* * * * *
Varrik hurried across the villa and activated the security viewer. A cloaked woman stood on the front porch, her features lost in shadow. How had she gotten past the guards? He knew who it was. Gods, he hoped he knew. Holding his breath, he moved across the foyer and scanned open the door.
“Did you miss me?” Echo asked.
Heat curled through his abdomen and his pulse kicked up a notch. Echo was here. Somehow she was really here. Despite the physical pleasure, their shared dream had left him feeling empty and discontent. He needed to hold her as they slept and wake up to her smile. He took her hand and drew her into the villa.
“You shouldn’t be here. It’s dangerous.”
She lowered the hood and met his gaze, her expression inscrutable. “I’m not afraid of the danger. Are you?” Challenge flashed through her gaze before a smile softened her expression. “The trial is only four days away. We’ll stay away from the windows. I promise.”
“I was just—”
“Unless you don’t want me here.” Uncertainty drew her delicate brows together.
“I want nothing more.” Capturing both her hands, he pulled her into a loose embrace. “Half of this planet is pissed off at me. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.”
“Won’t I be easier to protect if I’m under your roof?”
He smiled and brushed her lips with his. “I think I can sell myself on that reasoning.”
“I brought you a present.”
Reaching down, he squeezed her bottom. “And I can’t wait to unwrap it.”
She reached into the pocket of her cloak and held out a crystal disk.
“What’s this?” He took the disk from her hand and turned it over, admiring the intricate pattern etched into both sides.
“Hold it up to the light and look through it.”
As light passed through the crystal the decoration gave way to an image. A young woman stared back at him, faint blue rings in her soft brown eyes. “Is this…” He couldn’t bring himself to complete the question. It was too much to hope that Sekall’s daughter was still alive.
“Her name is Shaelee. She doesn’t remember much about the mountain cottage, but she told my mother a kind man, with blue rings in his eyes, used to visit her when she was very young.”
He rubbed his thumb over the surface of the disk, joy clogging his throat. She is beautiful, Sekall. Your daughter is alive and beautiful.
She stroked his cheek with the backs of her fingers. “You still look so sad. I thought this would please you.”
Moved beyond words, he drew her fully into his arms and kissed her with all the tenderness in his heart. She melted into his embrace, returning his kiss with equal fervor.
“Does this mean I can stay?” she whispered against his kiss-dampened lips.
“Always and forever.” He parted her cloak and felt his mouth gape. She was naked beneath the garment.
“I left in a hurry.” She offered him a wicked grin that perfectly matched her outfit.
He swept her up in his arms and claimed her mouth with his. Oh, my love. Never stop surprising me. You are truly a wonder.
They kissed for a long moment, content to be in each other’s arms.
Does your father know where you are? Should I fear for my life?
Only if you don’t love me as much as I love you.
That will never be a problem.
Royal Obsession (Shadow Assassins 1) Page 39