I let out a breathless laugh. “Oh, I’m sure I could manage.”
“I mean it, Ellie,” he rumbled, his thumb caressing my cheek. “You’ve exceeded expectations. I won’t abandon you.”
“Such fine words,” I murmured. I turned, pressing my lips against his palm. Our eyes locked as I moved, his gaze sharpening where our skin met.
“We should visit the temple.”
He made no move to pull away, and neither did I.
“Relying on Leihim’s guidance?”
“If there’s a chance that we might find answers, we need to try.”
“And if there are none?”
“We’ll confront that path as it unfolds.”
I nipped his palm, and he withdrew, thumb brushing my lips. Hunger blazed in his eyes, and I closed the distance, his hands settling on my hips, neither drawing me closer nor pushing me away.
I took hope in this revelation.
My voice trembled with nerves, heart racing. “What if tonight was our last?”
A rejection now would shatter the facade I maintained into a thousand pieces.
My hands slid to his sides, tugging at the buckles of his formal attire. His eyes ignited with desire, throat moving as he swallowed. It was empowering to see this fearless man, unflinching in any punishment my brother could mete out, now tremble at my touch.
“I would serve you,” he said, tone husky and raw.
His fingers curled at the small of my back, drawing me closer. Blood rushed in my ears as I pressed against his armor, the barrier suddenly unbearable, and I tugged at the buckles with heightened urgency.
“Serve me how?” I breathed, tipping my head.
He cleared his throat, eyes dropping to my lips. His hold on me tightened, relaying his apprehension. “With my life.”
“With your body?” My teeth sank into my lip to contain my grin.
“If you asked it of me.”
“What if I didn’t?” I abandoned the buckles in my impatience, lacing my fingers around the nape of his neck. The gesture pushed my frame flush against his, and I tugged his face closer to mine.
“I wouldn’t act without your consent.” His voice was rough, and he searched my expression as if seeking affirmation.
“And if Ididwant your advances?” I murmured, threading my fingers into his short hair, tugging him close. “What if I dreamed of you, craved you?”
His breath hitched, and he closed his eyes, collecting himself. I was his undoing. Power thrummed through my veins, watching my Valahant, my champion, my steadfast Sainte attempt to compose himself against this flame burning between us. When his gaze returned to mine, fierce desire bloomed in those swirling depths.
“Do you dream of me?” I asked.
“We are connected through the velebond,” he said. “I am bound to you. You will always lead.”
He dropped low, gripping my thighs, then lifted me against him. I gasped and, on instinct, wrapped my legs around his waist as he spun, settling me on the table. My heart pounded without mercy as I stared into his eyes—I was so sure he could hear it.
“If I were but a man,” he leaned close, lips pausing but a breath from mine, “or a noble worthy of a queen–”
“You–”
He darted forward, cutting my words short as he pressed his mouth on that tender place just below my ear. Heat exploded within me, a delicious flush that sent flutters low in my belly.
