The Lion's Castle (The Lion Princes Book 1)

by Chase, Leslie

  Something flared in her eyes, a strange mix of feelings that Roman couldn't decipher even with the bond that was growing stronger between him and his mate. Concern and anger and guilt? It didn't make much sense, but the fierce protectiveness of it made him feel better anyway.

  "Don't be silly," she told him. "You're allowed to be sad about something like that, it's not something you can switch on and off."

  Her embrace tightened around him and then she stepped back. "It might help to talk about it, you know. Why don't you tell me about your childhood while we work?"

  He smiled at that, cocking his head to the side. "We? I am going to make you dinner, Anna."

  "And leave me sitting uselessly at the table watching?" Anna shook her head. "Nope. I'm going to help, and while we cook you can tell me about growing up here."

  "Alright," he said. "In that case, there should be aprons in that cupboard over there. Let's get to work."

  As much as he enjoyed cooking, he had to admit it was better with Anna at his side. Together they explored the kitchens, trying to find the tools he needed to cook for two rather than two hundred. She chopped vegetables, he cooked, and through it all he told her story after story of his time growing up in the castle with his brothers. Most of them he hadn't even remembered until he started telling them, but once he'd started speaking they flowed freely.

  He wouldn't have thought that they would interest anyone else, but Anna was enthralled by his tales of playing hide and seek in the castle armory, or the time that Gabriel got stuck up a tree in the garden and Roman had to find a ladder to get him down before anyone noticed. And speaking to her of a childhood long gone left Roman feeling happier than he had been in a long time.

  She was right, he admitted. I did need to talk about this. He kept the anecdotes light, talking about his brothers rather than his parents — that was still too painful for him, and would hardly make for good dinner conversation. But speaking about his happy childhood memories lifted a weight he hadn't known he was carrying.

  They ate at the kitchen table. Taking their meals through to the dining room would have felt much too formal for Roman, and this way they were able to sit without foreboding portraits of his family watching them eat. The meal itself wasn't anything too special — certainly not up to the standard he could have produced in a kitchen that he knew, and he was sure the chef would have done much better.

  But he enjoyed the wild mushroom risotto he shared with Anna more than he would have any number of fancier dishes prepared by someone else. Eating a meal they'd made together was more important than the taste.

  11

  Anna finished her plate and couldn't help smiling. He can cook, too? Is there anything that he's not good at? It might have been a simple meal, but it was delicious, and that wasn't just down to the fact that the kitchen in his castle had the finest ingredients available.

  Of course, it wasn't just the food that made the meal unforgettable. The company and the conversation made it perfect. She could have listened to Roman's tales of his childhood adventures with his brothers all night, and the way some of the sadness had left his eyes as he spoke made her feel happy. Almost at home.

  Standing, she took the plates to the sink where they'd stacked the pots they'd used to prepare the meal. Roman followed her, standing behind her close enough that she could feel the heat of his body, the power of his presence.

  His arms wrapped around her and he chuckled fondly. "You know, we don't have to clean up ourselves."

  "We made the mess, we should deal with it," she said firmly. I am not going to let this place corrupt me. Roman may have servants, but I'll be damned if I am going to stop doing my part just because of that. Of course, it was tempting to just abandon the mess to them, and she doubted they'd mind. But she knew that she'd feel guilty anyway.

  "As you wish," Roman said, sounding amused. But whatever he might think of her insistence, she couldn't fault his efforts as he threw himself into the work beside her. Working together, it didn't take them long to put the kitchen back as they'd found it.

  By the time they were done, though, Anna found herself yawning. It was a bit embarrassing, considering how late she'd slept, but with the journey and the stress of their arrival she was still tired from the day before.

  Roman smiled at her as she looked up at him, and nodded. "You must still be exhausted. Come on, I'll show you back to your room."

  The route he took back to her room was simpler and much quicker than the path they'd taken down from it. Leading her through the back stairs of the castle, he showed her the narrow hidden corridors that the servants could use to move around. It was a strange feeling, like being backstage on a movie set, to see the small spaces behind the opulent grand corridors the royals used themselves.

