Rebel Song Read online

  “Well I will try not to disappoint your expectations.” She winked. “You always do know how to perfect the mood.”

  “Maybe for once we could just forget everything that’s happening. Just be together. I just don’t want to think about all the crazy things going on for a few hours.”

  “I could go for that.” They sat on the blanket and stretched out their legs, letting them bask in the sunlight.

  “I can’t believe you grew up here,” she said wistfully, looking around.

  “Seriously? This from someone who grew up in an actual castle?” Rogan raised an eyebrow.

  Elyra laughed.

  “We like to call it a palace. But I am being serious. Sure, my house is unimaginably big with rooms I’ve probably never even been in, but it was never cozy or private. Not even the gardens are peaceful. There are people—and eyes—everywhere. This place,” she paused and looked around, breathing in the open country air. “This place is serenity.” She leaned her shoulder closer to him.

  Rogan gingerly put an arm around her, waves of panic and electricity still climbing his skin every time he touched her. Not wanting to lose his self-control just yet, he untangled himself and poured a splash of cold wine into two small jars and handed her one.

  “The property has been in my family for years,” he said. “And by years I mean generations. My great, great, granddad planted the first vine.”

  “Mmm. Such a nice thing to have. Let’s see,” she put a finger to her chin and thought. “My house has been in my family for…400 years?”

  Rogan rolled his eyes and she giggled.

  “Yeah, yeah, show off.”

  A cool breeze blew through the vines, cooling the beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he battled both nerves and heat. Would he ever be able to just be around her without looking over his shoulder?

  “I know we said we wouldn’t talk about it, but I’ve been thinking a lot about the last time,” she said in a more serious tone.

  Rogan took a long sip of the cold wine, trying to extinguish his internal bonfire.

  “Yeah?”

  “I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I am absolutely terrified by this. I mean, to-the-bone terrified,” she sighed and paused.

  “That’s natural. We’re all scared of what we might face.”

  “But, you made me realize something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “That the council members are either blind or outright liars.”

  “Okay,” Rogan laughed.

  “Seriously. I mean, some are really in it to serve, like our Minister of Public Works, Brita. She seems to care. But most are in it for the prestige and the power. Whatever kickbacks they may be getting from Pantone. Ugh, he makes my skin crawl.” She shuddered.

  “No arguments here, but isn’t that treasonous to say?” Rogan said half-heartedly.

  She considered it.

  “I’m not sure the Princess Royale can commit treason,” she grinned. “But I realized regardless of whether it’s blind ignorance or apathy, it has to change. If what you say is true, then we are going to be knee deep in civil war before we know it.”

  “Thinking about joining up with us?”

  “Hardly. But I can’t be a mushroom in the dark either. I’m going to try to do something. I’m going to try to stop this thing. I know they all think I’m just a little girl, but I will make them hear me.” Her eyes lit up with fever. He could hardly keep from grabbing her face and thrusting it to him, but he settled for gently caressing her jawline.

  “Do you know how sexy it is to hear you talk like that?” He grinned, painting her cheeks burning pink.

  “I mean it. If this is your fight, then it’s my fight too.”

  “Come here,” he whispered, gently pulling her closer. She reached her arms around him and squeezed tightly, causing him to wince.

  “What is it?” She pulled away startled.

  “Nothing,” he said, putting a little distance between them. “Just a little bruise.”

  “Let me see.” She reached for his shirt.

  “El, no don’t,” he protested, but she ignored him.

  She lifted his black tee shirt, revealing deep purple swirls the size of small oranges where Demos’ rifle had kissed his ribs.

  “My God, what happened?” She breathed.

  Rogan pulled his shirt back down and sighed.

  “A little run-in with a ranger’s rifle,” he said.

  “A city ranger?” She asked wide-eyed.

  “Yep.”

  “Whose?” She insisted.

  “A little gem by the name of Demos. Know him?”

  Elyra scowled.

