Inseparable

by D. M. Mortier

  “Saina, are you coming?” Tarik asked from the platform. He looked on expectantly.

  She straightened her shoulders with resolve and walked toward Tarik. She didn’t dare look at the message.

  ***

  Thorne walked into the ballroom to an event he’d had no intent of attending until twenty minutes before. Tonight had been a big night for the negotiations of renewing the ten-year trade agreement among the realms. He’d just walked out during a crucial point in the negotiations, and he was in just the right mood to make someone pay for that. To say he was angry was a gross understatement; no, he was in a cold rage.

  He had the patience for the protocol required on his entrance into any gathering. He barely listened to the loud announcement of his presence and even less when the organizers started falling over themselves, apologizing for not realizing that he’d be in attendance. Fuck, I didn’t know I’d be here either.

  Thorne immediately scanned the ballroom and noted that the ball was already in full swing. Men and women were dressed in their finest and seemed to be having the time of their lives dancing with impressive skill. Kenton was the largest province in Calison, with over two billion people in its population. “Looks as though half the damn population is here tonight,” Thorne muttered under his breath. He shouldn’t have been surprised by the crowd, but it pissed him off that he couldn’t immediately get to Saina and take her out of there.

  People were still trying to direct him through the crowd, but he ignored them and charted his own course. His men, Andre and Gunner, who insisted on accompanying him everywhere he went, flanked his back to ensure no one got too close to him. The event host, Dr. Arnold, Chief of Staff at the hospital, was still high on the fact that the king had made an appearance and remained by his side. Dr. Arnold talked a mile a minute as they walked across the ballroom. Despite the crowded room, Thorne’s height allowed him a better view of the occupants. He’d been in the room about ten minutes before he saw her.

  He was barely civilized when he entered the room, but when he saw her standing next to Dr. Tarik Holmes, beautifully draped in his color and calmly in the other man’s company, he felt feral. Saina and the doctor made a striking couple. They both had similar skin tones and the same dark eyes. It was unnerving seeing how perfect they looked together. He lost all sense of reason and stalked toward her with every intention of reclaiming what was his.

  Saina stared directly at him, unflinching and nonchalant. Her date stood by her side looking proud as though he were the luckiest man on the planet, oblivious to the storm that was about to hit his ass.

  “Is that our queen?” Andre asked in a hushed reverent voice.

  “Do you want to ask that a little louder?” Thorne muttered. He turned to glare at his self-appointed bodyguard. “I’m sure the attendees on the other side of the ballroom want to hear it again.”

  “She’s magnificent!” Andre ignored his pissed tone, clearly awed.

  Thorne would’ve been amused by Andre’s shocked state over a woman given the number of women Andre was currently dating, but he didn’t want any man ogling his woman. He turned again to glance at Saina. She was staring at Andre too. It was the first time Thorne had ever been slightly jealous of the other man.

  Andre was also a descendant from Europon; at least his parents were from Europon. He was slightly taller than Thorne’s six-foot-seven height, a broad muscular man with a dark chocolate skin tone, and he wore his head clean-shaven. He looked lethal. Many women were attracted to his silent dangerous demeanor while many men feared him for the same reasons. Thorne didn’t like it at all that Andre found Saina attractive and liked it even less that Saina might also find the big guy attractive. He’d never felt insecure about the color of his skin before, but the sight of two virile dark-skinned men interested in his dark-skinned woman made him slightly less confident in his ability to hold her interest.

  Thorne felt a strong grip on his arm, stopping him in his tracks. He hadn’t realized that he had been moving toward Saina.

  “Bruh, you need to calm your ass down before you expose her identity,” Andre said softly.

  Thorne shook the restraining hand off and frowned at him. Andre hadn’t bothered to even look at him when he cautioned him. He was too busy still staring at Saina. Thorne wanted to get Saina out of there and put her under lock and key. Fuckin’ horny-ass vultures! Thorne started toward Saina again, this time even more determined than before.

  Andre gripped his forearm again. “You need to damn listen,” Andre whispered in fierce frustration.

