by Erin Hayes
He caught her in his arms.
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.” Allyn started to panic. She gripped Conall’s shoulders as fear flashed before her eyes.
No. Get it together. She should have known better. Such reckless drinking could ruin everything. If she didn’t control her body, she didn’t want to think of what could happen.
Allyn tried to stand and found that she didn’t have control over her legs. She groaned, her head thumping as she tried to clear her vision. It took everything within her to keep the magic within.
Kiss him.
Kill him.
End his life before he ends yours.
The voices wouldn’t shut up.
Conall picked her up and her head fell back, her hair swinging as he carried her from the kitchen. Her eyes were glazed over as she looked at the vaulted ceiling. She didn’t know where she was going and had no control.
The last thought she had before she passed out struck terror in her soul.
He knows who I am…and he drugged me. What a clever Wolf.
Chapter Seven
FOR ONCE, ALLYN wished the sun would have stayed away. She didn’t want to face the morning, and what would follow. When she opened her eyes, she was alone on a large bed with white blankets covering her. She sat up, her hair falling into her face. She pushed it back and looked around. Her head ached, but she vaguely remembered the events of the evening.
“Prince Conall?”
There was no reply. Conall was nowhere to be found. All that surrounded her were fluffy white pillows and the softest blankets she’d ever felt. She was inclined to lie back down and let her body melt into the mattress.
Instead, Allyn tried to stand. She doubled over and groaned. She knew that she’d overdone it with the alcohol. The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs startled her.
She stood, still a bit drunk, and watched as Conall came up the stairs in a pair of maroon pajama pants and a T-shirt.
God, he looked good with wet messy hair and in casual clothes that clung to his muscled arms and chest. A hint of his abs shown through the white cotton and she forced her gaze to return to his face.
“So,” she said, forcing a sheepish smile. “Princes sleep in old T-shirts just like everyone else. Good to know.”
He chuckled and shook his head as he crossed his arms. “How are you feeling?”
Shrugging, Allyn looked down, realizing that she was still in the dress Aude and Khia had let her borrow. “I’ve been better. Thank you for taking care of me.”
“Of course. I shouldn’t have given you more wine.”
“You couldn’t have known how much of a lightweight I am.”
“True.” He nodded toward the half-wall that overlooked the rest of the apartment. “I’m making waffles if you’re keen.”
Allyn licked her lips. “Yes. Please.”
He clasped his hands together. “Good. I think it will help soak up some of the alcohol. I’ll put some bacon on too.”
“Wow,” she said under her breath. “He cooks.”
“I heard that,” he said, a crooked grin on his lips. “Why don’t you take a shower and meet me in the dining room. It should be ready soon.”
Allyn glanced at his bathroom. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I did,” Conall said. “There are fresh clothes on the vanity. I had Eden pick some up for you.”
“Damn. You’re too good to be true.”
He laughed again and turned to head back down the stairs. “Try not to pass out in the shower, Miss Carmody.”
Allyn smiled despite her throbbing headache. Whatever was happening, she wasn’t complaining.
Once he was gone, she walked across the cool dark wood floor to the pristine, white bathroom and turned on the shower. Her eyes widened with delight at how many shower heads sprouted hot water into the rectangular shower. She clapped her hands and almost squealed with excitement. She hadn’t had a hot shower in weeks since the power was cut off. She was lucky to have water at all and found herself having to run all of the taps throughout the day and night to keep the pipes from freezing.
This, she could get used to. She slid the dress off of her shoulders and watched the mirror fog with steam.
Too bad she’d be sent back to the streets at any moment.
After her shower, Allyn put on a pair of black pants that she tucked into flat slate-gray boots and an evergreen sweater. She glanced at herself in the mirror, pulling her hair into a ponytail and pleased with Edan’s taste in clothes.
The smell of bacon and coffee ushered her from the bathroom and down the tall, winding, black stairs that led to the main floor. Prince Conall stood behind the island, making their plates. With the push of a button, a television lowered from the ceiling, its screen curved inward. The images of the imperial news channel played before the screen in 3D that one could almost touch.
Allyn watched scenes of riots in the neighboring kingdom and her brows furrowed. “Goodness. It’s getting pretty bad.”
“Same stuff. Different day.” Conall glanced at the screen and changed the channel to a documentary on how the pyramids were leveled during the war.
“I suppose,” she said.
“Hungry?”
She nodded, licking her lips as she looked down at the pretty plates he’d made. She hadn’t eaten such a well-balanced and colorful meal in ages. Fresh fruit, waffles with butter and syrup and bacon made her mouth water. Her stomach grumbled when he picked up the plates.
“Let’s sit on the balcony,” he said and led her across the floor to the enclosed balcony that overlooked the white-covered city.
They sat at a black table and the soft hush of snow and sleet provided an ambient soundtrack to their breakfast. Hot coffee, sugar, cream and syrup already awaited them on the tabletop.
