Chapter 46

Jefre was surprised by the sham attack, but he quickly knocked the sword out of her hand and kicked her to the ground. He then sat astride on her and held her hands above her head. He felt no pain, the wound on his side didn't exist for him. She was laying beneath him, he felt her warmth and stared at her face. She was beautiful. He wanted her. He held both of her hands with his one hand and removed the blindfold with the other. He saw an eye scar underneath. It was really deep and struck with a sword. He touched it gently with his fingers. The duchess remained silent, only her rapid breathing betrayed her emotions.

Setia was breathing very quickly. He leaned over her and she saw from close up his unusually bright eyes, framed by dark eyelashes, and dilated pupils. He touched her eye scar and gently traced it with his fingers. A strange and rather terrifying smile spread across his face. After he tripped her legs up, she hit her head and the stones dug into her back. The pain from the wound throbbed throughout her skull, but she remained silent. The mysterious man took a dagger from behind his back and she could now feel him running the blade of the knife across her cheek towards her neck. Her heart was pounding like crazy. She won't give him the satisfaction, this freak won't hear her begging or screaming. The mercenary dies in silence. What a stupid end. She took a deep breath and tilted her head back, giving him a better access to her neck.

Jefre enjoyed every moment, her helplessness and his own mix of emotions. When she tilted her head back, signaling him to kill her, he held his breath for a moment. She gave in to him, she wanted him to end her, she was his. He leaned over her and gently brushed his lips against hers, putting the dagger back behind his back.

"Kiss me," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. He pressed his lips to hers again. She opened them and let him slide his tongue inside. He kissed her and felt the desire growing within him. He wanted to possess her, here on this very road. He moved his mouth away to enjoy the sight of her again. He closed his hand around her neck and touched the lips he has just kissed with his thumb. He saw her mouth slightly open and her eye was looking at him. She was watching him and waiting.

"Aren't you afraid of death? Or do you want to die?" There was desire in his voice, she could feel it in his every touch. If she is to survive, she must play this game well.

"Death stands at the end of the road for each of us. We have no control over when we will encounter it, but we can control how we face it." Her voice was squeaky, her throat felt dry.

"You're a mercenary." He smiled, he knew the old mantra repeated among mercenary warriors. "That explains a lot. You're beautiful." He whispered in her ear "Tell me you'll be mine and maybe I'll set you free."

She felt the deceit behind his words. He was still straddling her and holding her hands tightly.

"Why were you following me? " Setia tried to keep her voice calm and was trying to win some more time.

"To kill you." Jefre continued to stare at her face.

"So why - she was trying to gently shift from the uncomfortable position - did you suddenly change your mind?"

Jefre, however, held her tightly, his hand moved from her neck to her cleavage and then he touched her breast. After a moment of silence, he added

"I can still kill you. – now he was playing with her hair – Why did you attack me?"

"I was sure I could take you out." She had enough, she moved her arms first and then jerked her whole body trying to free herself . "Kill me or release me!" She said firmly.

The man leaned over her, she could clearly see his unique eyes, and he repeated it straight into her ear.

"Give me your word that you will be mine. Say it."

She took a deep breath and after a while she said.

"I'll be yours if that's what you want. I give you my word."

He smiled, he had nice, straight teeth. He released her hands and stood up. Setia rose from her uncomfortable position and rubbed her sore wrists. She touched the back of her head and noticed blood on her hand. However, the wound was not deep. Her would-be torturer didn't seem to pay any attention to the bleeding side she had given him.

"And now what?" She asked directly. She had no chance to escape, she had to wait for what this man would decide.

"I'll go with you. - he whistled quietly and his horse approached its master - After all, you belong to me and I guard my property."

"How do you know if I'm not going to a place where my people will easily kill you?"

"I've been in a lot of trouble." He got on the horse and reached his hand to Setia "You gave me your word, and I guess that means something?"

Setia grabbed his hand and sat down in front of him. She's never met anyone so fucked up. This psychopath both terrified and fascinated her, and she could still feel his hot lips on hers. They moved, his arms wrapped around her own and his face was buried in her hair. She sat stiffly, wanting to keep her distance.

"What is your name?" She felt terribly awkward and needed some semblance of normality.

"Jefre. He replied directly into her ear and inhaling the scent of her hair. Then he moved her hair to the side and now she could feel his warm breath on her neck. Her horse stood calmly in front of them. At this sight, Setia instinctively decided to dismount and mount her own horse.

"No, - Jefre stopped her - stay like this."

He leaned forward and grabbed the reins of her horse, which followed them obediently.