  "Are there secret spy holes? Can you look into people's rooms from here?" she asked as he led the way, his shoulders almost too broad for the narrow space.

  "You watch too many movies," he laughed, twisting to look back at her. "These are just so the servants could get around without being seen. I don't think anyone wanted them to be able to spy on us while they did it."

  Anna was dubious, not sure that the servants would have resisted the temptation to make their own peepholes, even if their masters were against it. But maybe Roman was right, and certainly she couldn't spot any concealed watching areas as she followed him. On the other hand, when he stopped to open a door out into a corridor, she could hardly see the door at all. Whoever had made these secret passageways had known their business.

  "This is your room," Roman said, gesturing to the door opposite. Anna walked to it and then turned back to him, nervous again.

  "I had a lovely evening," she told him, somewhat surprised that it was the truth. Every minute she spent with him was better than the last, and she didn't want the day to end.

  He smiled, leaning forward and bracing himself against the wall beside her. So close, he overwhelmed her senses. Anna couldn't help remembering the passion of his kisses, the feeling of his hands on her. She groaned. I can't invite him in, she told herself. It's not fair!

  How could she, when her family was plotting his downfall? On the other hand, she'd already sabotaged that plan by keeping him in the castle for the evening. Would it really be that bad? Indecision tore at her.

  But not at Roman. While she argued with herself, trying to find the right thing to do, he slid a hand behind her head and pulled her to him. His massive strength was gentle but irresistible, and Anna moaned softly as he brought their lips together.

  The spark of passion that shot through her was enough to banish her doubts, and she returned his kiss eagerly, arms wrapping around him, eyes closing. Her body melted against him as his hand pulled her close, his strong body pressed to hers. She could feel him, his heart racing, his pulse pounding, his cock rock-hard against her through their clothes, and she knew that in that moment there was nothing she wanted more than to feel him inside her. She fumbled behind her one-handed, finding the door handle and pushing the door open.

  That was all the invitation Roman needed. Lifting her off her feet with effortless strength, he didn't break the kiss as he carried Anna inside. She moaned into his mouth, kissing eagerly and breathing quickly, her whole body tingling with an aching need for him.

  Oh God, what am I doing? Her rational brain asked, but it was drowned out by the rest of her. She knew what she needed, and it was him, all him. Pulling at his clothes, she writhed against him as he walked over to the bed.

  With a casual strength he threw her down onto it, towering over her in the dim light. She saw him smile, a hungry, lustful smile that made her feel so alive. That a man like this could want her, need her so badly, had never occurred to her before and the sight of it — of him — left her soaked with desire.

  Roman pulled off his shirt, not bothering to undo it first. Buttons flew everywhere as he tore it open, and Anna gasped. She couldn't keep her eyes from him, from the glorious expanse of his muscular chest, fr
om his strong, well-defined abs. Her gaze kept going, down to the bulge in his pants, her breath catching at the size of him. For a moment he was content to let her look at him, basking in her adoration, and then he reached down to spread her legs. Stroking down them to her feet he pulled off her shoes and threw them away, and then trailed his fingers back up.

  Anna gasped as the feelings his touch sent shooting through her. Arching her back, she felt him trace up her thighs, each movement starting a wave of pleasure and anticipation as he reached up under her skirt. She felt herself flush as his hands stroked between her legs, teasingly light across the fabric of her panties.

  "Oh God," she moaned, forcing her eyes open so she could see him. Roman was grinning with delight, bending over her as he teased her. "God, please Roman…"

  He laughed, a joyful booming sound which filled the room. Gripping the waistband of her panties, he pulled them off with one smooth, decisive movement that made her cry out for joy.

  Roman bent over her, his hands pressing her down to the mattress, his lips planting kisses on her inner thighs. Anna squirmed, looking down at him as he slowly, ever so slowly, kissed his way higher and higher. Each kiss sent a flash of pleasure shooting through her, making her whimper and need him more, and she could feel the heat of her pussy as he worked his way ever closer.

