Sea Haven 02 - Spirit Bound

assassin.
    And then the last tumble brought a black pitchfork with the set of golden wings covering it. His fallen angel with clipped wings. His . He’d claimed her for his own, and she saw clearly he meant it. She was his salvation, his joy, his reason. The devil had claimed his angel.
    Outside she could hear the soft wind fluttering through the leaves of her Japanese garden and inside, she could hear her own heart beating. She moistened her lips, carefully making certain that she had turned the cell enough times that she had managed to see everything. Every scene would always be different, but each one would always be a glimpse into Stefan’s soul. She could barely find the strength to lower the scope when she found it so enthralling. Her hands were shaking, her body trembling. He was claiming her with every turn of the kaleidoscope and God help her, everything in her responded to his call.
    She moistened her lips. Without thinking she clutched the scope to her heart, her gaze meeting his. “This is an incredible gift. Thank you.”
    “Give yourself to me.”
    Her heart did that funny little flippy thing inside her chest as her stomach did a slow roll. His voice was low, so quiet it was merely a thread of sound, but there was no denying he was making a statement. A demand. She’d challenged him and he’d more than accepted it. Stefan hadn’t tried to soften his true nature, it was there in the cell he’d made, the weapons, including a small garrote he’d twisted from metal.
    “I just gave myself to you, Judith. I handed over whatever was left of Stefan Prakenskii. Give yourself to me.”
    She drank him in. He was a big man, all muscle, no soft edges, but she could drown in his blue-green eyes, get caught up in his reluctant smile and burn hot under his touch. He would be hers completely; she had seen that in his single-minded purpose. “If you left me I’d be shattered,” she admitted. “You have to know whether or not you’re capable of staying.”
    “When I make a commitment, Judith, it’s forever. And I expect the same of my woman.” It was as much a warning as a promise. “She has to trust me, have faith in me, as I will in her. I don’t know how to do things by halves. Be certain it’s me you really want, angel.”
    “I’m taking a lot of things on faith, Stefan.”
    “I know I’m asking a lot of you. I’ve never been a good man. I’ve lived by a code and tried never to allow an innocent in harm’s way, but I’ve killed, Judith. Many times. And I’ve used what I know to get information from other agents. The things I’ve done I’m not proud of, nor am I ashamed. That’s been my life. I’d like to say that part of my life is over, but until Ivanov is dead and Sorbacov realizes we won’t be a threat to him unless he pursues us, I can’t promise that.”
    Judith nodded. “I still think we should talk to Jonas.”
    “I have no idea how to be in a relationship, and I’m bound to make mistakes. I’m not a social man. Hanging out with people is not something I’ll ever be comfortable with.”
    “I noticed that.” She couldn’t help the beginnings of a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. I’m very good at socializing.”
    He walked purposefully over to the French doors and closed them, securing the locks and once more setting the alarm.
    Judith rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think that silly alarm is rather useless?”
    “It will keep everyone else out.” He turned to face her, his brilliant gaze drifting over her, hunger growing in the depths of his eyes. “Take off your clothes. I prefer you wearing only that gold chain and all that soft skin.”
    She felt heat rush through her and settle low. Her nipples reacted, growing into hard pebbles. Color crept up her neck. She felt almost weak with wanting him. There was something so sexy about the way he took command. She loved that he belonged to her. And he did. She had known it the moment her spirit had merged with his. It was comforting to know she could let go with a violent storm of emotions and he could handle it.
    “Judith.”
    The soft impatience in the way he said her name sent another surge of heat coursing through her veins. Electricity sparked in the room. She caught the edge of her shirt almost without thinking and pulled the material over her head. His swift inhale sent a shiver down her spine.
    He stepped close to her, close enough that his masculine scent enveloped her. “Sometimes when I look at