Excerpt: Paladin

Short excerpt written on NaNo Day 4:

“I see you’ve remembered how you should act towards me, Ceta Lars.” The cold edge to his voice inched needles under her skin. His head tilted. “Remember what I am. What my role is.” He moved closer and she had to fight the need to back away. She was chained to him, escape was impossible. “I maintain order on this ship. I’m the iron hand of the Master.” His finger edged her lip and she gasped, fighting the wild mix of arousal and fear that twisted through her body. “If it was the Master’s will that I have you, then I would.” A hard smile curved his mouth. “I’ve performed for him before.”