I scowled.He’d been reading my mind again.
“I know you love me,” he said, stroking my cheek and turning me into a puddle of goo.“I would only like to hear you say it.As your king and overlord, I command it.”
“I…What?”
His stare grew hotter, the elemental fire at his command fusing us together, both literally and figuratively.I saw nothing but a glow of red surrounding us, though fortunately nothing burned.
“I will soon be a king in one of Tanselm’s four corners, Samantha.As my affai, you will be my queen.”Darius paused, letting his words sink in.
“Your queen?”That came out more wobbly than I’d intended.
He nodded, looking serious.
Loving Darius and admitting it was one thing.I’d just summoned the courage to do so when he mentioned being a queen.As in, a real royal.In a magic land away from Seattle.Hell, away from Earth.
“I, ah, I’m not sure I’m queen material.”I can barely manage my own life, let alone be responsible for the welfare of hundreds of others.
“And yet you’ve managed me since we met.”
“Stop reading my mind.”I wished he’d stay out.Trying to think and be honest with myself would be much easier if I didn’t have to guard my thoughts.
“I can’t help it, affai.We’re bonded now.I have given you my heart.And you have given me yours.”He smirked, the insensitive clod.
“So what if I have?”I felt silly for sounding so defensive, but old wounds had yet to heal.“You have a kingdom to return to.A war to fight and people to govern.You don’t really need me.”
The teasing glint in his eyes faded.“You mean I won’t have time for you with so much else happening in my life.But you’re wrong.”
I felt vulnerable lying naked under him and reached for the covers.A ball of fire appeared in my palm and stopped me from moving.I watched in awe, still not understanding how the fire didn’t burn.Or how I could hold it.
“You share my spirit, Samantha.Only a woman of great power and control could contain and withstand my fire.”Darius waved his hand, and the fire vanished.“But only a woman as stubborn, intelligent, and courageous as you could command my love.”
He blinked, as if surprised such words came out of his mouth, and I couldn’t help laughing as he cheeks turned pink.
“I mean, I think we’re fit for each other.”
“Oh no.No way.You can’t take that back.”
He groaned.
I laughed.“Oh, God, Darius.We are alike!I can’t believe my arrogant overlord just said something so poetic, and neither can you.You’re bossy, too used to getting your way, and too handsome for your own good.You don’t drive a decent car?—”
“Not true.”
“—and you’ll never make a believable bartender.You’re too intense.”
His smile was slow in coming.“But you love me.”
I rolled my eyes.“I love you.There.Happy now?”
“Ecstatic.”He kissed me, and it took us a moment to part, our bodies once again ready to consummate our togetherness.
Before I lost my mind under his hotter than hot body, I said, “Now I guess I’m supposed to be so blindsided that you love me I won’t realize you’re asking me to leave behind everything I know to live with you in your foreign kingdom.”
I saw the chagrin he couldn’t hide.
“I meant to speak with you about this.But, well…” His erection sat heavy between my thighs.“Ah, there will be a necessary move to Tanselm.”
“Cadmus was right.You don’t know how to deal with women.”
