The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] (15 page)

Mathis climbed in beside her and wrapped an arm protectively across her waist. She was asleep within minutes.

Mathis lay awake most of the night.

He couldn't sleep, replaying the scene he'd encountered in the alley over and over again in his head. When he'd arrived and seen that man attacking Nadia with a knife, a rage consumed him. It was a wonder he'd stopped with only one punch to the bastard's face.

He wasn't satisfied though. He would never be until they found the person responsible for the attack.

His fear had also driven the point home that although he'd been able to save Nadia this time, he would not be able to forever. Unless he was willing to give up his throne and join the Noventian army, he would be unable to protect her.

He had to convince her to marry him, where he could keep her safe at his side forever.

It was mid-morning by the time she awakened. She stirred and lifted a hand to rub her eyes. Nadia blinked groggily up at him. “Good morning."

He ran his gaze over her face anxiously. “How do you feel?"

"A little tired perhaps. My arm hurts. Other than that, pretty good.” She stretched lazily, and her hip bumped his arousal. “Oh!"

He had not intended to seduce her, but the consternation on her face when she'd realized he was hard proved to be a temptation he couldn't resist. He tossed aside the sheets covering her body and reached for the hem of her shift. He lifted it higher, exposing her pale, creamy thighs and the enticing curls between her legs. “I told you I would kiss you here."

Mathis ran a teasing finger between her nether lips.

She gasped, and her pupils dilated with desire. He angled his body and placed his mouth against her. The scent of her was intoxicating. He inhaled deeply, breathing in her desire.

He swiped his tongue against her, and she cried out sharply. “Mathis!"

He lifted his head and gave her a wicked smile. “Shall I do it again?"

Nadia blushed, but she nodded.

He returned to his task, alternately nibbling and suckling her. She grew wet from his tongue and her own body's response. He toyed with the nubbin of her desire, paying particular attention to the swollen flesh that gave her the most pleasure. He slid a finger inside her, and her hips bucked forward.

She was ready.

Mathis gave her once last swipe of his tongue, rejoicing as she convulsed. Her inner muscles were still contracting as he thrust his cock inside her. Her tight passage gloved him as he moved slowly in and out. Her hands gripped his ass, urging him to move faster.

She was an eager lover, his Nadia. He felt the bite of her nails as she ran her fingers up his spine.

"Ahhh,” he moaned, trying to fight the passion that threatened his self-control.

Nadia lurched upward and latched her mouth on his neck. Her teeth scraped along his neck, and he shuddered. It was too much.

Would he ever get enough of this woman?

"More, Mathis,” she whispered into his ear.

He was unable to hold back any longer. He thrust fiercely into her again and again, seeking his release. It was not long in coming. He held onto her hips as he spilled his seed into her warm body.

After he'd recovered, he turned on his side and gathered her close. His hand splayed across her belly. Perhaps they had made a baby. He usually took extreme caution to spill his seed on the sheets, but he'd been too caught up in the moment.

He lifted his gaze to hers, curious to know if she was aware of what he'd done. Her eyes appeared troubled, but she covered his hand with her own, and he knew she felt the same as he did. He wanted to have a family with her, to join their lives forever.

Mathis lifted her hand to his mouth and gently kissed her knuckles. “Nadia, what will it take to convince you to return to Isidor with me?"

Her eyes flew open with alarm. “My life, my family, is here, Mathis. Don't ask me to give it up."

"I won't. Your family can visit us anytime they want. We can travel here as well. You know my brother will always welcome us."

"But what of my career?"

Mathis knew now was the time to press her for an answer. To put all of his cards on the table and know her answer once and for all. “What if I gave you more power than you hold here?"

Nadia did not appear convinced. “You ask too much of me. Your soldiers would never accept me, especially if they know I am your mistress."

"Nadia...” A fond smile crossed his face. “I do not want you as my mistress."

Her face fell. “You ... you don't?"

He shook his head and nudged her nose with his own. “No, you silly hen. I want to make you my wife."

She drew back as if he'd slapped her. “Your wife? Have you taken leave of your senses?"

"Marry me, Nadia. Come to Isidor with me, and be both my wife and partner. Together we will rule."

She was tempted. He could tell. “I love you, Nadia. I can't imagine leaving here without you. If you refuse me, I swear I will follow you."

"That would certainly be a sight,” she said with a laugh. “But love? Are you sure, Mathis?"

"Absolutely."

She had not said she loved him in return. Surely she felt it as well?

"I have something for you."

He got out of bed and padded nude across to a small chest he kept on a table. Nadia sat up in bed to watch him.

He came back to her, glorying in the sight of her covered by nothing but her hair. She was so beautiful, and she would be his.

"This was my mother's."

She gasped as he took her hand and slid the emerald ring onto her finger.

"Marry me, Nadia."

"Is that a command or a request?"

She can tease at a time like this?

Mathis met her eyes, but noticed hers were with damp with unshed tears. “Is that a yes?"

She nodded. “Yes, Mathis. I will marry you."

He whooped with joy and swooped down to plant a fierce kiss on her lips.

She drew back and fixed him with a serious gaze. “But I tell you now, if the time comes for us to fight to protect our homes, do not think you will stop me from joining the battle."

He expected no less of her. He dreaded that day and knew it would come unless he and Talin found a way to prevent it. “Agreed, Nadia, my love."

"And there is one more thing.” Nadia continued.

He groaned and dropped his head onto her lap.

She chuckled and took hold of his head to bring his gaze back to hers. “I love you too."

Talin stood at his window, his eyes searching the distant mountains.

He was out there somewhere. His enemy, the man he'd vowed to destroy with whatever means necessary. He'd escaped this time, but it would not be long until they faced each other. He would not rest until that bastard lay cold in his grave.

But in the meantime, he had a bride to woo.

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Robin Danner writes sweet and sexy historicals and lives in Alabama with her husband and three sons. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching reality television and singing karaoke ... quite possibly off-key!

She is a graduate of Troy University and published her first novel not long after earning her degree in Biology. She currently works full-time as a billing clerk and shuffles her time between writing, work, and her family. Find out more about Robin at robindanner.webs.com.