‘Ow!’ He stops, releasing me so I slide against him, kissing me. I taste sweat and a faint tang of blood, his smoke and incense scent curling around me.
‘What’s got into you?’ I say, once I can talk. ‘Not that I’m complaining.’
‘I want you, E. Now.’ His voice is a growl. ‘In that nice bed of ours. Or the shower. Actually, both.’
My knees go weak. ‘I want you, too. But you don’t need to carry me around like a sack of potatoes!’
He grins. ‘Then walk faster.’
‘Oh, just watch me.’ I stride ahead of him, as fast as I can. After a minute or so I realise he hasn’t caught up. I turn. He’s walking a few metres back, his stormy gaze intent on me.
‘What the hell are you doing?’
‘Watching that nice arse of yours and imagining what I’m going to do to it.’
‘Oh my God.’ I maybe let my hips swing a little as I start walking again. Then I’m scooped up, flinging my arms around Michael’s neck and laughing as he carries me the last few steps to the house, taking me over the threshold then setting me down. My body tingles with anticipation, need curling in my stomach. Michael’s shirt is already off by the time we reach the top floor and head into the bathroom together, locking the door.
When I see his arm, I gasp. ‘Michael!’ There’s a huge red welt, already turning purple, across one bicep.
‘What?’ He’s already out of his trousers, sliding down his underwear.
‘You’re hurt.’
‘You can kiss it better. I’m injured in a few other places, as well.’ He winks, then steps into the walk-in shower, turning it on.
A few moments later I join him, pressing my lips to the bruise on his arm, my hands already exploring his body. ‘Does that feel better?’ At his growled assent, I grin. ‘Just tell me where it hurts.’
ChapterForty-Five
CHOICE AND CONSEQUENCE
I’m curled up against Michael, my whole body sated. I never imagined it could be like this, with anyone. I don’t ever want to leave. I definitely cannot go back to Joaquin. But my coronation is only days away.
As though he knows what I’m thinking, Michael pulls me closer, all muscle and heat. ‘I spoke to Eddard, while we were fighting. About the transports.’
‘And?’
‘He can help.’ Michael’s hands stroke lazily up and down my spine, his lips tracing fire down my throat.
‘Michael.’ I manage to get my hands between us, braced against his muscular chest.
‘Hmm?’ His mouth trails lower as he rolls me onto my back.
‘Unfair,’ I gasp, as he reaches a sensitive spot. ‘Stop distracting me. You need to tell me the plan.’
‘Do I?’ He lifts his head, humour in his stormy gaze. ‘Because I can’t quite remember it at the moment.’
‘We can’t stay in bed for ever!’
‘Again, not sure why.’ His teeth graze my nipple.
‘Gods!’ This man will be my undoing, I swear. I tried to muffle myself with the pillow, earlier, but he just laughed, taking it from me and tossing it across the room.
‘Do you want me to stop?’
My head goes back, and I almost give in. ‘Stop,’ I pant.
He stops, though his breath is coming as hard as my own. ‘Fine. There’s another transport coming in, tonight. We need to wait until the humans are cleared, then get on it.’
