Nassir watched Alyya grow smaller and smaller. It had been a harrowing trip to the port, but they had easily managed to commandeer a ship. Thankfully, most guards had been called back to the palace to help subdue the rioting that had broken out among the people. Whether it was due to most of the guards being unconscious or because someone found her uncle’s body she wasn’t certain.

It didn’t really matter.

Her uncle was dead. It was hard for her to believe he was no longer a threat.

She thought she might feel happiness or triumph or maybe a little sadness, yet all she felt was…relief. He no longer had a hold on her.

After taking command of this ship, which thankfully Wyan could pilot, they had placed Zoey and Jecan together in the medical area. Unfortunately, it did not have a regen chamber, so the best they had been able to do was give them pain inhibitors and a light sedative. Nassir was grateful she knew how to do that much. After making certain they were comfortable, she and Boris had taken these rooms for themselves.

“Are you sad to be leaving?” Boris asked her, his voice scratchy from disuse. She turned, taking in the sight of him. He wore just a towel around his waist, and she couldn’t keep her gaze from his wide, muscular chest. As he moved closer, she reached up to cup his face in her hands. One side smooth, the other rough and scarred. Much like the man himself. The hard, cold warrior and the caring, sexy man.

Her body stirred. Had they really not made love yet? They’d had the hottest dreams imaginable that it was difficult to believe she had yet to actually touch all of him, taste him, feel him push his way inside her.

“Does it hurt to speak?”

He grimaced. “Do I sound that terrible?”

Old instincts told her to lie. That was the polite thing to do. The thing a princess would have done.

She grinned. “Yep.”

He gave her a mock-stern glare. Brat.

She wound her arms around his waist. Your brat.

He nodded arrogantly. Despite all that they’d been through this past week—and she couldn’t believe it was only a week—she’d actually learned how to have fun. To smile. To relax.

“I never thought I would have something to smile about again,” she told him.

He cupped the side of her face, his eyes intent. You will smile every day from now on. I will see to it.

Oh yes, his arrogance delighted her.

“I have no doubts.”

You didn’t answer me. Are you sad to leave?

She sighed.

“Yes and no. It is not really my home anymore. I don’t belong there. Even if people were willing to accept me as the new leader, I do not wish to have the responsibility. My people need a new way of living. I don’t think I saw it before because my parents kept me so sheltered, but perhaps people were upset with things even before Faru took over. I cannot go back. Although I’m not really certain what going forward will bring.” What was she going to do? Demand wasn’t high for ex-princesses.

“It is where I grew up and even though my childhood wasn’t perfect, it was what I knew. I loved my parents. I miss them. Although I don’t miss my mother’s lessons. Funnily enough, knowing how to set a table for fifty and who to sit where wasn’t all that useful while I was living on the streets.”

But it is probably something an Empress needs to know.

She was puzzled for a moment. “Zoey?”

He nodded.

“You really think I could help her?” Maybe there was some demand for her skills? Such as they were. “But she has help, right?”

The old bat is not help. The old bat could get a job torturing prisoners. She’d probably do it for free, she would enjoy it that much. And she wouldn’t even have to lift a finger. She’d just criticize them until they were curled up into balls on the floor, crying for their mamas.

She snorted, although he actually looked serious.

Zoey could use you. But only if you want to. You do not have to do anything you don’t wish to do. After all, I have it on good authority that she is an absolute tyrant to work for.

She giggled, her eyes widening at the sound. When was the last time she’d giggled for goodness sake?

“And it would mean spending time with her bodyguard.” She ran her fingers up his chest. “I hear he has a real hard ass.”

Hard ass?

“I heard Zoey call Dex that. A hard ass. I assumed it was a term of affection? Is it not? Your buttocks look particularly hard.”

Boris grinned then threw his head back and laughed. She wasn’t quite certain why he was laughing, but she smiled, delighted nonetheless. When he was finished, he just shook his head at her. You need to get Zoey to explain that to you sometime.

“Oh.” She reached around and daringly squeezed his bottom. “My mother would be scandalized by what I’ve done and said lately.”

There are going to be rules now.

“Rules?”

Yes.

He lifted her with one arm under her butt. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding on for dear life. Turning, he made his way to the bed. Her heart raced, her insides tensing. This was it. The big moment.

Oh stars.