  Thorne grunted and easily broke Andre’s hold.

  “What the fuck, man?” Andre grumbled.

  Dr. Arnold gasped.

  If he wasn’t so pissed, Thorne might have laughed at the older man’s expression. He was certain that Arnold hadn’t expected one of Thorne’s soldiers to address him in such a manner.

  “Told you we should have knocked his ass out,” Gunner muttered from the other side of Thorne.

  “Shut the fuck up,” Thorne growled. He knew the men meant well, but no one was keeping him away from his woman and his kid.

  “Well, husband, fancy meeting you here.”

  He stilled at the sound of that mocking voice so close to him.

  “Tsk, tsk, aren’t you going to greet your queen?”

  Thorne turned and briefly glanced at Anastasia. As usual, she was flawlessly beautiful. Not a strand of her blond hair dared escape her stylish bun, her emerald gown perfectly matched her eyes, and she wore a fortune in jewels that Thorne recognized as his mother’s. He wasn’t surprised that the sight of them and her didn’t cause a spike in his emotions as it used to. He was used to get blazing mad at the sight of his mother’s jewelry on such a vile person. Nothing about Anastasia affected him emotionally now, not even the sight of her current lover standing dutifully behind her. He turned his back to her and started forward again.

  “My apologies, Your Highness,” Mr. Arnold whispered nervously, running to catch up to him. “We had no idea you were going to be in attendance.”

  “You’ve said that already, Ravi,” Thorne muttered impatiently. Although he’d been deliberately avoiding Saina for weeks, tonight, on seeing her, he realized how much of a waste his anger with her had been. At the thought of the many messages she’d sent him, the pictures, the songs, he wondered again why he’d stayed away for so long. He’d missed her desperately. Now he wanted nothing more than to hold her again. He suddenly felt a wave of anguish coming toward him. He knew it was Saina, but he didn’t dare look at her now. There was no way of him sparing her this hurt once she’d insisted on coming to Calison. Saina knew that she was the rightful Queen of Calison, and seeing Anastasia prancing around in her place had to hurt.

  “Don’t you dare ignore me,” Anastasia shrieked. She grabbed his arm to get his attention.

  “Anastasia, what the fuck do you want?” Andre pulled her away from Thorne, knowing that if Thorne had broken the hold, he might have broken her fingers.

  Anastasia gasped. “How dare you speak to me in that manner? How dare you touch me? I could have you…”

  Thorne didn’t wait around to find out what empty threat Anastasia issued. He walked toward a group of doctors that had a few of his scientists in their midst. Andre and Gunner followed him while Dr. Arnold remained with Anastasia trying to soothe her ruffled feathers.

  Thorne kept Saina in his sights. She didn’t move from her spot in the corner of the room. However, Anastasia continued making a scene and complaining to anyone who would listen. Everyone in Calison knew of the acrimony between the royal couple and was in no way shocked by the public spat. Given her habit of openly parading her lovers, this wasn’t the first time Thorne had shunned her so blatantly.

  There was no way he could go to Saina now. Unlike Anastasia’s, his intimate liaisons were never public knowledge. If he showed even a mild interest in any woman, it would be noted. And with his enemies out desperately lo
oking for Saina, he knew he couldn’t take the chance. However, there was nothing stopping him from showing a concerted interest in Tarik Holmes.

  “How is the new surgeon from Europon coming along?” Thorne asked Dr. Arnold almost an hour after socializing in the ballroom.

  “Dr. Holmes is doing well, but the new internist is impressive.” Dr. Arnold had lowered his voice to barely above a whisper in awe. “I’ve never encountered a doctor so young with such skill.”

  “Perhaps I should meet her.” Thorne couldn’t resist the opening to get to Saina.

  “That’s not a bright idea, Highness,” Andre muttered through clenched teeth.

  “Oh, but she’s a lovely young woman,” Dr. Arnold murmured, confusion clear on his face.

  “I’m sure she is, but no favoritism should be shown.” Andre was getting visibly agitated.

