8.2 Confrontation

Your anger gives you a bolstered sense of confidence, driving you to continue forward. Tired of living in fear, you are determined to put an end to your feelings of apprehension. Squaring your shoulders, you stop before the man unable to mask your discontent. "What are you doing here?" You demand sharply while attempting to appear authoritative. Nereus' briefly glances down at you unwavered, dismissing your question, he instead turns to address your guard. You are surprised to hear him greet them by name, however, more shocked by their instant compliance at his request for them to depart. Your counter demand that they remain falls on insubordinate ears. Glaring furiously, you divert your attention back to the cause of your vexation. "If you are here for an answer, I will gladly provide it to you now. It is a resounding 'no'." A sardonic smile spreads across Nereus' face before he finally replies, "I had expected that to be your response." Frowning in concern at his lack of defeat, you feel yourself growing increasingly uneasy. Taking a step back, you're acutely aware of how alone you are.

However, your persistence to regain the upper hand stops you from moving away further. Remaining in place, Nereus keeps his gaze fixed on you, the sardonic smile now replaced by a stern expression. Remembering your last encounter with him, you choose not to reply to his baited response. Instead you fold your arms over your chest defensively while attempting to match is hard stare. After a moment he slowly steps forward, leaving little space in between you. Willing your body not to react, you purse your lips, waiting for him to speak. "I admire your spirit." He remarks, his tone indicating this is hardly the case. "Though it seems you do not remember your lesson." Flinching slightly, your nerves waver slightly at his words. "How could I forget?" You snap, summoning what little courage remains. "Your show of overpowering a weaker foe, meant to display dominance yet ultimately on revealed cowardice." Nereus' expression briefly contorts to anger then returns to cold indifference. "Consider yourself lucky you find yourself in a less secluded area this time."

Scoffing lightly you tilt your chin up defiantly while asking, "Does that really matter to you? After all, you already seem in possession of sway over my own guard." Nereus pauses almost thoughtfully as if contemplating your question. "Loyalty and propriety are two qualities often lacking in today's society." He comments softly, appearing to speak sincerely for once. "Their absence can only lead to instability." Frowning again, you find his new honesty uneasy. Regardless, you continue pushing yourself further. "And you are the one who will bring back stability?" You question, your tone of doubt unmasked. The continued silence around you only increases your levels of apprehension. Your body quickly grows rigid when he reaches out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "Why do you think there is an election to begin with?" His words elicit an immediate reaction, quickly pulling back you look at him in confusion. "You are responsible for the deaths of Nikias and Aurelius?" You ask slowly, trying to process this new information.

Nereus' shows no signs of emotions when he replies, "Not in the method of my choosing, however, subterfuge can often have its place above brute ****." Shifting slightly, you find yourself somewhat conflicted. After taking a moment to study his form you stare into his eyes thoughtfully. "Perhaps you were right about your previous suggestion." He raises an eyebrow quizzically but does not speak. Taking a step forward you brazenly place your hand on his forearm. "I could use your assistance, though not as your subordinate." You startle visibly when Nereus lets out a cold laugh before retorting, "You think I would ever be subservient to someone like you?" Smiling coyly, you slowly slip your other hand down his side. "I doubt you could be subservient to anyone." Your own words sound muffled against the loud thumping of your heart against your chest. Before he can respond you have already wrapped your fingers around the hilt of one of his daggers. In a swift motion you bring it up and press it against his neck. His eyes flash in intrigue but he does not move to stop you.

"Do you intend to kill me?" He asks almost lazily, a small smirk tugging at his mouth. Swallowing your initial reflex to react hostilely, you opt to offer him your own smile. "Now where would be the propriety in that?" You feel one of his hands slip around your raised wrist. Instead of removing it, he instead pulls it closer to him. Your eyes widen in surprise as beads of blood begin running down his neck. Stepping back, you find yourself unable to pull your hand away. Blinking in surprise, you slowly regain your composure. Realizing this is some test or game, you quickly dismiss your apprehension. Smiling again, you lean forward pressing more of your weight against the object. An almost pleased look comes over Nereus face before he finally moves your hand away. The superficial wound continues dripping blood as he roughly applies pressure to your hand, forcing you to drop the dagger. "After our last meeting, I did not take you for the daring type." He remarks thoughtfully, though his face has lost any sign of amusement. "Tell me, what has changed?"

