just beyond the stone lions as Li Tao approached the mansion. A hint of movement and nothing more, but enough to awaken his pulse. He pulled the horse to a halt at the end of the dirt road, right before the walkway to the house, and dismounted. The rest of his escort continued to the stables. By then, Suyin had emerged, her hand perched tentatively against the statue’s paw. The guard patrol tensed as she stepped past them, but they stood back after meeting his eyes for confirmation. The show of will was unmistakable. Suyin tested the boundaries at every opportunity.
She came down the steps, but stopped wide to stare uncertainly at his steed. Her dress smoothed over her elegant figure in the warm colours of a sunrise. The sight of her was always a new start, breaking the monotony of dirt roads, forest green and colourless sky.
‘Lady Ling,’ he greeted.
She cast her eyes downwards. ‘Governor Li.’
The formal address hid a secret intimacy. That, and the way she had obviously been waiting for him, made his body tighten with anticipation.
On a whim, Li Tao beckoned her forwards. ‘Don’t be afraid.’
He held on to the reins with one hand and reached the other out to her. She hesitated before stepping towards him, staring warily at the horse the entire time. The animal let out a snort as she neared.
‘He doesn’t like me,’ she complained.
‘Come, I’ll show you how. You can’t be carried around in a palanquin all the time.’
Their eyes met and there could be no mistake about the thought that passed between them. She’d clung to him as their bodies joined. They had found release in each other’s arms, skin to skin. The rest of this was merely distraction.
Her fingers remained stiff in his grasp as he lifted them towards the horse’s neck. Suddenly the animal tossed his head in a violent motion. She gave a little shriek and fell back against him. He laughed as he held her and she curved into the contours of his body as if she belonged there.
‘Black demon,’ she cursed.
He didn’t know if she was referring to him or the horse. ‘He can sense your fear. If you remain calm, he’ll remain calm.’
She looked up in awe. ‘We didn’t have horses in the village where I came from.’
‘I was fifteen before I ever rode a horse or lifted a sword.’
Or learned to read and write. Lao Sou, lord of the assassins, had insisted he would need those skills if he were ever to be anything more than a gutter rat. He hadn’t been born to the life of the warrior class, but he had adapted, much as Suyin had. They’d become what they needed to.
He pressed her fingers against the horse’s neck again; this time the animal accepted the touch, his muscles straining beneath the sleek coat. Unaided, she stroked her fingers over the horse once more. Li Tao had thought of those hands often during the day, as well as her perfect mouth and the way she had been curled up asleep in his bed when he’d left.
The stable boy came to take the reins and they were finally alone together.
‘Auntie didn’t know if you would return today,’ she said.
‘Did you consider my proposal?’
Her lips curved slightly. ‘You don’t waste any words.’
‘I don’t have the time.’
‘Only a month.’
She pulled away from him, her eyes growing sharp with challenge. This was the Lady Ling he’d come to know, always planning. It would be crude to remind her of how her nails had dug into his back as she shuddered beneath him. She was at once the innocent and the seductress, and both held him captive.
One month would hardly be enough, but even these moments were an extravagance he could barely afford.
‘Walk with me.’ She turned towards the path leading into the bamboo groves without waiting for his reply. ‘I hear there is a lake nearby.’
Obligingly, he waved his men back. The area surrounding the compound was secure enough for them to take this short distance in private. Her arm brushed against his and she shifted away awkwardly, aware of every touch. The careless banter that always rolled effortlessly from her lips no longer served her.
‘Auntie told me you spared Ru Shan’s life,’ she said after a pause.
‘I didn’t do it for you.’
‘Still, I thank you.’
‘Do not speak of him again,’ he said stiffly.
They continued the rest of the way in silence. If Ru Shan ever came near her again, Li Tao wouldn’t be so