“What sort of rules?” she asked suspiciously. He wasn’t going to start getting all bossy now that they were mates, was he? Well, bossier than usual. Boris liked being in control, that was obvious. She remembered Zoey’s warning that he’d picked up a few things from the Zerconians.

Rule number one. No talk of your mother in the bedroom.

He threw her lightly onto the bed then climbed over her.

“All right, I can deal with that.”

Rule two. No clothes on in the bedroom.

She blushed red at that. “Boris!”

He grinned. Embarrassed, Princess?

She raised her chin. “No. I will if you will.”

Now that is a dare I am happy to take.

He pulled at the robe she’d put on. It was the only piece of clothing she’d been able to find after her quick shower.

He drew the robe back, revealing her breasts. She gasped as her nipples tightened in the cooler air. Oh, who was she kidding? It didn’t matter how cold it was, when he was near her body flooded with arousal. A blush worked its way up her cheeks.

No one had ever seen her breasts before. They were smaller now. She was pretty much skin and bone. Was he disappointed? Did he want a fleshier woman?

Stop.

“Stop what?”

I can feel you worrying. Stop. You are beautiful. He grimaced. I am not good with words. There will be many times where I do not know how to soothe you. When I will fail to find the words you need. But know this,

Tears pricked her eyes.

Why does that make you sad? he asked in alarm.

“It doesn’t. It makes me happier than I’ve ever been.”

Then I am about to make you feel ecstatic.

She drew in a sharp breath as he circled one taut nipple with his tongue.

Promises. Promises.

He grinned up at her. You will learn not to dare me.

Yeah, she wasn’t worried. Somehow, she thought she would come out the real winner in this dare. He moved to her other breast, running his tongue around the taut nipple. Nassir gasped, pressing her body up against his.

Lie still.

“I cannot.” Not with the feelings rocking her body.

You will. I will not hurt you.

“You could never hurt me.”

I am going to learn every inch of you. Kiss and touch all of you. There will be no secrets. I will know what you like and what you don’t. But if I scare you, if I remind you of him…

She put her finger to his lips, even though they weren’t moving. “You could never remind me of him. I promise, all your touch brings me is pleasure. Not pain. Not fear.”

He gave her a determined look. “You will still tell me immediately.”

“Shh. Don’t talk. It pains you.”

I want you to know I am serious.

“Oh, I know you are.” She massaged the area between his brows. “You get this little line here when you are being serious.”

Are you saying I have wrinkles?

She pretended to study him. “Hmm, perhaps there is a wrinkle or two showing. You are an old man, though. It is expected.”

She gasped as he sat and suddenly flipped her over, landing a few smacks to her ass. They stung slightly, but weren’t painful. Instead, they sent answering throbs of pleasure to her insides. Was this what Zoey spoke of?

He turned her back, positioning himself between her legs, his gaze taking all of her in. She felt so exposed that she attempted to close her legs, even though it was a futile endeavour.

He placed his hand gently on her thigh. Do not be embarrassed. You are beautiful.

“No one has seen me naked since I was a child.”

And no one will except me, he said sternly.

She rolled her eyes. “Of course, they won’t.”

Good. He chuckled. My prim and proper little Princess. I am about to show you just how wild and dirty you can get.

Crazy as it was, she actually liked the sound of that.

“It might help if you were fully naked.” She glanced down at the towel. He hesitated for a moment.

“Boris? What is it?”

I know you have seen the scars on my chest and face and you do not seem concerned by them.

She sat and placed her hand on the scarred side of his chest. “Concerned by them? Of course, I am not. I see you. Not your scars. We all have imperfections. My breasts are too small. I am thin and without curves, but I do not think you mind the way I look.”

She looked down at where his cock strained against the towel.

He grinned. Mind? I love how you look. It is taking all of my control not to press my way inside you. To drive myself deep and take you hard and fast.

She swallowed heavily. “That sounds nice.”

He threw his head back and laughed. Nice. Yes.

“Sorry.”

Do not apologize. He stood and reached for his towel, slowly pulling it off. Her breath caught in her throat. He was magnificent. His scarring was worse on his upper left thigh, the scars thick, the skin puckered and rough. But not ugly. He could never be ugly. She sat, running her gaze over him. His face so beautiful and stern, his glorious hair with highlights of purple and blue. Wide shoulders, muscular chest, the way his stomach went into a V leading to his cock, which stood stiff. It was thick and long, the head bulbous. She forced her gaze to move down his strong legs, then back up to his face. He stood stiffly, as though expecting rejection.

