I had earned my freedom, hadn't I?

He can't take it from me.

I ate none of his food. I recalled the conditions he'd put on me here.

I was staring at him, waiting for him to make some move. But he made none. I picked up my dress but found it tattered as though a bear had clawed through it.

Apparently, it had been my dress tearing. That answered that question.

"There are more in the armoire." He gestured with a thumb to a vast wooden construction standing near his side of the bed. Still seeming preoccupied with his own hands.

Hands that'd been all over me.

I stepped over his white dark shirt and realized it too was in pieces.

I tore his clothes as well. I'd been in great haste to feel his skin.

The images of me touching his chest before he'd shoved me back on the bed, came in flashes. How I'd caressed over him reverently. Wanting to feel every part of his body.

***

Closing my eyes against the images I fled to the armoire. Tossing open the doors to grab the first dress I saw. One of silver satin with shimmering lace over it. I snatched it out and climbed into it. Not even bothering to do the fastens on the back, I clutched it to my chest.

"Which way is out?"

Giving me a lopsided grin, he didn't move.

After what seemed an eternity, he slid from the bed onto his bare feet.

My gaze was instantly drawn to his cock. The bare piece of him that had sunk into my flesh. It was large and imposing. Making me take a step back as I wondered if he'd take me again. Certain I could no more resist him now then I already had.

As my gaze slid up, he smirked.

And he was instantly dressed. His clothes from the floor gone.

But what he wore now, was in pristine condition.

Fey magic.

***

He walked toward me, and I turned to bolt but my feet locked in place. His arms draped over me, placing a white cloak over my shoulders then circling before me so he could drop his face into the crook of my neck.

A touching gesture for one so wicked.

Jason had held me like that, but it had never felt so intimate. So blatantly sexual. But Jason wasn't as tall or dominating either.

I swallowed hard. Realizing I didn't want to move. I wanted to enjoy the way this felt.

I felt warm, safer than I ever had, sheltered in his arms. As if he'd look after me all of my days.

Probably how they all felt when he trapped them at court. I told myself. Forcing the bitterness back. And driving me forward from his arms.

I could feel him behind me. Staring at my back but saying nothing.

"This way." He finally whispered.

I barely heard the words before he caught my arm and turning me to lead me before him out the doorway of the chamber. Down the stairs. He tugged open the dual front doors and let the morning sun pour in and disperse over the marbled floor. Brightening the room.

I didn't look back at the banquet table. Afraid I might be tempted when I was so close to freedom.

***

He walked me out the doors and to the trees. Then everything became blurred flashes as he pulled my hand. Guiding me through the woods expertly. But too fast for me to remember how I'd gotten there.

Soon the trees grew thick and dark, and we stepped through them to reveal the creek where I'd been bathing.

"Just know..." He stood next to me, staring at the water rather than looking at me. "you're the first one I've ever let go. And to do that when you have something so precious to me, speaks to how remarkable a woman you are."

I frowned at him focused on his first words. "Let go? You couldn't keep me. I ate nothing."

"I didn't say eat, Sweet Thing." He turned his head to level that brown gaze on me, coldly. "I said taste anything."

I gasped and put a hand to my lips. Realizing what he meant.

I'd tasted him. I vaguely remembered nipping him. His kisses, my lips showering wet kisses along his chest.

I blinked at him in horror.

"Now you see..." He blinked slowly. "I am indeed, releasing the pretty little bird I'd caught in my web."

I wanted to ask why but was too afraid of the answer.

"Just remember that what you have, is still mine. No matter what your precious fiance says." There was bitterness with a tinge of annoyance marking his voice.

I was quick to defend my love. "His name is Jason Charters, Lord Charters." I said proudly. "He's a good man. The best I've ever known."

"Good. I wouldn't want you with anything else. Nor for else to raise my offspring." He turned and was stepping through the trees. His dark figure already being swallowed by their depths.

"What?"

"My son. You may marry the man but my son you name after me. A bit of remembrance to comfort you all the nights you'll lie awake thinking of my touch..." He didn't look back.

I took a step after him to keep him in view a moment longer.

"I don't even know your name!" I squawked. Praying he was wrong.

About all of it! What he's saying is insanity.

"Bodin." He called back. His voice fading into the woods as he vanished.

Leaving me there alone.

As if my life hasn't changed forever...

THE END

(THIS IS THE PRELUDE TO HIS BY LAW)

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For the early release other erotic short stories like it as well as early release updates to ongoing novellas, visit me on Patreon at:

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