Unable to resist touching her a moment longer, he reached over and took her hand. She didn’t pull away this time, but he was troubled by the tension in her fingers. “Cinarra, look at me.” He waited until she raised her face before he went on. “You’re here because of what happened this afternoon. I’m no longer willing to pretend I don’t want you, but I have no intention of ordering you to my bed.”
“I’m not really Bilarrian, so I wouldn’t obey you even if you did.” She didn’t return his smile, but she began to relax. “I’ve known you for nine years and yet I don’t really know you. You’ve always been so courteous, so respectful.”
He chuckled and slid his hand up her arm. “Would you prefer I be less respectful?” Curving his fingers around the back of her neck, he leaned in and brushed her lips with his. He started to deepen the kiss, but she shifted away, glancing off into the distance.
“You can have any woman you want. Why me?”
“Because you’re brave and intelligent and you laugh at my jokes even though I know I’m not funny.”
She did smile then and looked back at him. “But you try so hard. I’ve always thought effort should be rewarded.”
A different sort of tension pulsed between them now, warm and electric. His smile faded and he whispered, “You’re so damn beautiful. I ache just looking at you.”
Her gaze clouded and an expressionless mask fell over her features. “I should check on Betaul.” She stood and made a beeline for the nearest exit.
Rushing after her, he managed to catch her wrist before she escaped, but she didn’t turn around. “What did I say? Why are you upset?”
“I’m not upset. I’m exhausted.” She threw a halfhearted smile over her shoulder and pulled her wrist out of his grasp. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Indric shook his head as she walked away. She hadn’t seemed uncomfortable with his desire until he mentioned her beauty. Did she not realize how attractive she was? She had been basically cloistered ever since she arrived on Bilarri. Was it possible she hadn’t had a lover in all that time? She had a son, so she couldn’t be a virgin unless the pregnancy had resulted from a medical procedure.
Frustrated beyond rational thought, he returned to the bench and sent out a seeker pulse for Drakkin.
Rather than flash into the courtyard, Drakkin sent his image to Indric’s mind. “You’re not in bed with Cinarra, so I’ll presume things didn’t go well.”
“I’ve never felt clumsy with a woman before, but she is as prickly as a Narilian quill cat.”
Drakkin smiled. “You’ve never had to work for it before. Every woman you’ve ever touched has known you as royalty. They probably didn’t realize denying you was an option.”
“Cinarra has always known who I am.”
“Yes, but you’ve always visited her house before. Today was the first time she saw King Indric in his element.”
Indric rubbed his forehead with a sigh. “I don’t want her to accept me out of fear or obligation. I want a real relationship with her.”
“Then you’ll have to show her that you’re still the same person who visited her for the past nine cycles. Let the fire smolder. Give her time to accept the heat.”
“That’s not how you wooed Aria. If memory serves me, you kept her chained to your bed during most of your turbulent courtship.”
“That was different.” Drakkin looked anything but apologetic. “Cinarra is not Aria.”
“I’m well aware of that.” He paused, desperately fighting the tantalizing image of Cinarra chained to his bed. He wanted her naked and writhing in pleasure, but he wanted her willing, no, eager for his touch. “I’d like to do something special for her, something completely unexpected.”
“Send for Krysta. I’m sure they communicate telepathically, but they haven’t actually been together since I brought Cinarra to Bilarri.”
“Krysta?” It took Indric a moment to place the name. “Director Trey dar Aune’s wife? I didn’t realize they knew each other.”
“She is… I think I’ll let the women explain the connection, but trust me, Cinarra will be thrilled to see her.”
Charlotte must be the mutual acquaintance. The high queen was married to Trey’s brother Tal dar Aune. “Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll send for Krysta in the morning.”
* * * * *
Despite the luxurious accommodations and her physical fatigue, Cinarra couldn’t fall asleep. Her body longed for Indric’s touch and her heart ached for the sort of soul-deep connection Charlotte shared with her life mate, Tal. But Indric didn’t want her as his consort, he wanted her as his lover, his mistress, his pleasure giver.
She wasn’t opposed to the idea of sharing pleasure with Indric, but she couldn’t help feeling as if she were missing out. Everyone she knew had found their life mate and was enjoying the security of a permanent relationship. Charlotte and Tal, Saebin and Lyrik, even her daughter Krysta had found and bonded with an amazing man. Only she was left alone, adrift in a stranger’s body.
You’re so damn beautiful. I ache just looking at you. Indric’s words echoed through her mind and a fresh wave of uncertainty surged through her. Would he still find her beautiful if he knew this wasn’t her body; that another had died so she could live? Well, that was an exaggeration. The Mystic had been killed by the same evil monsters who kidnaped Betaul. It was only after Drakkin determined that the Mystic could not be saved that he repaired the body enough so Cinarra’s being could be channeled into the vacant shell.
Drakkin’s abilities were awe-inspiring, but Indric was his best friend. They’d known each other longer than she’d been alive. Perhaps Indric wouldn’t be as shocked by the details of her rescue as she’d first thought.