  “Enough, Andre,” Thorne gritted out. “I want to meet her. Dr. Arnold, please do the honors.” Thorne was impatient now that he had a way to finally speak to her without raising suspicion.

  Even with his approach now possible, it still took their party almost half an hour to cross the room to Saina and her date.

  Thorne knew within seconds on standing in front of her that his insistence on being introduced to her was a mistake. It wasn’t that she did or said anything overt to reveal herself. No, it was because she stared up at him with a blank look on her face, no recognition in her gaze. None of that stopped his stomach from exploding with butterflies and the dizzying flow of blood to his cock. It’s fucking embarrassing what she does to me! Was it his imagination, or did she move closer to Dr. Holmes on their approach? This girl is going to make me lose my fucking mind!

  “It’s an honor to meet a doctor whom Dr. Arnold holds in such high regard.” Thorne fought to keep his voice civil.

  “I’m sure Dr. Arnold was trying to be kind,” Saina dismissed.

  “Beautiful and modest. Dr. Holmes, you’re a lucky man.” Thorne ground his teeth together as the other man grinned with satisfaction.

  “I’m not certain why Tarik would be a lucky man, Your Highness.” The bite in her voice was obvious to all. “My husband would have a problem with that statement.”

  Dr. Holmes grimaced slightly. It was clear this wasn’t the first time he’d been told about her married state.

  That mollified Thorne considerably.

  Saina didn’t take her gaze from Thorne, and the challenge issued was unmistakable. He hadn’t been speechless since he was a kid, but she’d just knocked him on his ass.

  Andre laughed. “I’m certain any man would object to another man claiming what’s his. If I was your husband, I would be very cautious of what I say or do when he has such a beautiful wife as you.”

  Thorne didn’t miss the warning in Andre’s statement, and he also didn’t miss the other man’s drawn-in breath when Saina looked directly at him.

  Saina smiled at Andre gently. “Thank you, sir. Your service to our king is well known. Like your king’s confidence in you, my husband knows how much I love him and wouldn’t possibly be concerned about my presence here tonight without him.”

  Thorne reeled under her open declaration, and it made him want her under him in the worst way. The obvious interest of Andre and Tarik in her was making him feel primitively possessive.

  Saina turned to gaze at Tarik fondly. “I wanted a night out, and Tarik was kind enough to accommodate me. Thank you.”

  Tarik stared at her with open adoration. “Dr. Arnold is correct. You’re a gifted doctor, and I’m always here for you.” Tarik turned to Thorne and smiled nervously. “Your Highness, it’s an honor to meet you. Your work as a scientist is legendary.”

  “I’m always happy to meet visitors to my city.” Thorne could barely get the words out through his clenched teeth.

  “Thank you for allowing so many of us easy migration to your realm.” Tarik stared at Andre with awe. It was unusual to see someone from another realm part of the king’s close guards.

  Andre grunted something under his breath. He obviously wasn’t feeling any kind of kinship with the other man given their mutual interest in the same woman.

  Thorne knew he had to get them both away from there before either of them stomped the good doctor into the ground. “It’s clear that the hospital is fortunate to have both of you on the staff.” Thorne finally forced the words from his lips that would move him away from Saina. His gaze captured hers, and she undauntingly held his.

  “Yes, we are most fortunate.” Dr. Arnold beamed with pride. “I encourage both of you to enjoy the rest of your evening. Please enjoy the music.”

  Dr. Arnold made to move on, but Thorne couldn’t get his feet to move. He desperately wanted her by his side. She didn’t make it any easier to leave by the emotions he saw in her eyes and felt coming off her. He missed being with her, and she was silently communicating the same to him. To feel her familiar lust coming at him in that moment made him weak in the knees. Anyone looking at her would never realize what was happening between them.

  Andre cleared his throat in the growing awkward silence that continued. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Doctor.” He smiled tightly as he turned to follow Dr. Arnold.

  “I haven’t had an opportunity to dance this evening, Dr. James. Would you do me this honor?” Thorne had had no intention of doing something so reckless, but once the words were out of his mouth, he realized how badly he wanted to simply hold her.