She took one bite of the crispy bacon and moaned. “This is so good.” The taste of maple, mixed with the salty flavor awakened her taste buds.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said and poured more syrup on his stack of waffles. “You mentioned your father last night. What about your mother? Tell me about her.”
Allyn tilted her head, looking into her cup of coffee. “She died when I was a little girl.”
Conall paused pouring the syrup. He lowered the bottle. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. It was a long time ago. I just hate that it was so sudden. She wasn’t even sick.”
“That’s awful,” Conall said, shaking his head. “I lost my mother as a child as well.”
Allyn nodded. “I know. We have something else in common.”
“More than I’d anticipated.”
“Me too,” she said softly. Everything within her told her to shut up right then and not reveal any more of her past, but her heart silenced her head. “My father sent me away to the convent after my mother died. I guess he couldn’t look at me since we looked so similar.”
“Damn. The nuns were nice to you at least?”
No. They were horrid bitches.
“Sure. They were okay,” she lied, keeping the disdain from scrunching up her nose as she looked at him.
He didn’t ask any more questions and she was grateful.
The silence between them was comfortable as they ate everything on their plates.
“Thank you for everything,” she said once she finished the last of her waffle. She sipped some of her coffee and pulled her legs into her chest, getting comfy in her chair.
He drank the rest of his coffee and gave her a curious look.
Allyn wasn’t sure what it was, but something was different. Her stomach dropped when she realized that getting drunk and sloppy probably ruined her chances with him. Who was she kidding? He probably was disappointed that they didn’t get to sleep together.
“No worries,” he said and stretched his arms over his head. He watched her for a moment, before turning his attention to the cityscape. “I’m glad we crossed paths again.�
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Water and slush trailed down the glass on the outside, and all of the pretty lights from the night were gone. Just buildings and snow-covered streets.
“Me too,” Allyn said as she stood and walked to the railing. “I think that weekend as kids is one of my favorite memories. Do you remember the game we played in your treehouse when we were kids?”
Conall left the table and joined her. She tensed when he stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
She could barely think with him that close to her, but tried to hide her anxiety. He brushed her hair from her neck and over her shoulder.
When he kissed the back of her neck, her eyes fluttered closed.
“I do,” he whispered, and she licked her lips. “Its one of my favorite memories as well. I didn’t get much of an opportunity to be a child, but meeting you showed me a glimpse of a better life.”
Allyn turned to him. She beamed. “Really?”
He pressed her body to the railing and nodded. “One thing you’ll learn about me is that I say what I mean. Unlike my brother, I am honest.”
Allyn nodded, relieved to hear it. The entire kingdom knew of the menace Prince Lennox was. It was refreshing to learn that Conall was different. She didn’t doubt a word he said.
Her mind raced as she imagined a possible life with Conall. It was a long shot, but there was something there. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she took a chance—one she prayed would be worth it—and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Prince Conall took the hint and kissed her, his lips pressing to hers as he lifted her by her thighs. Her heart sang as his kisses left her mouth and moved to her throat and clavicle.
Allyn didn’t care that they could possibly be seen from the window as he lifted her sweater over her head and tossed it to the balcony floor.
Their eyes met and he carried her from the balcony and back inside. They didn’t need to speak as he crossed the living room and carried her up the stairs to his bedroom in the loft.
Her heart sped as he laid her on the bed, and climbed on top of her.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Conall asked, taking off his shirt. “If things are moving too fast, just let me know.”
Allyn licked her lips at the sight of his bare chest, rippled with muscles and abs that were so tight, she imagined them being hard as stone.
“Are you kidding?” she asked as he took off his pants. She gulped once he took off his boxers, and revealed his hardened manhood to her.
Such perfection should be illegal.
She’d only ever been with one other person, and he’d betrayed her. It was time for her to stop guarding her heart and see what it was like with another. Her heart told her that Conall was worth the risk.
Conall reached inside the nightstand and pulled out a condom. Once it was on, Allyn took him by the hands, pulling him on top of her.
He grinned and kissed her once again before tugging her pants off.
She exhaled, a bit nervous as he looked at her body. He delicately took off her black panties and kissed her thighs.
“You’re beautiful, Allyn,” he said, softly, and slid his hands along her back.
Allyn tensed, and Conall froze.
Their eyes met and she sucked in a breath. For a second, she’d almost forgot about the hundreds of scars that marred her back.
“What happened?” he asked, his voice on the brink of being angry. He took a glance at her back and she closed her eyes in shame.
“Who did this to you?”
Allyn’s lips trembled. “The nuns. In the convent.” She drew in another breath. “They beat me.”
Conall tilted her chin and made her look at him. Without a word, he turned and showed her his back.
She gasped, and touched the scars that covered his back. While tattoos were placed meticulously to hide them, Allyn could feel each raised line along his flesh.
“My father,” he said before she could ask.
She pursed her lips. She didn’t need to ask. She knew what he meant.