  “The Captain of the City Guard? Yes, I know him. He’s a real creep but…he did this to you? Why would he do that?”

  Rogan sighed.

  “He and I have a bit of a history, you might say.”

  “History how?”

  “Long story. It’s not important.”

  “Is that what happened inside?”

  “Yeah…they got a little carried away, I guess.”

  Elyra shook her head.

  “But, what did he want?”

  “He was just looking for…information.”

  “Was anyone else hurt?”

  Toro’s playful yelps resonated in his mind. But he wasn’t going to fill her thoughts with that horror. He shook his head.

  “Everyone else is fine. Trust me, it’s better if you don’t know the whole story. I don’t want you in the middle of this.” Her face contorted in preparation for argument but he shot her a look. “I mean it, El.”

  “Well, my father will hear about it.”

  “El, c’mon, think about it. What are you going to tell him? His best captain beat up your secret rebel boyfriend?” Elyra laughed. “I can handle Demos.”

  “One way or another he isn’t going to get away with this,” she said, fiercely.

  Rogan couldn’t hold back a grin at her unadulterated passion. The pain in his abdomen faded into the fall air.

  “Where was I?” He said.

  She met his gaze with narrow cat eyes and leaned in. Forcing self-restraint, he touched her chin gently and eased her mouth to his. Searing heat shot through his lips and down his throat into the depths of his belly. Within seconds he felt like his entire body was burning alive—and he liked it.

  He pulled her closer—every part of their lips brought them deeper. She was losing herself in the moment as she leaned into him, abandoning her defenses. They fell back onto the blanket and Rogan found himself on top of her—she didn’t resist. The pain in his body melted as she ran her hands over the crest tattoo that danced across his bicep, then along his waistline, dipping under his shirt until her fingers traced the searing skin on his back. Then she lifted it up and pulled it over her head. He didn’t object. His tanned skin—decorated with bruises and scars—pressed against her perfectly smooth alabaster canvas. He ran his hand up her leg, up to the soft skin of her thigh, inching her dress up slowly. She didn’t stop him. With as much control as he could manage, he slowly slid her dress down over her shoulder and brought his lips to the pale skin beneath, desperately wanting to tear the fabric away. She reached down and skimmed her fingers along inner rim of his jeans. Flames clutched his insides, but he didn’t flinch.

  A sudden shock shot through him and he pulled himself back. His heart was pounding and his hands were shaking. He leaned away and looked into her bright green eyes—two round gems reflecting the blazing afternoon sun.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” She breathed softly and let her swollen lips fall into a placid smile.

  “If I keep going, I don’t think I can stop myself,” he whispered.

  “I never said you had to,” she said.

  He stared down at her, reading her face for truth.

  “El—”

  “I want to.”

  “Are you sure?” He stroked her lips with his fingertip.

  When she nodded, every
nerve in his body came to attention. He leaned in to press his mouth to hers and mustered every ounce of self-control he had to move slowly.

  Rogan’s heart skipped. He wanted to know her—needed to know her. He summoned a deep breath and fought down waves of panic. The breeze stilled to a tranquil tickle. Grapes and damp dirt and sweat danced on the air. With shaky hands and delicate precision, he let his hands carefully unwrap her body. His heart nearly stopped at the sight of her.

  “You are so beautiful,” he whispered. El’s cheeks flushed and he could see the mix of excitement and nerves in her eyes.

  “I’m nervous,” she whispered.

  He brushed rogue wisps of cinnamon from her cheeks and smiled.

  “I am too.”

  As if it was all she needed to hear, El bit her lip and grinned.

  He let his lips wander her flawless pale skin until she whimpered with need. She cried out softly as they finally moved together. Her eyes widened in discomfort and he froze.

  “It’s okay,” she whispered. “I’m okay. Don’t stop.” He breathed deeply and kissed her.

  Racked with nerves, he sank into her, letting passion take them.

  Afterward they lay on the blanket letting the cool breeze whisk away the beads of sweat on their skin.

