Angel in Black by Fela Dawson Scott Page A

retreating form.
    “Why are you here?” Rina’s sharp tone cut through the awkward silence; Blake’s presence unnerved her.
    “I came to see you — I told you I would. I’d have come sooner, but business kept me away.”
    “Why couldn’t you leave me alone?” Rina’s question came out more a plea than a question, recalling the nights she dreamed of the man now standing before her.
    “Oh, little one, you could not expect me to stay away. Not when you haunt my dreams at night. I couldn’t bear the torture any longer.”
    Rina’s heart jumped when his words echoed her thoughts exactly. “Please, you must go.”
    The words were barely above a whisper, and Blake strained to hear what she said.
    “I have not seen you for weeks; surely you would not deny me a minute or two?”
    Blake took Rina’s hand in his own again, feeling her warmth meld with his. “You are so beautiful — how can I forget? How can I exorcise you from my mind?” He kissed her again, this time palm up, his tongue lightly running to her fingertips. Turning it over, his lips tenderly caressed a faint scar below her smallest finger, frowning at the hurt the injury must have caused her.
    Rina jerked free of his grasp, waves of pleasure running over her, muddling her mind further. Weak — she was weak. How could her body continue to betray her?
    “Don’t you see? We were meant for one another.” Blake pulled her into his arms, his aching need fully unleashed when his lips possessed hers.
    He held her tight against him and her resistance fled, only immense passion remained. They clung to each other and Rina ignored the warnings in her mind, only the sensuality of his touch mattered. Blake stepped back, his eyes smoldered with dark demands; his voice husky and full of angst.
    “You are a witch; one kiss and I’m your slave. You cast your spells and work your black magic — how am I to fight against your mystic charms?”
    Could it be Blake was as enslaved as she? Could he be feeling as lost and confused? What were these feelings between them? With sudden recollection, she thought of the last time he’d spoken of his desire for her. When he’d asked her to be his mistress — and called her a whore. Did he truly believe this of her? Was this all he wanted, one tawdry night to satisfy his craving? She stiffened and anger rescued her from the temptation his presence created.
    Rina whispered, her voice broken and strained, “I have no hold on you, Lord Roberts. You are free to go, and I think it would be best for you to do so.”
    Blake laughed; a humorless sound, grating on her raw, strained nerves. His eyes turned cold and he muttered in a low, hard voice, “If you are toying with me, Rina, let me warn you, I am not in the mood.”
    “I’m certain you find all this amusing, but I do not. Now, if you would be kind enough to leave, I’m expecting someone.” She turned her back to him, not wanting him to see her turmoil.
    “One of your lovers?”
    The last straw, Rina spun about, her eyes narrowed and dangerous. Her voice shook from unleashed fury. “I believe it is none of your business who I am expecting. And since you seem so adept at jumping to conclusions on your own, I’ll not bother dignifying your question with an answer.” She spoke the words through gritted teeth. Why couldn’t he leave her be?
    “You needn’t act so insulted; it’s obvious what you are. When I made it clear to your aunt I desired you, she laughed and all but wished me luck. She must have grown accustomed to your lovers. How many have there been, Rina?”
    The last question came out an accusation and Rina’s resentment peaked like an explosion. “Get out — get out! I don’t ever want to see you again.”
    Blake’s own temper reigned free, caution no longer within his grasp and he continued to barrage her with hurtful remarks. “Is it your big blond lover? Are you planning to wriggle and twist with passion beneath him tonight? Do you hunger for his