Addison

I feel like I’m living a dream and don’t want to wake up. So many nights I’ve spent in Oliver’s arms, but nothing compares to actually being with him while awake. Our bond is stronger. My feelings for him have grown tremendously. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to go back home and be without him.

We lie in his bed, while my mind wanders through so many things. Then my stomach growls in the quiet, causing Oliver to laugh. “I think I need to feed you.”

Propping myself up on my elbow, I look him in the eyes. “I need to tell you something.”

His brow furrows. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“I can’t cook.” He laughs. “Well, I can, but I don’t like to and I’m not very good at it.”

“You’re a princess, love. You have people who cook for you. Furthermore, I wouldn’t expect you ever to cook for me. I eat in the tower house with Reid. Sometimes I do eat at home, but it’s minimal. I’m not a fan of cooking, either. Ever since Reid became king, he’s insisted I join him for meals, knowing if he didn’t, I’d live off of fruit and cheese.”

I trail my finger down his broad, bare chest, reveling in how muscular he is. “Okay, good. I didn’t want you to expect me to offer to make you a meal now that we’ve officially become an item.”

“I thought we were an item before.”

“We were, but this, you and me in bed together, finally joining as one, we are complete.”

He nuzzles his nose against my neck. “I’d like to join with you as one again. Very soon as a matter of fact.” He pushes me to my back and the heat of his body envelops me in warmth. Hard, sexy warmth.

Then my stomach lets out another loud grumble. Such a turn-on. Oliver lifts his head, his green eyes twinkling in amusement. “Food now, me devouring your body later.”

“Sounds good to me.”

He sits up and starts to get dressed. I follow to do the same. Outside, there’s a light breeze which helps in cooling my skin from the heat of his place and body. He descends the ladder first. He reaches the bottom and hops off. When it’s my turn to hit the ground, he slides his hands up the outside of my thighs and presses himself against my back. My body ignites in a fire all over again. His simple touch does that to me.

I turn to speak to him over my shoulder. “If you don’t stop, I’m never going to eat. I do need to keep my energy up for later. Unless, you’d rather not–”

“No, no. We’re going right now to find you food.”

He releases my thighs and takes a measurable step back. I immediately miss having him close. Oliver threads his fingers with mine as we walk to the castle.

“I do love it out here,” I admit. “It’s as magical as I always thought it would be. I still can’t believe how you get the trees to regrow, over and over again. It’s amazing.” Then my mind drifts to Anese–the woman who wants my Oliver.

“Your Oliver, huh?” he asks with a huge smile on his face.

I groan. “I didn’t mean for you to hear that. You’ll find stuff slips through more often than not with me.”

“I told you, Addison, I want to know all of you. If your thoughts drift to me all day long, I’ll be a happy man. I won’t have to guess at how you’re feeling or what I can do to fix things. I’ll know. I want us to be strong together, and this bond between us can make that possible.”

“I think we should try it out when we are in the castle. Maybe you could attempt to send a message to Reid and see if he hears it.”

“That’s a good idea. I will.”

“If you can, I’ll need to teach you how to shield your mind, or else you’ll be sending messages to people you wouldn’t want them to hear.”

“Let’s hope it’s only you I can speak to.”

We’re sitting at the large dining table with Reid, who insists I not call him his proper title. It feels odd to have lunch here. I’m used to eating with my family or being here on a more formal basis, and this is anything but.

Reid is relaxed with one arm propped on the table, holding his cup. The other is casually resting on the arm of the chair. I’ve liked getting to know him better. He’s got this tranquil quality about him I admire.

I take another bite of food and look up to see Oliver quirking an eyebrow at me from across the table. “You admire him?” he asks in my head.

I cough and almost choke on my food. He moves to stand but I wave him back down. “I’m fine, really.” Looking over to Reid, I notice he was ready to come to my aid as well.

Oliver sends me another message. “I didn’t mean to startle you, love. I was only joking. I know it’s me you want.” He leans back with a broad smile on his face.

Reid looks back and forth between us. “What am I missing? You two seem to be having a conversation I can’t hear.”

Oliver focuses on Reid and I know he’s trying to speak to him. “I guess it doesn’t work,” he murmurs.

“What?” Reid asks.

“As you may or may not know, Addison can speak to others using her mind, even animals. Earlier today, we discovered that I too possess this power, although it’s apparent I can only speak to her.”

“I’ve heard rumors of you having such an ability, Addison. How very interesting that Oliver can speak to you. May I ask what happened to cause this change? Maybe we can learn from it and helps others develop it somehow.”

I’m not someone who normally blushes easily, however, Reid asking what Oliver did has heat creeping up my neck into my face. I know I must be red in embarrassment. Oliver, however, doesn’t miss a beat.

