"To give an example, when Tomas was twelve, Eduardo's idea of turning him into a man was to bring in an escort to initiate him in the art of sex. I was helpless to stop it, because his word was law and if I had voiced my objections, he would have banned me from seeing my son." Sofia firmed her lips. "The king's idea of manhood was to have as many women as possible, and he taught my son that. He humiliated me at every turn. My son was witness to it and lost respect for me. I did nothing, I just took it."
She shook her head. "When the king died, I forced Tomas to talk to me and he vented. I just have to thank God that somehow he's different from his father." She leveled Antoinette with a look. "He's different. Ever since you came here, he's been different. You challenge him."
"You're the first woman who ever has. He's spoiled. Women pursue him, but since recently he has been taking a more active role in the running of the kingdom. He's staying put and that's on you."
"I..." Antoinette shook her head.
"I think he's in love with you."
Antoinette shook her head even as the hope soared. "No. He cannot be."
"Why?" Sofia smiled slightly. "Because as you termed it, you're not his type? I was chosen to marry the king and had all the right requirements and that still did not make him love me. I wanted more for my son and falling in love with someone like you has made me happy. So, my dear, you can give up that idea of leaving. I won't let you. Now," she added briskly, firmly declaring the discussion had ended. "About the decorations. This is a very big event and we're going all out."
********************
"Oh, for crying out loud!" She gripped the towel securely around her when she stepped into the room after her shower. "You cannot keep coming into my room as if you own it."
"It so happens I do. You look delightfully wet and absolutely adorable. You have tendrils of hair hanging down and curling on your neck. Why don't I dry you off?"
"Go away!" Stomping further into the room, she yanked out her nightgown drawer and chose one at random. Completelyignoring him, she went into the closet, slammed the door shut and dragged on the thin blue silk. "Great!" she huffed out softly. He was going to take the fact that she was wearing silk as an invitation.
Dragging the doors open, she marched into the room to see him propped up on the pillows, his hands supporting his head. He looked like a sultan, the smile curving his lips warm and inviting. "I told your mother I wanted to leave."
His smile became a frown as he continued to stare at her. "Why on earth would you say that?"
Plopping her hands on her hips, she was too busy sizzling to notice that his interest had turned from her face to the taut stretching of the material across her bosom. From where he was, he could clearly see the outline of her nipples.
"I love my job. It's diverse and highly interesting. I get to make autonomous decisions and am respected for the work I do. I don't want to leave, but you're making it impossible."
"By constantly invading your room?" He reluctantly tore his gaze away from her bosom. But it was no use, he was already powerless to stop the desire coursing through his body.
"By making me think..." She bit her lip and refused to continue.
"By making you what?" he persisted, his eyes on her face. She had the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that he suspected what she'd been about to say.
"Nothing."
He sat up and swung his legs off the bed. Antoinette had to force herself to remain where she was. "That I feel something for you?" His deep voice was soft, his hands rubbing her arms. "That I've tried to deny it so many times, but I'm in love with you?" Her eyes went wide as she stared at him. "That you're the first woman I've ever said that to?"
He drew her in, inexorable, his eyes still on hers. "That I cannot see myself without you in my life? It's all true."
"No." She shook her head wildly, causing the loose topknot to tumble over her shoulders. "Don't do this to me," she pleaded.
"I'm not him." He zeroed in on her fears immediately. "I promise to be faithful..."
"You cannot promise that! Look at you and look at me. You're a prince, while I..." She shook her head again. "I don't believe in fairytales, and this is not fantasy. I'm no princess..."
"You're mine." His hands tightened on her arms. "I won't let you leave and it's going to take time proving to you that I mean every word." He tilted her face up, eyes searching each feature. "Come to bed with me and let me prove to you that I need you." He drew her towards the bed. Before she could climb in, he removed her nightgown and then his robe.
"I'll be spending the night and every night in your arms from now on." He turned her to face him, his hands cupping her cheeks.
"Tomas..."
"I love the way you say my name," he whispered hoarsely, lips brushing against hers. "It does all sorts of things to my insides." He nibbled on her bottom lip and sent her senses soaring. "I never planned on you, Señorita Carter." He kissed the sting away, before tracing the curve of her lip with the tip of his tongue. "You just happened."
He parted her lips with his tongue, kissing lightly, tangling with hers and then retreating slowly, erotically, firing her blood even more. "You took me by surprise. Yanked the rug out from underme and I am still floored." His mouth drifted to her neck, the enchanting curve, then the hollow of her throat. He nipped at the skin above her breast, causing her to arch towards him. He teased the nipple, first bathing it with his tongue and then blowing on it.
The sensation was exquisite. Her fingers clutched at him as she turned her body towards his. Her hands wandered freely for the first time over wide shoulders, before exploring the crisp dark hairs covering a muscled chest. He flinched reflexively when she touched his nipples and went stiff when she ducked her head to use her tongue.
