by Robin Danner
"I know.” She bit her lip to stop the trembling. She wanted him too.
"Tell me what I need to do to convince you."
"I can't."
It was the truth. She couldn't tell him something she didn't yet know herself.
It was dark that night, clouds obscuring much of the moon.
Mathis paced the garden anxiously. He'd arrived early, but it was shortly after midnight, and Nadia had yet to appear.
Perhaps she had changed her mind?
No sooner had he thought it when he heard the sound of footsteps. He turned to see Nadia slowly approaching.
He sighed in relief. “You came."
It was difficult to see her expression, but she appeared furtive, as if she was frightened they would be found out. He understood her hesitation, but there was so much he could give her. She would never have to worry about her future if she joined him.
She reached him, and her lips curved into a nervous smile. “It is so dark tonight. I could barely find my way here."
"Ah, that explains it. I didn't think it was your nature to be tardy."
Mathis opened his arms, and she stepped willingly into his embrace.
It was wonderful to hold her. Her head came to his shoulder, which was unusual since he towered over most women. She was a perfect fit against him, soft where he was firm and curved where he was straight.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I am glad you are here."
Her gorgeous eyes met his in the weak moonlight. Nervousness was reflected in the green depths.
He put a finger beneath her chin, so she couldn't turn her gaze away. “Don't be frightened, Nadia love. I won't hurt you."
She blinked several times, and the nervousness was replaced by determination. Nadia was such an amazing bundle of contradictions. A tough, steady soldier. A shy, sweet woman.
Although he respected the profession she'd chosen, it was the womanly side he craved now. He wanted to possess her, to prove to her she hadn't made a mistake by choosing him.
He held out his hand and beckoned for her to follow him. “Come, I have a surprise for you."
He led her to the center of the maze, where he'd arranged for a blanket, wine and candles to be placed, along with a single bow. It was a romantic setting for a tryst, but he was not surprised it was the bow that caught her attention.
"Oh!” She rushed forward and picked up the slim bow with reverence.
It was made of wood, plated in gold and balanced perfectly. He had spent a small fortune on it.
Nadia fingered the string, and it twanged pleasantly. “Is this your surprise?"
He laughed and answered in the affirmative. “I had it made custom for you."
Her face fell, and she tried to hand the bow to him. “I could not possibly..."
He waved her protest aside. “I want you to have it."
Concern warred with yearning on her face. He was glad to see she enjoyed it.
"Are you sure?"
He nodded. “Completely."
"Well in that case, thank you."
She continued to gaze with rapture at the bow, and he knew he'd made the right decision.
He'd known she would be unable to resist the temptation of such a fine weapon. She was not a woman to ply with jewels.
"The bow suits you. It brings out the golden flecks in your eyes."
She smiled shyly but did not deny his compliment.
Mathis held out his hand for the bow, and she handed it over with reluctance. He set it aside and drew her down to the blanket. “Would you care for wine?"
"Yes.” She accepted the glass he filled for her and took a small sip. “It's delicious."
Pride filled him. “It is my own blend. Isidor is well known for its vineyards."
She took another sip. “I have never tried it."
He filled his own glass and set the bottle aside. “The grapes are imported from Junsten to our wineries near Isis."
Mathis was deeply involved in the commerce of his kingdom, and the art of winemaking was one of his favorite subjects. “The Dora River turns a water wheel that controls the presses used to crush the grapes. It allows for a faster production. I don't want to bore you, but it's all quite fascinating."
He lifted his glass and swirled the liquid around. “I have not received word from Isis yet. With the threat of a rebel attack, my subjects need me."
She watched him carefully before she spoke. “You are a good leader."
His mouth formed a rounded o of surprise. He had not expected her praise.
He sipped from his own wine glass and pondered her statement. “I suppose my people think well of me. It's been difficult the past year with the rebellions. I fear every day for their safety."
Her hand crept across the blanket and took his hand in a light grasp. “We share the same fear, but everything will be well. I am sorry that I abducted you, but you and your brother will find a way to end the rebellion soon."
He laced their fingers together. “I have not had the opportunity to speak of the rebellion as I should with my brother. Our joined kingdoms could curb the uprising, but I refuse to also join forces with Roarke. I've got to find a way to convince him to break the treaty with Bevelaire."
He turned his thoughts inward. He had to learn his brother's plans, and soon, or else they would all be doomed. “Do you think he will marry her?"
Nadia's eyes grew shuttered. “I believe Talin will do whatever is necessary to protect his kingdom."
He sensed she was uneasy discussing her prince with him. He had to make her see he only wished the best for both their kingdoms.
"Talin has concocted a drastic scheme, I am sure of it. He refuses to discuss it with me. As his favorite, you can get him to confide in you."
She drew back in alarm. “Are you asking me to spy on him?"
He shook his head and spoke with force. “No. I am asking you to learn what you can and keep him safe. This is dangerous ground he treads. He shouldn't do it alone. Has your father been secretive as well?"
A frown creased the space between her brows. “Now that you mention it, I suppose he has been unusually silent."