As if summoned by her restlessness, she felt Indric brush against her mind. May I please come to you? I won’t touch you. I just need to understand why you’re angry with me. The formality in his phrasing made her suspect that asking permission wasn’t something he did often.
I told you, I’m not angry. If he entered this room, she wasn’t sure she could keep her hands to herself.
Then why are you still awake? I gave my word that I wouldn’t enter unless you invited me in. I’d really like to see you, Cinarra. May I come in?
She couldn’t resist the earnestness ringing in his tone. Come in. Heat washed over her body as she pushed the thought toward him. Hopefully his persistency indicated an interest in more than just her body.
He appeared an instant later, black pants resting low on his hips. He’d donned a robe, but hadn’t bothered to belt it. With his hair loose about his shoulders and his chest bare, he’d never looked more attractive or sexier.
Propping herself up against the headboard, she tucked the covers under her arms and waited for him to make the next move.
“I know what I said upset you, but I don’t understand why.” He crossed to the bed and sat, but kept his word and didn’t touch her.
She sighed. How could she explain without telling him about the Mystic? Or was telling him the right thing anyway? “I’ve found that true beauty has little to do with how a person looks. If that’s all you want from me. I’m not interested.”
“I can’t pretend you’re not beautiful. You are. But that’s not what’s kept me interested as the seasons cycled nine times. I remember when we first met, you seemed so fragile, so terrified. I wanted to wrap my arms around you and shelter you from anything that had the power to harm you.” He raised his hand as if he would touch her, then closed his fingers into a fist and lowered his arm. “I still want to protect you. I want to chase the shadows from your eyes.”
That’s right. He’d promised not to touch her, and Indric always kept his promises. The question was, how long could she resist the temptation of touching him?
“Little by little I watched your fear become determination with no help from anyone else. You’re so strong, so self-reliant, and those are traits I admire.”
“I didn’t do it alone. I had you and Cha
rlotte and Drakkin.” And a daughter he didn’t know about. “You’re friendship has meant the world to me. You might not have been free to embrace me, but you still managed to make me feel safe.”
He scooted closer, desire smoldering in his gaze, but he still didn’t touch her. “I love watching you with Betaul. You’re loving and patient, yet you know when he’s testing you. He can’t get away with anything. Your instincts are amazing. You’re selfless and caring and so brave. Yet I sense your loneliness and it breaks my heart.”
Her only response was an unsteady smile. If he kept this up, she’d be bawling like a baby. So much for her bravery and strength.
“We effortlessly talk for hours. Don’t you understand how rare that is for a man and a woman? I want to build upon our friendship, not destroy it. You’re beauty is one component among many. I want you, Cinarra, all of you.”
It was possible he was just telling her what she wanted to hear. If this was an act, it was damn convincing. She wanted to trust him. She’d been able to trust him to protect and provide for her, so why did she hesitate to trust him with her heart?
Kevin’s smug face flashed into her memory and she shuddered. “I’m afraid,” she whispered.
“Of what? Surely you know I’d never hurt you.” He placed his hand on the bed on the other side of her, leaning close without actually making contact.
“Maybe not intentionally.”
“Why are you so uncertain? Tell me what happened.” His tone stopped just short of autocratic.
She tensed, waiting for the tingling heat that would signal a vocal compulsion. Betaul had been powerless to resist Indric’s voice. But the sensation never came. He was asking, not manipulating. “I trusted someone and he hurt me badly. I don’t want to go through that again. If this is just physical, I’d rather go home.”
“You are home, or at least I’d like you to eventually feel like this is your home.” He leaned even closer, his breath teasing her lips. “Kiss me, love. I can’t touch you unless you ask me to.”
Power welled within her, making her feel giddy and hot. Until she released him from his promise, she was free to touch him, explore his amazing body without the distraction of his touch. He commanded an entire region, made decisions every day that affected millions of lives, and yet he was basically her prisoner, held captive by his own honor.
She pressed her lips against his, savoring the heat and the supple fullness for only a moment before she pulled away. Then she drew a line from the base of his throat to the middle of his chest with her index finger. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to touch you? How many nights I lay in bed thinking about you?”
He licked his lips and his gaze narrowed. “Release me from my promise.”
“Not yet,” she whispered with a wicked smile. She eased his robe down his arm, revealing his corded shoulder and thick upper arm. “Are you as strong as you look?” She peppered his shoulder with kisses.
“Keep this up and you’ll find out.”
“You promised not to touch me.” She pulled the robe off his other shoulder and he did the rest, tugging the garment off in frustrated yanks and tossing it across the room. “Temper, temper.” She grinned, unable to stop the sudden rush of joy.
“Payback can be hell. You better keep that in mind.” He stood, arms at her side, golden rings in his eyes shimmering. “Go on. Have your fun. Touch me.”
The last two words sounded far too much like a dare for her peace of mind. Even so, she scooted out from under the covers and circled around behind him. He frequently wore sleeveless tunics, so she knew he was well built, but she’d never imagined he was so…perfect. Every muscle was starkly defined, yet he remained lean rather than bulky. She took her time, examining his torso from every angle. His chest and abdomen were every bit as impressive as his back.
“Are you going to do more than stare?”
