A faint crease marred her brow, but it vanished as quickly as it came.
Her lips curved.
“Must we leave this room at all?”
“Not yet,” he said, mouth brushing hers. “Not while I still have you to myself.”
“Don’t even think of getting dressed yet.”
She stole another kiss, quick and teasing, before twirling away with a grin.
Viktor leaned against the bedpost, watching her as she rummaged through a drawer until she found a boar-bristle brush. She ran it through her hair, golden strands tumbling loose as she strolled toward the bath.
“That’s an order, High-Captain.”
“Yes, my queen,” he said with a laugh that came out rougher than he meant.
When she disappeared, he smoothed the sheets, straightening the pillows. His hand fell on the one he’d used in bed—first as a barrier between them, then shoved beneath her back to pull her closer. He stilled, smiling faintly.
“Clever thing,” he muttered.
He tossed it in place and moved to open a drawer.
“High-Captain…” Her voice rang out from the bath, playful, indignant. “What do you think you’re doing?”
He glanced up, smirking toward the doorway.
She stepped out of the bath, still brushing her hair, her face damp and glowing.
He grinned, folding his hands behind his back, pushing the drawer shut as he turned.
“My queen. I lost control the moment you left me unattended.”
She stalked closer, slow and sure.
“Mm. What does one do with a disobedient captain?”
He eased back toward the bed, his smirk cutting low.
“Issue a formal reprimand?”
“Hardly,” she teased, setting the brush onto the table.
She kissed him hard, driving him back until his knees hit the mattress.
He broke the kiss with a ragged breath, hands sliding down to grip her thighs. With a growl that shivered from his chest, he lifted her clean off the floor. She laughed, breathless and radiant, as he tossed her onto the bed, her hair spilling like a halo across the pillows.
“Viktor!” she gasped, her smile beaming.
He was already climbing over her, bracing himself on his forearms as he claimed her mouth again.
Feck. What am I doing?
She was eager—dask, so damn eager. And he wanted her—stars, he always wanted her. But they were newly wed, and he’d already had her twice the night before. His body roared for more, but his soul whisperedprotect her.
He drew back, fighting for air.
“Why have you stopped?” she asked, sadness shadowing her gaze.
