by Day Leclaire
His expression softened. Welcome home.
Alyssa turned her head and stared out the front windshield while Merrick watched in concern. Shed done a fair job at concealing her thoughts from him, but her mouth quivered ever so slightly. He remembered her looking just like that when hed studied her through the binoculars the day before. At the time hed thought of her as a lifeless doll, that betraying quiver a result of either nerves or triumph. He knew better now. She might be trying to hide the fact, but he could tell that being in Celestia, knowing her roots were here, had made an impact.
She flicked a swift glance in his direction and then away again. Where are we going?
I have a place nearby where we can spend the night. We cant stay there longer than a day. Tolken may figure out where we are. He grimaced. It depends on how good his memory is.
What is this place?
A farm that belongs to my grandparents. The place is vacant while they visit my brother in Mt. Roche. Thats the capital city of Verdonia.
So you have both a brother, as well as your sister, Miri. Whats his name?
He hesitated. Would she recognize it? He couldnt afford to take the risk. Its not important. Before she could comment, he changed the subject. Youre not going to like this next part, he informed her.
Really? She lifted an eyebrow. And which part up to now have I liked?
Score another point for the princess. For the rest of the time were together well be sharing a bed, the same as last night.
No, she rejected the plan. I cant do that. Not again.
Why? Fool. He knew damn well why. Theyd only spent one night in bed together and he hadnt been able to keep his hands off her even for the space of those few hours. How was he supposed to succeed in leaving her untouched for weeksmonths? Was it because of that kiss?
Her gaze jerked up to meet his and he read the answer without her saying a word. Her eyes were an incredible shade of blue, startling in their intensity, even more so with memories of the previous night darkening the color. Her lips parted and he could hear the quickening of her breath. He leaned closer, drawn to that mouth, that amazing, lush mouth. Hed never sampled anything like it, anything so addictive, so intoxicating. He wanted more. He wanted to drink her down until all he could taste was her, until his hands knew her body more intimately than his own, until the air filling his lungs was saturated with her scent and the sound of her voice became the only music his ears could comprehend.
The confines of the car seemed to close in around them, shrinking until only the two of them existed. He reached for her, cupping her head in his hands. Her hair slid through his fingers, the curls knotting around them, anchoring him in place. Not that he wanted to go anywhere. He leaned in until their lips brushed. Parted. Brushed again, harder this time. Sealed. She moaned, a rich, helpless sound that rumbled deep in her throat, like a cats purr. She didnt even seem to realize shed made it, a fact he found unbelievably erotic.
Her hands slipped to his chest and she gathered up fistfuls of his shirt. For an instant she relaxed into the embrace, welcoming his touch. Her head nestled into the crook of his shoulder and wayward strands of silky hair clung to his jaw, giving off the faintest aroma of exotic flowers mixed with tangy citrus. And then she released his shirt and her arms encircled him. He could feel her urgency, one that fed his.
Her kiss was filled with a desperate passion, as though snatching life-giving sustenance before the onslaught of a drought. She consumed him with abandonment, greedily drinking in everything he had to offer. And thats all it took to set him off. The combustion was as violent as it was immediate, a flash fire sweeping through him and igniting the overwhelming compulsion to make this woman his on every possible level. He pushed her against the door, angling her mouth for a deeper kiss. Their tongues joined in a sweet, hot duel. Tangling. Warring. Caressing.
This was wrong. Oh, so wrong. Not that he gave a damn. If theyd been anywhere other than in a twoseater with a stick shift threatening mayhem between them, hed have taken her right there against the door and to hell with the consequences. The only thing that stopped him was the expression in her eyes. A fierce conflict raged in them, physical desire in a pitched battle with rationality. Want clashing with common sense.
He couldnt say how long they teetered on the knifes edge, caught between a mindless, delicious fall into insanity and the far less satisfying retreat toward reason. He could take her, could have her body and use it until he was sated. But it wouldnt be enough. He didnt want just her body. He wanted far more, he suddenly realized. And he wouldnt be satisfied until he had every piece of her. If that happened here and now, so much the better. He could convince her that what had started out as an abduction had become something else altogether. Personal. Vital. Necessary to both of them. Still, he forced himself to make it a fair fight and eased back a scant inch.
She accepted the out he offered and pulled back, gasping for air, staring at him with glazed, bewildered eyes. Why does this keep happening?
Because Im irresistible?
She disengaged herself from his embrace and the curls wrapped around his fingers tightened in protest before reluctantly setting him free. Every time you touch me I come undone. She glanced down at herself and the breath hissed from her lungs. She plucked at her blouse. Look at me. This is exactly what Im talking about. How did you manage to do that?
To his amusement, half the buttons were unfastened. I dont know how that happened. I thought Id been cupping your head the entire time.
She fumbled with the buttons. You have to stop trying to seduce me. Its not fair. Its only supposed to work in reverse. Not ininNot this way.
Her comment intrigued him. You mean, its acceptable if you seduce me? He could only come up with one reason why shed attempt that. The corner of his mouth kicked upward. You think seducing me will give you an opportunity to escape?
If thats what it takes, then yes, she snapped. Not that Id have succeeded.
