t have what you want.” She asserted.

“You’ve made that abundantly clear.”

“Then why are you here?” She pulled the blanket tighter as she looked at him fearfully.

“Don’t do that.” His tone turned bitter.

“What?”

“Look at me like you fear me. Have I ever forced you?”

“Of course not!”

“Then what would make you think I would?”

“That’s not what I was thinking!”

Then what were you afraid of? He hadn’t realized he’d asked it aloud.

“Myself…” She admitted.

“I won’t touch you, Murah. If you don’t wish it.”

“I don’t wish to be weak. And you make me weak.”

“I know that.”

“Why are you here, Jax?”

“I came to see you. Brought you a gift.” He gestured.

She looked down wide-eyed and realized it was a new blanket. She jerked up and peered beneath to make sure he hadn’t disposed of her old one.

As I knew she would.

She blew another relieved breath.

“Do you really think so little of me?” He asked.

“You know I do not. I think the world of you.”

“Then be with me.” He was slightly ashamed of the pleading note in his voice.

“You know I can’t.”

“I know you can. You’re choosing not to.”