“We shared something special today, during which the connection we have intensified and next thing I knew Addi could hear my thoughts.”

“Well, I won’t ask for more details, but I do find it fascinating that you two share this now.”

“I think so, too. I was trying to speak to you a moment ago, however it didn’t work. I guess only Addi gets to hear my charming voice in her head.”

I roll my eyes. “Lucky me.”

“Sarcasm suits you, love.” Oliver winks.

Reid chuckles heartily. “I must admit, I love seeing you two together. I don’t know many women who could deal with Oliver’s cockiness and give him attitude at the same time. He definitely needs someone to keep him grounded.”

“Hey. I’m not cocky. I’m confident. There’s a difference.”

“Uh huh. If you say so,” I reply.

Reid takes another bite of his food. I’m content to watch them eat. I’ve had more than enough. It feels good being here and makes me wonder if this will become a routine. I don’t know how Oliver will mesh in my land, with my brother and ex-boyfriend on the warpath for him. On the other hand, I had Sel and Anese both looking at me with the anger in their eyes of ten men.

“You have nothing to worry about as far as they are concerned,” Oliver says. I really need to shield my mind when I start thinking. “No, you don’t,” he adds. “I told you before, I like hearing your thoughts.”

“What’s going on?” Reid asks. His posture becomes stiff. “Who’s bothering the princess?”

“Reid, I told you to call me Addison. No need to be formal.” He waves a hand at me dismissively.

“I handled it,” Oliver says.

“Handled what?”

He sighs. “I had an issue with Sel, out in the forest. Richlan and I are taking care of it.”

Reid narrows his eyes. “Taking care of it how?”

With a shrug of his shoulders, Oliver replies, “I threatened Sel’s life.”

“Do I need to step in?” Reid never seemed like a threat to me before, but I do know he used to go into battle with his father. I’m now getting a small glimpse at Reid’s other side.

“No, I handled it.”

Reid turns to me. “I never want you to fear anyone or anything when you’re here. Your safety while in my kingdom is of my utmost concern.”

“That’s very kind of you,” I tell him. “I can fight and handle myself just fine. There was something about Sel, which sent me on high alert.”

He turns to address Oliver. “I want to speak with him at once.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Oliver stands from the table. “I’ll be right back.” He leaves the room, and I can hear his deep voice on the other side of the closed door.

“I don’t want to cause any problems,” I say with a concerned look.

“You’re not, Addison. I will not tolerate anyone who makes you feel threatened. We are a land at peace now.”

I nod, knowing there is nothing I can say to change his mind from needing to speak to Sel. Oliver handled it out in the forest, but I also know Reid needs to reinforce his kingdom’s rules.

“I do,” he replies then smiles. “Hearing you in my mind is something special. It’s a great power you have.”

“Uh huh. I’ll remember that when I accidentally think of intimate details between Oliver and myself and send it to you.”

“Now that you can keep to yourself.”

Oliver steps back into the room and nods to Reid before sitting. For the remainder of lunch, our conversation is kept light. Reid and Oliver joke with one another and it warms me to see Oliver so happy. I’ve seen many sides of him lately, but this one is my second favorite. His unbridled desire for me holds the number one spot.

We bid Reid good day and walk to Oliver’s home. I’m strolling around his lower level, running my fingers along his wooden table, when he comes up behind me. His strong arms wrap around my waist as his chest heats me from behind. I relax into him, my head tipping back.

He sweeps my hair off of my shoulder and begins to press kisses along the column of my neck. “To see you sitting across the table from me, unable to touch you, it was driving me wild,” he admits in between kisses.

“We’re alone now. You can put your hands wherever you want.”

He groans low in his throat. Strong, possessive hands rove my body from my hips to my breasts. They caress me, driving me out of my mind, until I can’t take not having my lips on his. I spin in his arms, my hands grip his neck, and I pull him down to me. We kiss like we’ve been apart for months.

When we come up for air, it’s with labored breaths. Our hands work in a blur of speed to rid each other of our clothing. We join together on top of his dining table. Our connection only builds with each thrust until we both find our release. We’re left with sweat-slicked skin and nothing but the sounds of our breathing can be heard.

“Will it always be like this?” Oliver asks. I shield my mind quickly to keep my thoughts my own. It’s at this moment I remember he hasn’t ever had a serious relationship with a woman. My heart is torn. In one beat it’s hurting for the man beside me, who up until now has never experienced the companionship of another person. It also rejoices in the fact that I’m Oliver’s first.

“I hope so,” I respond. “I’m not exactly the person who you should talk to about long-term relationships. Wes was my longest and I never felt with him the way I do with you. This is beyond my wildest hope. You’re amazing, Oliver.”

He feathers a kiss across my lips. “As are you.”