The Amazon's Curse Read Free Page A

fought his captivity like Zane. He had embraced the thought of an Amazon owner. Other than Lily, that is. Lily had been too young for him, and he’d been nothing more than a maid for her. Since she’d released him to the ownership of the other Amazons, though, he’d looked nothing but content.
    But even if he had not been enjoying himself, Nola still would have chosen to watch over Zane. His strength and determination, and even his wildness, drew her.
    Maybe because that wildness had never truly extended to her. Even when she’d stabbed both of his shoulders with spears, he had not attempted to hurt her. He had cried out for her, wanting to be with her.
    â€œWhy haven’t you used your…gift to help you escape?” she asked, ignoring his question. Much as this man had to hate her, she wasn’t ready to voice her softer feelings. Even she didn’t understand her change from tormentor to tormented.
    His cheeks heated in embarrassment, but still he did not face her.
    He’d once used that gift on her. Had slipped inside her dreams and showed her how good it would be between them. How he would kiss and taste every inch of her body, enjoy her, help her enjoy him. “You can show the Amazons the destruction you will unleash if they fail to release you.”
    â€œThe gods stripped me of the ability when they sent me here. I can no longer enter dreams. Or create nightmares. They also stripped me of my ability to transport myself to other locations with only a thought.”
    Damn them! “There has to be a way to free you. I wish I could leave camp and visit your king. Word has spread through Atlantis that he is wed now to my sister, Delilah. They would help you, I know it. And maybe, like you, they would be able to see and hear me. But I am bound to this camp, as surely as if I were shackled. I cannot leave its boundaries.” Or perhaps she could, now that part of her curse seemed to be lifted. She wanted to check, but couldn’t force herself to move away.
    Zane shifted even further away from her, and his chains rattled. It was another stark reminder of their doomed circumstances. “Why would you help me?”
    â€œBecause I—” She peered down at her hands. Her fingers were twined together and twisting the leather of her skirt. They wanted to be on Zane’s body, learning his every nuance. What would make him gasp in pleasure? What would make him moan? “I owe you. I hurt you, and I’m sorry for that. Sorrier than I can ever express. I want—”
    â€œEnough,” he growled, cutting her off. “I don’t want your apology. I never did. I’ve always wanted you…your body.”
    Need trembled through her. “Yes.” Yes. That’s what she wanted, too. “But you can’t touch me. How…”
    â€œWe will figure it out. Climb on top of me.”
    She did, straddling his waist. His eyes closed, and he arched up. She imagined his hard shaft rubbing against her and moaned. “Zane, I—”
    The entrance to the tent flapped, and Amelia strode inside. “Well, vampire. I have decided—” Her eyes widened, and she stopped. “Nola? What are you doing here?”
    Nola jumped up as though burned. She wanted to scream in frustration, but held her tongue. One question had been answered, at least. Others could see her. “Hello, Amelia.” Did she sound as breathless to the warrioress as she did to herself?
    â€œWe thought you were dead.”
    â€œYou thought wrong.”
    Amelia’s dark gaze swung to Zane, then back to Nola. “Either way, you will move away from my slave.”
    â€œNola,” Zane said, and there was a warning in his tone.
    A warning of what? Nola didn’t face him, but squared her shoulders and forced her expression to harden. “How is he truly your slave when you have not yet battled every female who would lay claim to him? Amelia, I challenge you for