  "Roman," she gasped. "Roman please, don't... don't make me wait."

  His chuckle was deep, hungry, joyful. "I won't," he promised. "You'll get exactly what you need."

  With that, he kissed her pussy and the touch of his lips made her cry out as lightning shot through her, every nerve of her body tingling with pleasure. Her hands went to him, fingers sliding into his mane of golden hair, and she pulled him close.

  Roman's hands slid under her, gripping her and holding her to his mouth as he licked her, his tongue playing over the folds of her pussy, parting them, lapping at her clit. Shuddering, Anna groaned and arched, helpless in his hands.

  I didn't realize how much I needed this, the small part of her mind that was still coherent thought. God, he's good!

  She trembled, her body pushed to the edge of ecstasy almost instantly by his mouth. He was so, so good with it, his rough tongue gentle and forceful by turns, his hands on her ass holding her in place as he worked his magic on her. Her fingers tightened in his hair, and then he growled, the vibrations running through her and driving her into an orgasm that consumed her.

  "Roman!" She heard herself calling out his name, her voice hoarse with need, and then she was gone, lost in the blinding light of pleasure.

  * * *

  Roman lifted his head, watching Anna writhe in pleasure. It was the most beautiful thing he could imagine watching, and he felt himself harden as he looked on.

  You are so perfectly beautifully sexy, he thought as her movements calmed and she opened her eyes again to look up at him. Their gazes met with a spark that shot through him like lightning, and he growled again.

  "Roman," she said again, and his name in her husky voice was the sexiest thing he could imagine hearing. His lion growled, hungry and joyful in his soul.

  "Roman, I need you. I need you inside me." Anna blushed as she spoke, but she held his gaze, and the worries that had filled her earlier were gone now. All of his were washed away too, the passion they shared overwhelmed everything else in his mind.

  With quick, sure motions he undid his belt and dropped his pants, standing naked before his mate. Anna's eyes widened as she looked him over, and he felt his smile broaden as she gasped. Her gaze was fixed on his cock, hard as iron and standing proud as he reached for her.

  Roman had no patience left for her clothes, and the fabric parted easily under his strong hands, tearing free of her body. Her marvelous body, spread so beautifully before him on the bed. He forced himself to slow down, to look at her and take the time to admire the enticing curves of his mate. He felt himself harden even more at the sight of her.

  She reached out for him tentatively, her hand wrapping around his cock and stroking. The light touch was enough to make him groan, throwing back his head and tensing for a moment before he let her draw him closer. Slipping onto the bed on top of Anna, he leaned in to kiss her, their naked bodies pressing together and trembling with barely-leashed need.

  Breaking the kiss, he moved his lips down her neck, planting kisses firmly, his teeth nipping at her. The little gasps each touch brought out of her made him chuckle happily, and his own breathing sped up as her hand tightened around him. Kissing his way down to her breasts, Roman slid his hands across her body, intent on savoring every part of this experience.

  Biting gently, he teased her hard nipples, sucking them into his mouth and playing his tongue over them. Anna arched under him, pressing her breasts up to him as he enjoyed her, pulling him closer to her pussy and moaning desperately.

  "Oh, impatient are you?" Roman growled, lifting his face from her just long enough to speak. Before she could answer, he pushed forward, pressing his cock to her entrance, feeling the wet needy warmth of her waiting to be filled.

  She shuddered at that touch, nodding and flushing, trying to catch her breath to answer. But before she had the chance, Roman thrust. A single powerful movement buried him inside her, stretching her around him as his huge cock filled her tight channel. Anna's moan turned into a gasp as he slammed deep and stopped.

  Shaking under him, she whimpered, her arms wrapping around him and pulling him close. Roman could feel her body relaxing around him, adjusting to his presence inside her as they slowly, so slowly, started to move together.