There was no mistaking the dare in his tone that time. She ran her hand up his arm and across his chest. His muscles tensed beneath her fingers, but she refused to be hurried. “You’re amazing.” The words slipped out of her mind without her consciously speaking them.
He smiled, his gaze capturing hers. “I’m glad you approve. Now let me touch you.”
Something in his gaze warned that she’d pushed him far enough. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his smile. “Touch me. I want you to.”
She barely got the words out before his arms closed around her and his mouth fused with hers. He lifted her off her feet, sliding her up his body until their faces were on a level. Then the kiss slowed. His tongue slid against and curled around hers, each movement intentional and possessive.
His show of strength excited her rather than frightened her and she melted against his chest. Her legs parted and she bent her knees, wrapping her legs around his waist. They were still separated by her nightgown and his pants, but their combined heat easily penetrated the material.
With a groan, he turned and sat down on the bed. She quickly bent her knees and settled astride his lap. The sexual position sent lust spiraling through her, accenting the ache between her thighs. Her nightgown bunched about her hips and his hands slipped beneath the thin fabric. One cupped her behind and the other pressed against her back, holding her close as if he feared she’d leave him.
Leaving was the furthest thing from her mind. Her breasts felt heavy, the nipples sensitive to the point of pain. She rubbed against him, returning his kiss, stroke for stroke.
He suddenly dragged his mouth away from hers and turned his head to the side. “We better stop.” He panted then looked into her eyes. “Unless you’re ready for me to spend the night.” His tone held a hint of hope, but he moved his hands to her waist on the outside of her nightgown.
Was there really a reason to wait? They both wanted this so badly they shook and… She had to tell him about the Mystic before she slept with him. He deserved to know the truth. And tonight had been too wonderful to ruin with such a horrible story.
“I don’t usually kiss on a first date, much less allow a man to spend the night.” She tried to lighten the mood, even though her body ached for more.
“But this ‘first date’ was nine cycles in the making.”
She smiled then shook her head and climbed off his lap. “I need a little more time.”
“All right.” He took a deep breath and she expected him to flash back to his room. Instead he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked deep into her eyes. “We can take this slow, if that’s what you need, but don’t shut me out again.”
“I won’t.” She reinforced the promise with a soft, sweet kiss.
“I know you dealt with a lot of horrible things before Drakkin brought you here. As far as I’m concerned, the past is gone. It can’t be changed and I’m willing to leave it alone. But if you need to talk about anything—regardless of how offensive you might think I’ll find it—you can tell me anything and it will not change the way I feel about you.”
Could he sense how much she was hiding or was there nothing more to the statement than an honest offer of understanding? “The majority of what happened is best forgotten, but there are some things you should know.”
“Whenever you’re ready to tell me, I’m willing to listen.” He brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek as his gaze focused on her mouth. “Now tell me to leave or I’m going to convince you to let me stay.”
She lifted the covers and scooted back to the middle of the bed. “Good night, Your Majesty.”
He chuckled and said, “Good night, Your Highness,” then flashed out of sight.
* * * * *
Browbeating people into submission wasn’t Indric’s usual style, but Bakar wasn’t leaving him a choice. The young man had been appointed head of the Agricultural Council despite his relative inexperience. Bakar was highly intelligent and creative, and Indric felt the council would benefit from a fresh perspective. Now he was starting to doubt his choice.
“Do you understand the
importance of this negotiation?” Indric rested his forearms on the gleaming desktop and let his gaze bore into the younger man.
“Of course, Sire.” To his credit, Bakar sat straight in his chair and met Indric’s gaze without flinching.
“The problem with holoconferencing is you aren’t able to see the entire room. The person with whom you’re speaking might seem fully engaged and sincere when in fact someone is just off camera rolling their eyes.”
“I understand that, Sire, but the ambassador refuses to take time out of his ‘impossible schedule’ and meet me in person.”
“He’s testing you, Bakar. Ambassador Huko has been at this a very long time. He’s toying with you.”
“He insists that the exchange will be mutually beneficial, but in truth they need palani a lot more than we need their money.”
“Which is why he will come running if you refuse to continue via holocom.” Indric pushed back from his desk and stood. “I happen to believe that strengthening trade agreements with Rodymia is the best way to maintain the relative peace. I can’t speak for the other regional kings, but I’m damn tired of war. The Rodytes might need palani more than we need their money, but Huko is correct as well. This contract is mutually beneficial.”
Bakar stood and straightened his jacket. “I will contact him immediately and set up a face-to-face.”
“Let me know when you’ve locked in a time and I’ll see if I can stop by. But this is your baby. Huko has to realize you won’t be pushed around just because you’re fresh out of university.”
“Yes, Sire. And thank you.”
Indric didn’t smile until Bakar had gone. Ambassador Huko was a wily old goat. Still, he was generally reasonable. If Bakar could solidify this contract, it would justify Indric’s decision to promote him. Indric’s instincts said Bakar had the balls to pull it off, but time would tell.
He grabbed his holotab and moved to the casual cluster of high-backed chairs at the other end of his office. The elaborately carved desk was fine when he needed to be assertive, but he was more comfortable in his favorite chair.
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