When he turned back to her, she pulled him back onto her, her arms around his neck as their tongues explored one another’s.
How many people knew about Conall’s scars? Allyn doubted that anyone did, and that candid moment brought them closer in ways neither expected.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you again,” Conall said, and Allyn smiled through tears.
She giggled and wiped her eyes. “Ignore my tears. I’ve just heard those words before, but something tells me you actually mean them. Tell me you mean them.”
“I do,” Conall said and parted her legs.
Allyn’s eyes fluttered closed, a moan escaping her lips as thrust into her.
“Wow,” she said in a breathy whisper.
The intense pleasure filled her completely.
There were times when she was sure she would explode, and as if he could read her body, he would slow down and prolong the pleasure that verged on the brink of being torture.
He withdrew from inside of her and knelt onto the floor between her legs. He worshiped her dripping wet core, licking the slick slit with a tenderness and lust that had her squirming beneath his tongue.
She pulled herself up to her elbows and looked down at him, her brows furrowed. She was dying for release.
She fell back onto the bed and whimpered. He returned to sucking her clit, his fingers dipping inside of her.
He pulled her closer by her thighs and she lost it. Her body convulsed as she came on his tongue as it continued circling her gushing core. The sensitivity of it was maddening and she cried out.
She sucked in a breath as he pulled her to her feet and turned her around. Her legs were wet with her own juices, and he pushed them apart from behind.
Conall bent her over, and to her surprise, he rubbed her clit, waking her up again, and slid into her from behind. Her lips parted as he rocked inside of her at a slow and tender pace.
He held her by her waist and kept the pace that was maddening. It was better than any moment she’d shared with Byron.
“Allyn,” he said, filling her with his hard, thick manhood.
“Yes?”
He pulled her hair back, making her arch her back. “You know you’re mine now, don’t you?”
Allyn couldn’t help the grin that came to her face. “I do,” she said as each thrust sent her further and further into oblivion.
She gasped as he withdrew, spun her around to face him, and picked her up, spearing her with his manhood. She held onto his neck as he held her up. “Oh god,” she whispered, risking a look into his ethereal blue eyes, and together they climaxed.
This cursed creature was more beautiful than anything she’d ever seen. No man could compare, and for a few moments, he was all hers. That’s all she wanted.
That thought exhilarated her as she realized something.
He was just as vulnerable as she was. With that thought, she leaned down and kissed him, sucking his lip and nibbling it between her teeth.
Conall wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he set her onto the bed and lied beside her.
“Promise me that this isn’t a dream,” he whispered to her. “I don’t think I’d be able to take waking up and not having you here.”
Those words reverberated through her soul. She traced her name on his chest, over his heart. “If it is a dream, at least we’re in it together.”
TWO DAYS PASSED as Conall and Allyn locked themselves in his loft and explored each other’s bodies and minds. In bed, they’d watched their favorite movies and ordered delivery from the kitchens.
The sun began to set on the third day and Prince Conall took Allyn by the hand.
She dreaded what she knew he was about to say. They’d just finished dinner and the wind howled outside.
“I should probably get you home before the storm gets worse.”
Disappointed, Allyn’s shoulders slumped. “Why?”
“I’ve already stayed longer tha
n I should. I have to leave for the season.”
She nodded, chewing her bottom lip. “I guess.” She didn’t want to go back. Couldn’t she just wait out the season with him? She shook her head and harrumphed at her stupid ideas. No one wanted her freeloading.
But, a girl could hope.
“You don’t look too happy about that,” he said from across the table. He leaned onto his elbows, the tips of his black hair brushing his long, dark lashes.
She glanced at him to see an amused look on his face. His eyes were narrowed and there was a slight curve to his lips as he watched her.
She shrugged, blinking. “There isn’t much to be happy about. But, that’s life. Isn’t it.”
“It doesn’t have to be,” he said, softly. He brushed his thumb across his lips and Allyn wanted nothing more than to climb across the table and kiss his full, supple lips.
Swallowing, she forced herself to look away from his lips. The urge to kiss him was far too intense. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe when the season is over we can get together again.”
A ray of hope pierced through her heart, lighting the darkness. She perked up. “Yes,” she blurted. “Why must we wait, though?”
“I go away every winter season,” he said. “But, I’ll be back in the spring, and I will come for you.”
“Do you promise?”
He smiled and reached for her hand. Once hers were secure in his hand, he looked her in the eyes. “I always keep my promises.”
“I believe you,” she said, searching his eyes and only seeing truth.
“Something tells me we were supposed to meet. I can’t explain it, but I believe in fate. Don’t you?”
“I do,” Allyn said. She kept the hundreds of questions she had for him within. She didn’t want to ruin his promise. “Okay. We will meet again in the spring,” she said, a smile taking over her face. She hadn’t been so excited since she was told she could leave the convent on her eighteenth birthday.
“It’s settled. I will come for you when the winter ends,” he said, and Allyn realized that she finally had something good to look forward to.