The following morning, I awoke with a firm chest pressed against my back and two arms wrapped around my waist. Sunbeams filtered in through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over my shell-shaped bed. All the while, I tried to steady a very different kind of warmth that was now pulsing through my body. I’d never been held like this before. Especially not by a man.
A man that was now stirring behind me, a low soundvibrating in his chest while his arms around me tightened in an almost protective way.
My breath shortened to a gasp.
“Lukas,” I whispered.
Sleepy mumbles buzzed against my ear, and when I attempted to wriggle out of his grasp, they hardened into a growl.
“Where are you going?” he said huskily, dragging me back against him. I’d never heard him speak in that tone before. Not when our bodies were both so close. It made all the heat pool in my lower belly.
“Lukas, wake up,” I squeaked, rubbing his forearm. “I have an appointment this morning with Queen Cora, remember?” I tried again pointlessly to wriggle away. “The one you arranged for me. Remember the plan?” Although even I was struggling to remember anything he’d said last night, especially with his hand slipping past my stomach and then down to my hips.
A breathy noise slipped past my tongue.
“Lukas…” I said, more as a plea this time. But then I squeaked as I was pulled beneath him. My heart thundered in my ears. With his eyes still closed and his legs now straddling mine, his lips found my neck, trailing sleepy kisses down my collarbone.
Wordlessly, my back arched into him.
“You like it when I kiss you there, don’t you?” he growled, and I couldn’t help but nod.
Ancients, I should’ve stopped. I should’ve pushed him away, woken him up. But when his hips rolled against the burning skin beneath my nightgown, all I could do was sigh.
“It’s been so long,” he went on, voice heavy with sleep. “So long since I’ve had someone so lovely in my bed.” I bit back a moan as his lips found my ear. When his hands dipped to my thighs, he gripped them as if they were his. “Now you’re going to sing for me.”
My toes curled. “Lukas, please,” I breathed.
Lazily, his fingers trailed up my thighs.
“We really shouldn’t…” But my words abandoned me when he eased my legs apart.
“You’re all mine now, Naria,” he murmured deep into my ear. “And that faery scum is a fool if he thinks he caneverstop me from falling in love with you.”
My breath faltered.Love?
I’d barely recalled that first awful dream with the faery prince before my fingers turned white against the bedsheets. If Lukaslovedme that meant he could try to break Arenn’s crystal bond on my wrist. But like Arenn had said, ‘his desire would have to be strong enough or he’d die trying.’
Die.
He coulddiebecause of me. And that thought made me want to—
“Lukas!” I screamed, shoving against his broad shoulders.
His eyes snapped open. For a brief moment, confusion twisted his features, but then his gaze lowered to my legs either side of his hips. With a gasp, he bolted upright.
“Forgive me,” he sputtered, crawling backwards to the opposite side of the bed.
Chest heaving, I sat up too, lifting the bed sheets for an ounce of modesty.
“Did we…” Lukas’s voice failed him as he dragged a hand through the messy waves of his hair. “Forges, Naria, I’ll never forgive myself if I—”
“Nothing happened,” I said quickly.
He exhaled. “Still. I’m so sorry for waking you up like that. It’s just…” He cleared his throat, red glowing on his cheeks. “It’s been a while since I’ve shared a bed with anyone. But I’ll make sure to find a different bedchamber for tonight. I’d never be able to live with myself if I made you uncomfortable. I—”
“Please don’t go.” The words fell out of me before I’d realised what I’d said.
His steel gaze met mine.
