Can you handle the ride?
Royal Partnerships
Road to Hell series #4
by Gracen Miller
(aka Horroromance because it's a little horror mixed with romance)
âSo was becoming Queen of Hell. Whatâs problematic about going with the flow?â
More of the same unblinking stare from him. âIf you go rogue, Madisonâ¦â
Madison slammed against the window-wall behind her. Despite the paneâs solidness, she felt it shimmy when it received the brunt of her weight. Recognizing Zenâs new demonstration of power, she elevated her eyebrows at him. With a smirk, she rubbed her back against the glass. She palmed her dragon blade as she flung a ninja star. He leaned to the side, dodging the star with ease. Of course she missed.
âYou canât kill me.â
Only his creator could take him down.
Madison palmed her other dagger and eased away from the window. âIs this you coming for me, Zen?â
His one-shoulder shrug sufficed as an answer. The pounding on the door, followed by Nix and Micahâs yelling further answered her question. Zen had magically locked them out. Thatâd been why she saw his power flare for a brief second during their conversation.
She went for him. He blocked each jab and slash. Every kick and punch. She eyed him as they circled one another.
He toys with us, her demon remarked.
Of course he does, that was Zenâs way when they sparred.
âHave I not taught you anything?â He smacked her across the cheek in a whip-like move she hadnât seen coming. It wasnât hard enough to hurt, but the blow stung all the same. âYou tire yourself knowing Iâm the superior fighter. Itâs like you sacrifice yourself to me. Too easy.â
They went at it again. She tripped over a rug, stumbled backward, and came up dead-footed with her spine against the windowpanes. He moved into her space. Eye-to-eye they stared at one another, her panting the only racket in the room.
âSo this is how it all ends?â she asked as he elevated a hand and braced it against the glass next to her head.
âMaybe...â
The door practically throbbed from all the kicking, pounding, and magic thrown at it.
âYouâre scaring my men.â
âThey should be terrified.â
Madison settled her hand on his arm. âI trust you.â
She chugged his magic harder than she ever had anyoneâs, and screamed as pain slashed through her head. Zenâs eyes widened, silver bright, and he jerked away as his magic held strong, barring her husbands from the room.
Zen stumbled, his footing off, and he swayed a moment before going to a knee. Wincing as the pain receded, Madison circled him and secured her blade in its leather holster.
She threaded her fingers in his hair and pulled his head back. His shallow breathing surprised her, âConcede defeat?â