Page 130 of Destiny of a King

She held his gaze.

Dravic had never been a man who needed many words. He commanded with a look, decided without hesitation and expected others to accept his decisions. But tonight he seemed to be searching for words.

“I have never needed a particular woman in my life. Any woman would do for the moment.”

Adira’s heart sank despite herself.

His hand tightened gently at her waist. “But I need you. I want you.”

She stared at him.

“I want you beside me when I wake. I want you there when the day ends. I want you arguing with me without saying a damned word and smiling when you know you’ve won.”

Her eyes began to sting with tears.

Dravic’s gaze grew more intense. “I don’t know when it happened. I only know there will be no going back from it.”

Adira felt as if her heartbeat stilled.

He drew her closer and pressed his hand to her chest, then tapped it. “I love you, Adira. Not just now, not this moment, but forever.”

The world seemed to disappear. Shock stole every thought from her, and she smiled and pressed her hand to his chest, then tapped it as a single tear fell from one eye.

Dravic smiled, a wide smile. “You understand and you love me as well.”

She nodded in response, pleased she could hear his declaration of love, but it was his smile that brought her such joy. Never had she seen him smile that broadly. Their love made him truly happy.

He brushed the single tear away. “Forever, my love. Our love will be forever.”

She threw her arms around him and held him with all the strength she possessed.

Tonight belonged to them… a man and a woman in love.

Tomorrow she would wake in the arms of the king.

Chapter Thirty-One

A Dangerous Escape

A Secret No More

Dravic caught her around her waist and pulled her against him, laughing, then nibbled along her neck. She melted against him just as she did in the middle of the night when they woke and made love quickly. And again, only a short time ago when they woke, a quick joining. Far too worried a knock would sound at the door, and their secret would be discovered.

He wanted to make this time alone with her last, touch her as he pleased, kiss her, hug her, and have her do the same with him. For once they left the cottage, they could do none of that.

He was king and she was his companion.

Dravic scowled at the thought and pulled her closer.

Adira smiled up at him, her arms slipping around his neck.

“I suppose we cannot remain in here forever.”

She rested her head against his chest as though perfectly willing to try.

Dravic smiled. He liked the idea far more than he should.

A flutter of movement near the hearth caught his attention.