  “Are you all right?” Rogan asked as he ran his hand over her soft, flushed skin. She rolled over and shot him a lidded look.

  “I might be more okay in this moment than any other I can remember,” she smiled.

  He leaned over and kissed her shoulder.

  “No regrets?”

  “No regrets.”

  A voice suddenly shattered the moment.

  “Rogan! You home? The door was unlocked so I figured you were out back.”

  “Dammit, Ben.” Rogan groaned and collapsed against her. He shot up and fumbled with the blanket. Elyra’s eyes were both panicked and laughing. He put his finger to his lips and motioned a hush. “Stay here,” he whispered, pulling his shirt back on while she fumbled to pull on her dress. He kissed her sweaty forehead then scrambled up and ducked away toward the voice.

  “Rogan?” Benton emerged from around the corner and caught sight of him.

  “Ben. What are you doing out here?”

  “There you are. I’ve been yelling like crazy. What are you doing?”

  “Oh, just some work on the back stretch. Nothing really,” Rogan sputtered.

  Ben eyed him suspiciously and Rogan did his best to smooth his disheveled hair inconspicuously.

  “You’re shirt’s on backward,” Ben shot him a keen smile and a raised eyebrow. “And inside out.”

  “Oh…um…” Rogan fumbled his words, completely caught off guard, examining the backside of his tee shirt.

  “Haha! Never thought I’d catch you with your pants down. Finally!”

  “Keep your voice down,” Rogan snapped. Ben looked aback.

  “Why, what’s the big deal? Who is it?” He asked light heartedly. Rogan’s face burned scarlet. “Ooh, now I have to know! It’s Iris, isn’t it? I knew it was bound to happen.” Ben laughed and made a move toward the gazebo.

  “Ben, stop! I mean it. It’s not Iris. Just go. I’ll catch up with you later.”

  Ben ignored him and moved past him to peer over the row of vines blocking his view.

  “Definitely not Iris. Very nice. Never knew you were into redheads though. Where’d you find her?”

  Rogan grabbed his shoulder yanked him back.

  “None of your damn business.”

  Benton grinned.

  “You like this girl. In fact, I think you’ve been seeing someone behind my back and holding out on me.”

  Rogan’s lips tightened at the accusation. He was terrible at lying to Ben.

  “No, it’s nothing like that. She’s no one.”

  Benton’s grin suddenly faded and he gave Rogan a doubtful look.

  “What’s going on? Why are you being so secretive?”

  “It’s just embarrassing is all.”

  “Why, who is she?” Ben narrowed his eyes. He knew when he was being lied to and it was one thing he wouldn’t stand for from Rogan. “You’re not related or something perverse like that?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Who are you?” Ben shouted out through the vines.

  Rogan punched his shoulder.

  “Just drop it Ben. She’s no one…”

  But Ben’s eyes had already fixated on her as she stood and straightened her dress and hair. He took a step closer, squinting. Her auburn locks radiated like smoldering embers in the sun.

  “She looks familiar,” Ben said under his breath without conviction. “I know her…”

  “No, you don’t. I assure you, you don’t.” Rogan pulled his arm but Ben stood firm.

  “No,” Ben shook his finger in the air. “I do. I’ve seen her picture or something. She’s…” Suddenly his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Holy shit. Rogan, what have you done?”

  CHAPTER 25

  “Ben, you have to forget what you’ve seen,” Rogan insisted, looking Ben square in the eye.

  “Rog, this is…this is…I don’t have the words for what this is,” Ben stood with his mouth agape and his eyes wide in disbelief. “That’s…that’s…she’s…” he stuttered with his hand pointing toward Elyra.

  “I know. I know. I know. I hardly believe it myself.”

  “How? How does this even happen?”

  “It’s a long story. One I’m not sure is even real. But, all I know is what I feel is real. And the only thing that’s kept it that way is that it’s been a secret.”