It was as he imagined. Talin and Collin were attempting more than a mere marriage.
Damn Talin and his headstrong ways.
"I will see what I can do to learn more. Just promise me you will help keep him safe. Talin is the only family I have left. I don't want to lose him."
Nadia lifted her hands in entreaty. “I am simply a soldier."
"You are my brother's favorite, Nadia. He trusts you."
She lowered her hands and nodded. “I will do what I can."
"Just promise you will help me keep him safe."
"I promise.” Nadia placed her hand over her heart and thumped twice, a Noventian gesture of sincerity.
The conversation in the garden worried Nadia. She'd been so blind the past few weeks.
She'd prided herself on her intuition. It was something that had kept her alive more than once in battle. She should've realized her father and Talin were up to something. Mathis should not have had to point it out to her.
With the romantic mood severely dampened, Mathis suggested they head back. She allowed him to hold her hand to assist her to her feet. She swayed toward him, a bit off balance, and he caught her with one arm.
"Careful, Nadia, my love."
Her insides warmed. He'd referred to her in such a manner more than once. Why did his words coax forth such a response now?
He kept hold of her elbow. “I shall escort you home."
"It is not necessary."
She would never dream of asking him to do that.
"Nevertheless, I shall.” He crooked his arm at her, and this time she wrapped her arm through his and lightly clasped his forearm. “After you, my lady."
She gave a pointed glance at the plain breeches she wore. “Some would question your use of the term lady."
He lifted a regal brow. “Regardless of whether you choose
to use the title or not, you are a lady. But even if your father was not a knight, you are a lady here, where it counts."
He tapped his chest with one lean finger.
She was unused to such praise and knew not how to answer. She'd never participated in a flirtation, knew nothing about men other than what she'd learned as a soldier. Sincere flattery was not something she was familiar with.
"Why are you so interested in me?” She didn't mean to ask, but the question popped out before she thought better of it.
"You've intrigued me since I met you.” He turned toward her and met her wide gaze. “At first I wanted to throttle you for abducting me. Then I got to know you, and I wanted to learn more."
His voice dropped to a whisper. “I want to know everything there is to know about you, Nadia."
She shivered at the heated look he gave her.
He linked their hands together. “Come. It is late."
It was a short walk to her home.
Unlike most soldiers, she did not spend her nights at the barracks. Her father, as Talin's advisor, had been granted a modest home near the training grounds. She and Hugh shared it with him, although her nephew bunked down with his fellow recruits more often than not. Nadia had done the same at his age, but as she grew older she'd realized she did more harm than good by refusing to stay at her father's home.
The house was dark when they reached it, except for the single candle she'd left burning in her window.
Mathis studied the quiet house and then turned a forbidding frown at her. “Are you staying here alone?"
"Yes. Hugh is at the barracks. My father is staying at the castle, for the remainder of the wedding festivities.” She found no need to explain further.
His gaze grew darker, but he wisely kept his thoughts to himself. He should know better than most she could protect herself.
He handed her the bow that he'd carried for her. She thanked him with a genuine smile on her face.
He grinned, but his words were seductive. “You can thank me with a kiss."
The smile froze on her face.
Did she dare? She'd impetuously kissed him earlier, but it had been a spur of the moment decision.
He stepped closer to her, narrowing the space between them to little more than a few inches.
"Nadia,” his voice grew hoarse. “Kiss me."
She threw caution to the wind and wrapped a slim hand around his neck, pulling him down for a brief meeting of lips.
Her good intentions fled at the feel of his mouth upon hers, and she deepened the kiss, wanting, needing this moment to stretch forever. Being in his arms was exhilarating. Kissing him was better than anything she'd ever experienced.
What would lying with him be like?
It was her choice. All she had to do was say yes, and she could learn what it was like to be a woman.
She'd spent her entire life proving she was as good as any man. Tonight she could revel in her femininity.
Nadia broke the kiss and pulled away, gasping for breath. “Come upstairs."
She didn't wait to see if she were obeyed.
She climbed the stairs to the second floor on shaky knees. Her room was at the end of the hall, facing the street.
Nadia left the candle burning in her window and went to stand by her bed. The sound of footsteps and the creak of the stairs came to her, and she knew he'd followed her.
Could she really do this? Make love with him, and then return to her normal life? One where she was not pursued by a charming prince?
Mathis entered the room, and she nearly swooned at the sight of him. He was so handsome, this prince of hers.
His lean face was determined as he headed straight toward her. He didn't say a word as he took her in his arms, and his lips swooped down to claim hers.
She clutched the front of his shirt with both hands and clung to him. Their lips tangled in a fierce duel, neither wanting to let the other take control of the kiss.
She was naturally inclined toward leadership, and it didn't fail to appear even in this.
"I want you,” Mathis breathed as he tore his lips from hers and nuzzled his way down her neck.
He pressed a kiss on her collar bone, and she shivered with delight. “And you want me too."
Why lie?
Nadia murmured her agreement and brought his head back up for another long kiss. She grasped his hand with hers and lifted it to her breast. She needed to feel him there.