You might have. He opened his arms. Im willing to let you give it a try if you want.
Oh, ha ha. Very funny. But Ive already thought it through. It wouldnt work.
Why not? He was genuinely curious.
Simple. What happens after I seduce you?
I go deaf and blind?
Her mouth twitched before she managed to suppress it. If I thought you would, I might be willing. Because the only way Id manage to give you the slip would be if you really did go deaf and blind. And even then, Id need a three day head start.
He snagged another of her wayward curls and twined it around his finger again, forcing her to look at him. If I ever get you in my bed for real, if I ever make love to youproper love to youId never let you go, Princess. Id keep you wrapped up so tight you wouldnt know where you ended and I began.
She jerked back. It was too much too soon and she reacted with a feminine alarm as old as time. The female preparing to flee from the pursuing male. The scent of want mingled with the fear of domination. As badly as she needed to retreat, it didnt come close to how badly he wanted to give chase. Every instinct he possessed urged him to take her. Now. To forge a bond before she escaped.
She must have read his intent because her hand groped for the door handle, clinging to it as though it were a life raft. I think we should go now. She spoke with an authority that didnt quite ring true. Moistening her lips, she tried again. But I have a condition of my own before we do.
He buried a smile. He could guess what that condition would be. Which is?
You dont kiss me again. No touching. No sexual overtures. I need to feel safe.
His amusement died, replaced with regret. Is that what he did to her? Made her feel unsafe? But then, how could it be otherwise? Hed abducted the woman. Tied her up. Forced himself on hereven if she had responded with a passion that blew him away. And hed been unable to resolve the issue with her mother, something that left her frantic with worry.
You are safe, he informed her gently. You have my word.
Fine. Th
en we can go.
As soon as you fasten your seatbelt.
She groaned. I didnt realize Id unfastened it. Buttons. Seatbelts. Youre a regular magician, arent you?
If I were, I wouldnt bother with buttons and seatbelts. Anyone can unfasten those. He turned the key in the ignition. Id find it far more interesting to unfasten you from the inside out.
She didnt reply, but confusion warred with alarm. Leaving her to consider his words, he shifted the car into gear and drove to the farm. He gave her time to explore, keeping his distance so she had an opportunity to come to terms with her situation without his breathing down her neck. Dusk had settled around them when they met in the kitchen for their evening dinner.
Whos taking care of the farm while your grandparents are away? Alyssa asked toward the end of the meal.
Had she hoped for rescue from that direction? If so, shed be sorely disappointed. There are caretakers who live not far away. I warned them Id be here tonight. Merrick topped off her glass of homemade buckthorn wine, a wine his grandparents only served to their most honored guests. Much to his relief, Alyssa had been effusive with her praise of the exotic brew, taking to the unusual flavor as though born to it. They wont interfere, he added pointedly.
She accepted the information with a stoic nod. Ive been wonderingWhat happens to Celestia when I return home? Who will inherit it after me?
No one.
She frowned and genuine concern lit her eyes. Didnt my father have any relatives? Distant cousins or a twice removed niece or nephew or something? The succession cant just end with my brother.
No. He waited a beat. But it can and does end with you.
Her frown deepened. Then, what happens to Celestia?
He took a sip of the golden wine before replying. According to law, itll be divided in half and absorbed by the other two principalities. One portion will go to Avernos, the other to Verdon.
Her distress wasnt feigned. That seems so wrong.
He shrugged. Its within your power to prevent.
She started shaking her head before he even finished his sentence. I cant. My home is in New York. I have an apartment. Responsibilities. I start a new job in another two
He winced as she broke off. He could tell shed only just realized that being held by him for the next four months put more things at risk than just her mother. No doubt shed lose her job, as well. Shed been thrust into a situation not of her choosing, her entire life turned upside down courtesy of the political upheaval in Verdonia. And there was nothing he could do to change that. At least, not until he could figure out what was behind von Folkes desperate maneuvering.
As much as he regretted the sacrifices her abduction created, he didnt for one minute regret her presence in Verdonia. In the short time theyd been together hed come to realize that she belonged here. More, he realized she belonged with him.
Now all he had to do was convince her of that.
One look was sufficient to warn it would take a hell of a lot of convincing. Alyssa stood, her smile strained, darkness eclipsing the brilliance of her eyes. I think its time for me to turn in, she announced in a painfully polite voice. When he would have stood, as well, she held up a hand. Could you give me a few minutes? I need some time to myself. I promise I wont try and escape.
Of course. Ill get our luggage from the car.
We have luggage? She laughed, the sound heartbreaking. You do plan ahead, dont you? At least, for most things.
She left the kitchen and a few minutes later he heard her enter the bedroom. The door closed with a gentle click, leaving Merrick swearing beneath his breath. Damn it to hell. Hed never meant for this to happen. The decision that had seemed so obvious and clear cut a week ago had become complicated beyond belief now that hed executed it. What he needed was time to think, to review his options, as well as review possible alternatives he hadnt previously considered.
