Read Enthralled: The Sex Goddess for Free Online Page A

sight. As they took him off, he tried once more to look over his shoulder and call out to her, but she turned away, horribly disconcerted by Cold Eyes’s promise and the fact that she was now utterly alone.
    “Now, goddess,” he said, taking her firmly by the arm. “Let us see whether I have made a good trade or no.”
    Jane’s insides surged as he led her, not to her small hut, but to a larger structure. She stumbled, trying to slow his pace, trying to delay while she thought of a way to escape, but Cold Eyes merely gripped her harder and shoved her along roughly.
    When they reached the building, which was about twice the size of her hut, Cold Eyes spoke sharply to the man who stood in front of the door. The guard hesitated, then reluctantly stepped aside as he opened the door.
    Cold Eyes released Jane. “After you, goddess.”
    She had a fleeting moment of insanity and almost bolted, but that would be futile, and could result in punishment or worse. Jane knew she must marshal all of her courage and intelligence if she were to find a way to escape. The niggling fact that she’d been able to pull apart the dried grasses that made up the door—and the walls—of her hut gave her hope. If left alone long for a while, she was certain she could make a hole large enough to slip through and escape.
    Eventually.
    But now…
    Jane looked around at her new environment, and immediately recognized its purpose. It was not, as she’d supposed, the home or habitat of the tribal leader.
    No. It was some sort of temple or worship space. For some reason, that realization made Jane even more nervous—especially when she noticed an altar with what looked like arm and leg restraints.
    Her heart pounded so hard she thought she might vomit. Jane drew in a deep breath and realized the space was permeated with a musky, dull scent of spice and some other unidentifiable aroma. While it wasn’t exactly displeasing, nor was it particularly pleasant. Candles made from empty coconut shells lined the room, casting dancing yellow light on the grass walls.
    “Goddess.” Cold Eyes had come in and closed the door behind him. As Jane watched, he placed a large, heavy wooden brace against it, ensuring no one would be able to enter.
    What was he going to do to her?
    Her heart in her throat, Jane edged away from him, nearly tripping over a stool, then bumping into a table as she staggered away. The crude jars and vessels on the table clunked into each other, and Cold Eyes pinned her with his dark, hot gaze.
    “What an excellent idea. Pour yourself a drink from the tall jug. And one for me as well.”
    “How long have you known English?” Jane managed to say, her hand shaking as she poured. A dark, thick liquid splashed into their bamboo cups. “You speak it well.”
    “I learnt it when I served as a groom for a regiment of your kinsmen’s army, when they came to fight the Berbers.” He took the cup and drank heavily, then gestured that she should do the same. “It will make things much more pleasant,” he said with a cool smile. “For both of us.”
    The liquid tasted like bitter, fermented coffee, and was thicker than cream. There was a strange aftertaste that lingered on her tongue, and Jane realized it was likely some sort of hallucinogenic.
    “You are in need of a drug to be with a goddess?” she taunted, then immediately regretted her bold words.
    Cold Eyes’s smile thinned, and anger flashed in his gaze. “You are a brave one. Perhaps you are the one woman who can—” He stopped abruptly, and his expression changed to a determined one. “Take that off. I will see all of you.”
    “You’ve already done so.” Jane made no move to follow his command. She didn’t know how or why, but something had emboldened her. Perhaps it was knowing she had no one on which to rely but herself now. Perhaps it was because she didn’t believe they meant to kill her, or even hurt her. Or perhaps she was merely foolhardy, and the drugged drink was