Page 70 of Destiny of a King

He stepped away from her. Until he could make a wise decision, he would do nothing… but keep her close.

The distance puzzled Adira. Only moments ago, his gentle touch had stolen her breath. When his fingers had brushed beneath her eye, she had felt something pass between them. Warm, strong, and unmistakably real.

She had seen it in his eyes as clearly as she had felt it in his touch.

He cared for her and more deeply than she had imagined.

The certainty settled quietly within her. It did not frighten her. It felt right, as if it had always been there waiting for her to recognize it.

Then why had he stepped away?

She stared at his back, his hand resting on the mantel and his head bent to the fire in the hearth. She knew her place with him, lines not to cross, but since he kissed her those lines had begun to blur. She was not quite sure what was expected of her. Or what she expected of herself.

She went to him and, without hesitation, rested her hand on his shoulder.

He turned slowly.

Adira stepped back. She had seen his eyes like this before. One of the many women who visited his bedchamber for an evening would be summoned and she would be sent to her room for the night.

Never though were his eyes as heated as they were now.

He shook his head at her.

She reached out to rest her hand against his chest.

Dravic grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

She grimaced, his grip tighter than usual.

He scowled, released her wrist, and moved away from her.

If only he would let her touch him, she would better understand. At least, she hoped she would.

She went to step closer and Dravic shoved his arm out, nearly planting his palm in her face.

“Stay back.”

She wrinkled her brow and shrugged.

“You do not need to understand. You simply need to keep your distance.” He ran his hand through his hair. “At least until I figure this out.” His eyes went to hers. “Or maybe forever.”

That thought did not sit well with him at all.

He was king. He could do whatever he wished. Whatever he commanded. But he could not hurt her.

He pointed to the bed. “Go to bed.”

Adira grabbed his hand and held tight to it. His turmoil raced through her like a mighty wave drowning her in his chaotic emotions. It washed over her with such intensity that a single tear ran from her eye.

That tear broke him.

That she should feel that much for him…

He did not think, he simply swept her up into his arms and kissed her.

The kiss stole her breath or was it the intensity of his feeling that came along with it? She knew the comfort of a caring touch. Feena had given her that. But this… this was nothing like it.

It made her feel as if they were one. Their heartbeats drummed like one. Every sensation blended. She could not tell where one began and the other joined in. It was a magnificent feeling and a frightening one. And one she did not want to live without.