“They were enchanted. It wasn't their fault.”
“I know,” I whispered. “I just can't imagine how they got caught.”
“The boys were there,” he noted. “Maybe one of them got caught while they were outside the Forgotten, spreading the word about my whereabouts. Then they could have easily tricked others into traps.”
“Three days,” I muttered. “That's why it's taken so long. They've been collecting members of my clan to use against us.”
“Yes, I believe so.”
I leaned back to look at Cyn. “What are we going to do now?”
“We're going to relax.”
“What?” I gaped at him.
“Since I met you, all I've wanted to do is be with you, but we've had a shadow hanging over our heads that has darkened our happiness. I don't want to worry anymore, Ru. I'm tired of fearing for your safety.”
“My safety? You're the one they're trying to kill.”
“And yet, you're the one who always gets hurt.” He cupped my cheek. “I want to enjoy being with you, even if it's just for a little while. Just you and me, celebrating our love. Then, when we're feeling strong again, we can find the Shanba behind this.”
“I thought you didn't want to hide?”
“This isn't hiding. It's a reprieve. We're licking our wounds before we go back into the fray.” He started to undress me.
“I don't know if I'm up for sex.”
“I just want to hold you.” Cyn kept going, removing my belt before lifting my tunic.
I stood there passively, allowing him to undress me. Then my mate picked me up and carried me to the bed. He laid me down atop the downy comforter before pulling the covers back for me to crawl beneath. Only when I was settled did he slide under the blankets and pull me into his arms. We sighed together as I laid my head on his chest.
“You are my priority now, Ru,” Cyn said. “The kingdom can wait. I must ensure your safety before anything else.”
“I love you,” I whispered. “Every day I fall more in love with you.” I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “Every fucking minute. So, if you want to keep me safe, you have to protect yourself too. Losing you would tear me apart.”
His broad palm stroked my hair back. With an utterly serious expression, he said, “You will not seduce me, you naughty boy. I told you I just wanted to hold you.”
That won him a laugh from me. I propped my chin on his chest and stared at him. “I don't deserve you. Not even close.”
Cyn frowned. “Who is judging us to determine who is deserving and who is not? Do I deserve you? Do you deserve me? Who the fuck knows? I don't care. You're the man I love, and I'm lucky enough to have your love in return. Who we are and what we've done in our past doesn't matter, Mate. As long as we cherish each other, we are worthy.”
I shook my head. “You are wondrous.”
“Of course, I am,” he declared with a teasing light in his eyes. Then he bent his head to kiss me. “And so are you.”
“I changed my mind about the sex.”
“I haven't.” Cyn pulled my head back down to his chest. “Just lay here with me, Mate. We are already one. Sex isn't necessary.”
“Sex isn't necessary?!” I shrieked as I bolted upright. “Maybe you aren't as wondrous as I thought.”
Cyn burst into laughter even as he drew my hand beneath the covers to his hardening cock. “I was trying to be romantic, but I see that my magnificent body is too much for you to resist. For you, Mate, I will sacrifice myself and satisfy your base needs.”
“Uh-huh.” I shoved back the covers and straddled his hips. Taking his cock in hand, I lifted a brow at him. “This is a sacrifice, is it?”
“It is if you don't suck it soon.”
“I'd never let you suffer like that.” I slid down the bed, between my mate's thighs, then eagerly sucked his shaft into my mouth. With his hand on my head and his groans in my ears, I smiled around his hard flesh. But my grin didn't last long. Within seconds, I was lost to the scent, taste, and feel of Cyn. I sucked him to satisfaction, drinking down everything he gave me, then he laid me back and returned the favor.
