Read The Dark King for Free Online Page B

his nearness was having on her.
    "You're not." He inhaled, then slowly circled her, using his impressive height to intimidate.
    Okay, so maybe he didn't need the height to be intimidating. His presence alone did the trick.
    Hades' fiery gaze licked at her skin, tightening it, making Taylor hyper-aware of his maleness. She tried her best to ignore her body's reaction, ignore him, but it was like trying to ignore the sun right before it engulfs the Earth. Hades stopped in front of her, blocking sight of the two warriors with his broad shoulders.
    Taylor craned her neck to look into his eyes. At five foot eight, she wasn't a slouch in the height department, but compared to the Phantoms she felt downright puny. Taylor had to clear her throat twice before she could speak. "Then why won't they let me pass?"
    The King stared at her, until the intensity made her look away. This close she could smell the slight musk of his skin and see every ripple of muscle beneath his clothes. Taylor nearly swooned, when she reached his washboard abdomen. And she'd never swooned a day in her life.
    "It's not safe for you to wander beyond the Keep alone," Hades said, then glared at his two guards. "Perseus and Kon know this." His words were mild, but the threat of punishment behind them was unmistakable.
    "Are you saying your city is unsafe?" Taylor knew the question would prick the King's temper. She'd purposely asked to draw his attention away from the guards. As far as she was concerned, they had done nothing wrong.
    As if on cue, Hades' eyes narrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line. "My city is perfectly safe."
    "Then why am I not allowed to go into it?" she asked.
    "Yes, Sire," Perseus said. "Why are you keeping her a prisoner, when she is obviously unclaimed ?"
    Hades turned on the dark-haired guard. "Are you questioning my authority?"
    Kon's face drained of color and he took a step back. "No, Sire," he said hurriedly before Perseus could respond. He grabbed his friend by the arm and pulled him away. "Tis time we check the perimeter." Kon's gaze pleaded with Perseus to comply.
    Perseus glanced at Taylor once more. "I will act the gentleman that you believe me to be. Until we meet again." He inclined his head and strode off with Kon hurrying behind.
    Hades watched them leave, his expression stony. "As Perseus so rightly stated, you are an unclaimed female. A rarity on our world. On top of that, you're from Earth and Slavers have been sighted. Even if that was not reason enough, I take my vows to other Phantoms seriously. I told Linx that I would protect you and I will...even if that means locking you inside the Keep for your own good."
    Taylor snorted. She couldn't help it. Did he really think that she was buying the vow of protection crap? She glanced at him once more. This time humor replaced the simmering heat in his eyes.
    Hades held out his hand. "Come," he said. "I will give you a tour of the Keep, then you need to get ready."
    Taylor took his hand, before she registered what she was doing. When she did, she tried to jerk her fingers back, but Hades wouldn't let her go. "Get ready for what?" she asked, allowing him to lead her back inside.
    "The Pit," he said, like that should mean something to her.
    Hello! Earthling here. "What's the—"
    "I'll show you to your room after we've explored the Keep." He cut her off before she could finish the question. "Suitable clothing has been provided." He glanced at her jeans and his nose wrinkled. "If you need anything else, let my Righthand know."
    Taylor glanced at his empty hand in confusion. "I have my own clothes. Thanks!" She hadn't packed much, but she had brought the essentials, day-to-day clothing, workout shorts, and a couple of costumes just in case. It would have to do until she could go shopping.
    He looked at her and his sensual lips tilted into a smile. "I doubt what you packed will be fit for viewing the festivities at the Pit."
    Was he implying that her clothes were trashy? Okay,