  “Ah, Your Highness…” Saina widened her eyes in shock at his request.

  “Sire,” Gunner whispered in horror, “you don’t have time.” He moved to step between Thorne and Saina. “Sorry, miss, we’re on a tight schedule.”

  “I completely understand.” Saina breathed out in relief. She held Thorne’s gaze steadily. “I’m going home to my husband later and hope he dances with me then.”

  Thorne gave her a brief nod and a smile. “Enjoy your evening, Dr. James, Dr. Holmes.” He turned to leave, and whether by accident or unconscious need, he brushed his palm over hers. The feel of her fingers briefly curling with his shouldn’t have fired his lust like that, but it did. He walked away from her knowing there wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to stay away from her tonight. The night should have progressed to a satisfying end with him meeting her back at their apartment, but his life had never been that easy.

  He’d barely moved two feet away from Saina before Anastasia, who had apparently been following his every move, was already talking to Saina and Tarik. If Saina’s body language was anything to go by, she was playing the little woman out for the night with her man. Saina linked her arm with Dr. Holmes and gazed up at him adoringly. She seemed to be leaving the conversation to Tarik and Anastasia. Thorne wanted to rush back over to her, but he didn’t dare. Approaching her the first time had been stupid enough.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Our king has taken a liking to your date,” Anastasia observed slyly.

  “King Winthrop isn’t our king,” Tarik said politely. “We’re not from Calison. And I’m afraid most men find my date attractive.” Unlike his warm smiles for Thorne, Tarik barely moved his lips when he spoke to Anastasia.

  Saina wasn’t worried about Anastasia’s questions. The people of Calison and Europon all hated what Anastasia and her people were doing to Thorne. Tarik wasn’t very successful in keeping the bitterness from his voice.

  Saina always knew that eventually she’d meet Anastasia. She’d imagined so many things to say and do when that happened. She’d entertained herself with images of beating Anastasia into the ground, with the thought to beat the evil out of the bitch. Never had she imagined meeting a woman so flawlessly beautiful. How the hell did any woman compete with that?

  As Tarik tried to remain civil and answer Anastasia’s question, Saina maintained her role as shy, dependent girlfriend, hoping like hell Tarik didn’t ask her about her behavior while Anastasia was there. And she was more than worried about what Th
orne was likely to do. He was staring at them quite openly. She had to get Tarik to end things before Thorne got any bright ideas about coming over to them.

  Saina reached up and whispered into Tarik’s ear. “I really need to go home.” She was determined not to speak in Anastasia’s presence. Most people commented on her accent, but none of them realized that the accent was derived from a little Caribbean island on Earth. If Anastasia was behind the recent pursuits for her, it was possible that she would recognize the accent and become suspicious of who she was.

  “Excuse us, Queen Anastasia, it was lovely meeting you, but…”

  “You’re a beautiful man, Dr. Holmes. It’s a pity your woman can’t speak,” Anastasia smirked.

  Saina’s temper boiled, but she had to think of her unborn child.

  “Dr. Holmes and I have had a long day, Highness,” Saina said coolly. She used her best British accent she could muster. Growing up in Turks & Caicos, a British Territory, she’d gone to school with many British children, and that came in handy now.

  “Ah, you do speak!” Anastasia said in a mocking whisper. “You’re the king’s type and probably remind him of his precious first wife.” She laughed bitterly. Her raised voice caused most of the occupants in the room to stare at their group.

  “My apologies, Dr. Holmes, Dr. James, the queen isn’t feeling well.” Andre had suddenly appeared at their side and grabbed Anastasia’s arm.

  “Don’t touch me!” Anastasia streaked.

  Saina used the ensuing moment of confusion to get out of there. She didn’t even remember saying goodbye to Tarik. As soon as she crossed the threshold, she teleported to where her android waited for her.

  As soon as Saina arrived at the apartment, the door had barely closed behind her before she felt strong arms circle her waist.

  “Thorne…”