  “This is goddamned unbelievable.” Ben brought his hand to his forehead and pressed it hard. “What were you thinking? What is she thinking? You both could be arrested. Tried for treason. Killed!”

  Rogan raised his hand up to hush Ben.

  “Please, calm down. I know what the risks are. I’ve known for a long time, as has she. But, it’s beyond that now. We’re in too deep.”

  “Does…does she know about you? About us—the Cause?”

  “Yes. She does. And you’d be surprised how sympathetic she is.”

  Ben narrowed his eyes.

  “What have you told her?” Ben’s tone hardened.

  “Nothing. Nothing anyone could use against us if it came down to it. But we can trust her Ben, believe me.”

  “This is impossible!” Ben began to pace. “What am I supposed to say here Rogan? It’s practically a betrayal.”

  “How do you figure that? I’ve betrayed nothing, no one.”

  “She’s the daughter of our sworn enemy, that’s how!”

  “You’re going to have to believe that when I first met her, I didn’t even know who she was. I’d already fallen for her by the time I knew.”

  “Bullshit!” Ben snapped. “Her face is all over the papers.”

  Rogan stared at him blankly and nodded. The tabloids did love to catch her on camera.

  “Yeah, that’s true. But I’ve never paid attention to all that media crap before, you know that.”

  “How long as this been going on?” Ben glared at him.

  Rogan sighed.

  “I’ve known her…I guess six, eight months.”

  Ben sucked in a breath and stumbled as if someone had kicked him in the gut. He backed away with wild, disbelieving eyes.

  “Whoa, you’ve been involved with the princess of Arelanda—the King’s daughter—like the most important girl in the country, for the better part of a year and you’ve never told me?”

  Rogan reached out a hand to touch his friend’s shoulder, but Ben swatted him away.

  “Ben, I couldn’t. You know how serious this situation is. I couldn’t tell anyone, for all our sakes. It wasn’t safe.”

  “You could have told me. I’ve known you my entire life and you keep this from me.”

  “You know it’s not that simple.”

  “I thought we had trust.”

  “Ben please—”


  Ben shook his head.

  “Just get away from me. I can’t look at you.” Ben threw his hands up in anger and turned to go.

  “Ben!” Rogan shouted but Ben didn’t look back as he moved toward his motorbike. Rogan watched a gravel-filled dust cloud circle up as Ben’s bike disappeared down the road.

  He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  “It’s bad isn’t it?” She asked.

  Rogan nodded. He turned to face her. Her green eyes were wet with worry.

  “Yes. I’d be lying if I said otherwise.” He shook his head. “It’s very bad. If he tells anyone, I don’t know what will happen.”

  Elyra’s lips began to quiver and she sucked in a breath.

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He touched her chin and brought her head up to look him in the eye.

  “Don’t be. This isn’t your fault. We both knew the risks. Ben is my best friend. He’s not going to betray us. He’s just upset I lied to him. He’s always had a short temper,” he tried to pacify her fears. He kissed her forehead.

  “So what do we do now?” Elyra wiped a few stray tears from her face.

  “I’ll need to talk to him. Explain everything. He thinks I’ve betrayed him. I have to make him understand this isn’t what he thinks—that I kept it from him for his own safety.”

  “Will he believe you?”

  Rogan sighed and smirked, then kissed her hand.

  “Probably not.”

  CHAPTER 26

  Rogan felt like the moment of truth was on him when he strode into the cannery basement and walked to the front of the room. He could feel Ben’s hard glare on him but deep down he knew his secret was safe. Ben was hot-headed and rash but he was fiercely loyal. Nothing could get between them. Not even this. Not before he had a chance to explain. Right? He walked past a table lined with knives and tried to remain calm.

  “Rogan,” Cable acknowledged him. “Good to see you finally.”

  “Hey Cable.” He’d been avoiding Cable since Demos’ visit to the ranch.

  “I heard about what they did to you and your place. Are you all right? Heard your ribs were a little busted up.”