Exiting the house, he removed the luggage and delivered it to Alyssa before retreating to the kitchen. He sat in one of the ladder-back chairs, remembering the summers he and his brother had spent here. Little had changed since then. The heart oak kitchen table remained the same, with only a burn mark from one of his grandfather Williams cigars to mar the scoured surface. He could still recall his grandmother scolding her husband for his inattentiveness and the way hed reduced her to breathless laughter by apologizing with a smacking kiss. The wide plank flooring was just as spotless now as then, as were the whitewashed walls. And every appliance had been polished to a satin sheen.
He poured himself a final glass of wine and carried it out to the front porch to Williams rocker. His thinking chair as hed often referred to it. Sipping the wine, Merrick allowed the minutes to ease by. The consequences of his actions weighed heavily, the potential outcomes haunting him. Hed forsaken all hed held dear, all hed spent a lifetime creating. Had he made the right decision? Was his purpose just and honorable? Or had he subconsciously allowed personal aspirations to guide his choices?
After two full hours of contemplation, he still didnt have an answer. Giving it up as a lost cause, he returned to the bedroom, groping his way in the dark. After a quick shower, he climbed into bed. If hed been any sort of a gentleman, hed have left Alyssa alone. But he couldnt. He needed her. He slid an arm beneath her and tucked her close. He heard her breath sigh into the night as she settled into his embrace.
Im sorry, he murmured. I didnt intend for you to lose your job or to put your mother in harms way. If I could change any of it, I would.
You can change it. You choose not to.
He couldnt deny the accusation. True. Will they hold your job for you?
Doubtful. Not for four months. She spoke dispassionately, but he heard the underlying ripple of pain and anger.
The outcome would have been the same even if I hadnt abducted you. You realize that, dont you? She stilled in his arms. Apparently that hadnt occurred to her. He gave her the hard, cold truthat least the truth as he saw it. If I hadnt interfered youd now be married to von Folke and your job would still have been sacrificed. This way youll be free in four months, free to return home and pursue your career once again. I suspect von Folke would have kept you tied to him for a year or two. Possibly longer.
II hadnt thought of that. She fell silent for a long moment. I dont know what Im going to doafter.
You could stay in Verdonia.
Her laugh held a bitter edge. Pretend to be Princess Alyssa, duchess of Celestia?
You are Princess Alyssa, duchess of Celestia. You have degrees in psychology and business administration, with experience in international finance. Your education is tailor-made for the position, he argued.
I dont belong here.
You could.
She fell silent for a long time. Then, Was he your friend?
The switch in topic caught him by surprise. Who? But he already knew.
Tolken. You sounded She paused to consider. You sounded familiar with each other. More than familiar. Friends. No, more like friends turned enemies.
She continued to amaze him with her insight. Yes, he was my friend. He was my best friend.
Until yesterday?
He exhaled. Until I put my hands on you. The friendship ended in that moment.
So much sacrificed by so many, she murmured.
He found the reminder tortuous. Sleep, Princess. Tomorrows a long day.
Where are we going?
We need to keep moving. But at least youll see more of your land.
She twisted within his arms. Not my land.
Deny it if you will. But you belong to Celestia every bit as much as she belongs to you.
And who do you belong to?
No one. Nothing. At least, not anymore.
It was a painful truth to face. Though his roots sank deep into the rich Verdonian soil, they didnt run deep enough to survive this. Von Folke would see to it that he paid dearly for his actions. At the very least, hed be expelled from Verdonia, a pariah to his people. More likely hed be im
prisoned.
What will you do? she asked.
Finish what I started.
And then?
Face the consequences. After all, he had no other choice. Not anymore.
The next day, Merrick made tracks southward toward Glynith, the capital city of Celestia. He had to work hard to maintain a low profile. He was a public figure and easily recognized. But either Alyssa didnt pick up on the deference they offered him or she put it down to his being the commander of the Royal Security Force.
Hed arranged for several safe houses, though the first they headed for wasnt far from the Celestian capital. Hed debated just driving up into the hills and staying at the anonymous cabin hed rented there. But he preferred a place that offered more avenues of escape while he waited for von Folkes next move.
He soon discovered that the worst part of the abduction wasnt the wait, but the endless nights. How he ever thought he could spend four full months sleeping with Alyssa, wrapped so tightly together that every luscious inch of her body was pressed against every hard-as-tempered-steel inch of him, he didnt know. After just one week exhaustion rode him almost as hard as shameless desire. Not that she noticed.
The instant he crawled into bed with her and tugged her close, she fell into a deep, abandoned sleep, accepting his embrace as though they belonged in each others arms. It was almost as if they were two parts of a whole, separate and adrift from dawn until dusk, complete only at night, where within the velvety darkness it felt safe to express emotions they kept well hidden in the harshness of daylight.
To his relief, she didnt follow through on her threat to take off the first chance that presented itself, not that he gave her the opportunity. He guarded her every second of every day. But by the end of their eighth day together, Merrick was sick of staring at the four walls of their rooms and twitching from the effort of keeping his hands off Alyssa, neither of which boded well for the endless weeks ahead of them. She must have felt something similar, because when he suggested a short excursion through the capital city, she leaped at the offer, promising the world in exchange for the chance to be outside.