Watching him tentatively, you carefully gage your answer. "I have nothing to lose." He moves forward again, causing the material of his tunic to brush against you. "That may be the first honesty you have admitted thus far." The sudden sensation of his hand running down the middle of your back momentarily distracts you from his words. Glancing to the side, you feel yourself growing at a disadvantage. Inhaling deeply, you slowly return your gaze to meet his own. Smirking slightly, you reach down, slipping your fingers beneath the fabric covering his lower half. You feel his body stiffen in response when they wrap around his half engorged member. Taking advantage of this moment you're able to quickly pull your other hand out of his grasp. Reaching forward, you grab on to the front of his tunic, pulling him down. "Is this honest enough for you?" You ask teasingly, while softly running your hand along his length. To your relief you feel his body respond enthusiastically, though his expression appears conflicted. Frowning he quickly replaces his hand tightly around your wrist.

Keeping your expression neutral, you continue moving your other hand rhythmically. His eyes bore into you as his hand continues to apply ****. Tightening your own grip, you pull yourself closer, violently slamming your mouth against his own. The pressure on your hand releases as Nereus is momentarily caught off guard. Masking your distaste, you continue pressing your lips against his. After a moment he swiftly pulls back, looking down at you in confusion. "What are you trying at?" He demands, face slightly flushed and angry. Smirking again, you shrug your shoulders lightly before answering, "Perhaps it is time you are taught a lesson." Clearly annoyed with his momentary fluster, Nereus straightens his back defensively. "You are an insolent wench." He seethes, beginning to undo the ties holding his tunic in place. Determined not to back down you haughtily retort back, "Then why do I sense your apprehension?" His eyes flash again as he lunges forward, rough grabbing you by the arm. Undeterred, you laugh bitterly in response, "You do not frighten me."

Nereus remains silent as he begins dragging you back into a more secluded area of the garden. "We will see about that." He finally states, shoving you against one of the trees surrounding you. Grabbing your hands, he quickly pulls them together then wraps the band from his waist around them. Scowling softly, you're unable to stop him from securing your arms to one of the lower hanging branches. Finding yourself facing away from him, you wait anxiously for his next move. An involuntary shiver runs down your back when you feel his hands begin ripping away at the fabric covering your back. There's a momentary pause before his fingers run down the length of your spine. "So delicate and untarnished." He comments darkly as his hand moves down to your waist. Biting your lip softly, you begin having reservations about your situation. Before you can begin contemplating an exit, his hot breath brushes against the nape of your neck. Tensing, you're acutely aware of his hand continuing to travel down the back of your thigh. Closing your eyes, you're powerless to stop him from pulling your legs apart.

A sharp exhale quickly leaves you when he roughly forces himself into your tight opening. Gritting your teeth, you struggle to keep your balance against his onslaught. Nereus hands return to your waist and begin untying the band holding the remains of your torn garments. Once it is undone, instead of taking it off, he holds either end in both hands, using it to pull you back closer to him. Gasping out again, you writhe uncomfortably against your restraints. Despite this discomfort, you're unable to deny the anticipation that has built through your discourse. Keeping your eyes closed, you focus on the sensations of pleasure while he continues ramming his large member deeper inside. The material around your waist digs in deeper as you're pulled back with each movement. Warm liquid steadily trickles down your bare thighs and splashes onto the ground below. Breathing out again, you're unable to hold back any longer. Moaning deeply, you feel your inner walls clench around his thick shaft as more liquid quickly runs down your legs.

Unrelenting, Nereus continues his forcible **** with increased vigor. Your legs tremble as you struggle to steady your breath. Twisting around slightly, you glance back and see his form violently slamming against your own. Panting lightly, you moan again, strangely responding to the sight. Biting your lip again, you feel your face grow flush with increased lust. "More." You find yourself groaning while arching deeper into his thrusts. There is a slight pause and you're surprised to feel the band loosen from your waist. This surprise quickly dissipates when it is swiftly repositioned around your delicate neck. Your eyes widen slightly at the initial shock and pain. However, as his rough barrage continues, the pain quickly becomes lost in the feelings of pleasure. Taking in small breaths of air, you eventually relax enough to experience another intense climax. Still recovering from the electric sensations of ecstasy, you're barely aware of the band being released again. You do, however, snap to attention when he begins untying your wrists.

Slowly turning around to face him, you give him a confused look when he places the band in your free hands. "Do you believe you can live up to your untamed speech?" He questions, regarding you somewhat intently. Smiling coyly, you fiddle with the band toyingly as you reply, "Undoubtedly." Reaching forward, you place your palms against his shoulders, moving him back. He doesn't fight you as he pushes against the same tree to which you had been previously restrained. Tilting your head slightly, you study him carefully while running your hands down his broad arms. He matches your gaze as your hands wrap around his wrists, pulling his arms up in the motion. Lifting yourself up on your toes, you strain slightly to tie the band around him. In a similar fashion, you secure the other end to a slightly sturdier branch. Tentatively running your eyes across his bare form, something stirs slightly in your depths. Suppressing the urge to frown, you can't help but feel skeptical about his unexpected submission. Pausing momentarily, you quickly consider your options.