His palm cupped the weight of her breast, and she gasped at the sensation. His fingers toyed with her nipple through the thin layer of her shirt. She wore no corset, so it was almost as if he touched her without clothes.
"More?” Mathis asked.
"Yes."
She waited with anticipation as his long, nimble fingers quickly rid of her of her shirt. Her bravado faltered for a moment as she was laid bare to his gaze. She crossed her arms across her chest, but Mathis tenderly undid them.
"You are beautiful. There is no need to hide, my love. I will not hurt you."
Nadia knew he wouldn't, but there was something so intimate about the way Mathis looked at her. She had not expected the overwhelming feelings he brought her, and the intensity of her response was a bit frightening.
"Would you like to undress me?"
Her eyes flew to his in surprise.
Undress him?
He mimicked her earlier gesture and lifted her hands to his chest. She smoothed her palms across the corded muscle she felt beneath his clothes and longed to see more.
She pulled his shirt from his waistband and drew it over his head. She had to stand on tiptoe to do so, her bare breasts brushing the warmth of his chest.
He was gorgeous.
In the pale candlelight, she noted the ridges of muscle in his abdomen and the strong definition of his arms. He may be a scholar, but he certainly spent time in athletic pursuits.
Moisture flooded the area between her legs.
Yes, this is what she wanted. This beautiful man would show her the delights a body could offer.
"Come.” She took his hand and drew him to her simple bed.
It was barely large enough to accommodate the two of them, but it would suit their purposes well enough.
Mathis untied the leather thong that held her braid in place and threaded his finger through her hair, fanning the long tresses on her shoulders.
"Beautiful. Never cut it,” he commanded.
Her hands returned to his chest, and she trailed her fingertips to the waist band of his breeches. She undid them, and he kicked them aside.
She didn't need to look down to know he was aroused. Her fingers had brushed his cock as she'd undressed him.
Nadia swallowed nervously as he removed her breeches as well. She shielded the curls between her legs from his view, but he brushed her hands aside.
"No hiding, remember?"
He kissed her and eased her onto the bed.
The contact of his bare body on hers was thrilling. He was so warm, while her limbs felt chilled. She quickly heated as his hands explored her entire body.
He traced his fingers down her breasts, across her belly, and further down to the apex of her thighs.
His fingers delved between the curls there and slipped into her body. “You want this, Nadia. I can feel you do."
She buried her face into his shoulder. It was embarrassing to know he could tell just from her body's reaction. She soon forgot all bashfulness as his fingers continued to tease her.
"Ooh,” she moaned. She'd never known, never guessed, it could be like this. “More!"
His gave a silky laugh and removed his hand. “Not yet, Nadia. There is still much for you to learn."
Mathis pressed a kiss to her lips and then trailed his mouth to her breast. He took a nipple into his mouth and gently laved it with his tongue.
She grasped the back of his head to hold him to her.
He did the same with her other nipple in equal measure. His fingers returned to her thighs
and slid back into her wetness. She gasped as a finger slipped further inside. He moved it with aching slowness, in and out. Her hips moved restlessly beneath him.
His lips left her breasts and moved down her belly. He kissed her hip bone, and his silky dark hair tickled her.
He lifted his face. His eyes appeared black with desire, a slight flush on his cheekbones. “One day, I will kiss you here.” His fingers teased her.
Her mouth fell open in surprise. “Down ... there?"
He chuckled, probably at her expression. “Relax, dear Nadia. You will enjoy it.” He stilled and pressed his forehead against hers. “It will only hurt for a moment, my love."
He inserted one leg between hers and urged her thighs apart. Nadia spread her legs and Mathis lowered himself to her as soon as she had done so. She cradled his hips between her legs, his cock prodding the entrance to her body. She tightened the muscles in her abdomen as he pressed forward.
Her delicate tissue resisted the invasion, and then he surged forward and buried himself to the hilt. She gasped with pain, but after a few seconds, it began to recede. Despite the brief discomfort, she relished the sensation of him being inside her. The promise of what was to come thrilled her.
She caught her breath as he moved his hips. Unfamiliar sensations ran through her as her body relaxed under his. He moved again, and her body's moisture allowed him to easily slip out and back in. All she felt was pleasure now.
"Are you okay?” Mathis’ voice was husky as he asked the question.
"I am fine, Mathis."
"Fine?” His beautiful smile tugged at the strings of her heart. “I want you to be better than fine."
Then he set out to do just that. He slid a hand underneath her and cupped the soft globe of her ass. He angled her, the thrust and parry of his hips delighting her senses.
Soft moans escaped her lips.
"That's it. You are perfect,” Mathis whispered into her ear.
Nadia shivered as his breath tickled her neck.
"Beautiful."
His hips moved faster, and a change came over him. His shoulders tensed, and his face contorted as if in pain.
She was caught up in a maelstrom of delight, her hips bucking against his, endlessly searching for release.
When the end came, she was unprepared. Her entire body tightened like a bow string, and she was awash in shivers from head to toe. Her inner muscles gripped him, and she felt him pull himself from her body to spill on the sheets beside her.