  He slid himself back, nearly all the way out of her, and again she moaned. This time it was a hungry sound, a desperate moan as his cock pulled back and she was left achingly empty again. But Roman had no intention of leaving her wanting. With a gasp of his own he thrust again, harder and faster, pushing her down into the mattress with the force of it.

  Again he pulled back slowly, Anna's body shaking under him. His lips found hers and he pressed his tongue into her mouth, feeling the gasp as he thrust again. Her body writhed against his tightening again and he felt a wave of pleasure shoot through him from the point where their bodies joined. It was enough to challenge his self-control and he started to move faster and faster, pounding himself into her as she shuddered and gasped under him.

  Her nails raked his back and he arched over her, roaring with pleasure. An animal joy shone in his mate's eyes as she looked up at him, flushed and trembling. Together they cried out, their bodies moving as one as he rode her hard until her control snapped and she came again, her body tightening around his cock and shuddering.

  Only his iron self-control stopped him from following her, but he wasn't ready for this to be over. He needed it to last. This would be a moment he'd remember for the rest of his life.

  Forcing himself to stillness, Roman looked into Anna's eyes and calmed his breathing. Her gaze fluttered as she came back to herself, and she smiled, her face shining with joy and peace. Roman felt her hands gently stroking across his back, her lips forming words he couldn't quite make out as she caressed him.

  "You are so perfect," he said, his voice deep and raw, his lion rising to the surface again. Anna giggled, her hands gripping more firmly.

  "So are you," she breathed. "Oh my God, you're so good! Roman, I need you. I want to feel you cum inside me."

  As she spoke, she pulled him to her, moving against him and squeezing his cock. Roman gasped, the sensation battering at his self-control, but it was the look in her eyes that broke it. The look of joy, of belonging, of need. Of love.

  Forgetting about control he roared and thrust again. Anna threw her head back, crying out under him. They moved together as one, rocking with the thrusts that buried him deeper and deeper, faster and faster until he could no longer help himself. Feeling his cock swell he kissed his mate hard on the lips, and her body convulsed around him.

  The orgasm hit them both at the same time, washing over the pair of them, erasing the distin
ction between them. Roman lost himself in the white light of the sensation, forgetting everything but the woman in his arms, hearing nothing but her cries of joy.

  Eventually, the moment passed and thought returned. Rolling over, Roman pulled Anna to him, holding her tight against him and breathing out a long, happy sigh. Inside, he could feel his lion purring, a strange sensation. That had never happened before, but somehow it didn't surprise him. Anna brought out the happiness in him, and as they drifted to sleep in each other’s arms, Roman promised himself one thing.

  No matter what else, I will make her happy.

  12

  Anna awoke to the morning light streaming in the window, smiling as she stirred. Her body ached in the best possible way, and beside her Roman stretched in his sleep. Slowly, not wanting to disturb him, Anna sat up to watch.

  In the bright morning light he was just as gorgeous as he had been last night. No, more so. The sun shining on him lit him perfectly, and his mane of hair shone like a golden halo spread out on the pillow around his face. Relaxed, he lost some of the dark intensity he had while he was awake. He looked peaceful and happy. Anna thought that look suited him. He'd thrown back the covers in his sleep and his powerful chest rose and fell slowly. Anna ran a hand across him, smiling at the slow steady feel of his heartbeat.

  "Good morning," he said, his eyes still shut. Anna squeaked and jerked back her hand, feeling immediately silly as his eyes opened and he grinned at her.

  "I didn't mean to startle you," he said, though he didn't sound even slightly sorry about it. Sitting up, he reached out to embrace her before swinging down from the bed. She thumped his arm playfully and giggled.

  "You looked like you were asleep," she said, yawning and slipping out of bed beside him. He stretched again, looking almost like he would reach the ceiling, and Anna watched with interest. It was quite a show. The golden morning light played across his rippling muscles as they moved under his smooth, perfect skin, making it one of the sexiest things Anna had ever seen. Can I just drag him back into bed?