So she did the only thing she could think of. She slid off the bed, knelt at his feet, and reached forward to kiss the scarring on his thigh. He jolted but didn’t move so she took that as permission to keep going. She worked her way down his leg. His foot, which was surprisingly unscarred, she left alone before working her way back up his right leg. Kissing and licking until she reached his shaft. She studied it for a moment.

Nassir, you do not have—

His voice broke off as she gently grabbed the base then drew the head of his shaft into her mouth. Hmm, yum. The taste of him danced on her tongue. Slightly tangy, but so very delicious. She drew more of him into her mouth then pulled back. Drew him back in. She had no idea what she was doing, so she moved on instinct.

She heard him pant and a low groan escaped him. Then he reached down and pulled her off him.

“No good?” she asked.

Too good. I had to stop you before things went too far. I wish to be inside you this first time. Get on the bed.

Feeling more confident with the knowledge that she had affected him so deeply, she put a little wiggle to her hips as she climbed onto the bed. She gasped in shock as he grabbed hold of her ankle and pulled her to the edge of the bed. Kneeling on the floor, he drew her legs over his shoulders and ran his tongue over the seam of her lower lips.

“Boris!” she screamed. Surely, he could not lick her there!

He chuckled and delved deep, his tongue hot and firm against her folds.

Oh Gods. This could not be normal. These feelings rushing through her, so hard and fast she could barely catch her breath.

Hmm, your clit is not on the outside. I will have to go exploring.

“Clit?”

A bundle of nerves that will make you feel so good.

“I already feel good.”

Great, then.

She did not think she would survive great.

She screamed as his tongue entered her passage. Oh stars!

Nothing stopping my entrance. Good.

What was he talking about? She had no idea but as long as he didn’t stop, she didn’t care. He drove his tongue in and out of her passage. She reached down to wrap her hands in his hair.

Put your hands behind your head.

“No!”

Yes. He paused and she knew he wouldn’t move again until she had done as commanded. With a whimper, she moved her hands behind her head. That just seemed to ramp up her desire.

He pulled his tongue from her passage.

“No!”

Do not worry. I am here.

He pushed a finger deep inside her. She panted, her body coiled and tight, waiting for something. She cried out with frustration. She needed something more.

Shh. It is okay, aarlia. I will take care of you.

He rubbed his finger against a spot inside her and she screamed.

Ah, there it is. Good.

He moved his finger over the spot until she writhed on the bed, her need so great it almost hurt. Then he stood and pulled her up the bed.

This may feel tight, he warned.

What?

Then she felt his cock press against his entrance. She widened her legs. Finally. There was an initial tightness, a feeling of pain as her muscles stretched around him, but as his shaft reached that place inside her, all that discomfit was pushed aside to be replaced by such deep pleasure, she sobbed.

Back and forth he moved. Slowly at first. Then faster.

He braced himself over her, his weight resting on his arm.

“Faster! Please!”

He increased his movements, his breath mingling with hers, the scent of their arousal filling the room. His chest brushed against her nipples.

And then it hit her. Pure ecstasy. She closed her eyes, sobbing as pleasure overtook her. She heard him shout, felt him stiffen above her as he came inside her.

Her passage throbbed around him, the aftershocks continuing on, making her shudder with each one.

Now, are you still going to call that nice?

She laughed.

He rolled then drew her against him and she rested her head on his chest, her finger tracing circles over his scarred chest.

“I love you, Boris.”

He looked slightly uncomfortable for a moment and she feared she had said the words too soon.

“You don’t have to say it back. I mean, we hardly know each other. I don’t want you to feel you have to—”

I love you also. How could I not? You are perfect. Beautiful. Kind. Strong. Loyal. My mate. I also fear losing you.

Her heart nearly broke. By loving her, he risked his heart being broken, like it had been when his family died.

Our race is not like the Zerconians. We do not die when our mates do. We can have several mates in one lifetime. But that is not how it is for me. I will have no one but you. I will never love anyone but you. And I am not certain I would survive if something were to happen to you.

“Nothing will happen to me.”

No. Because I will ensure it. There was a fierce look on his face. I fear you may find me a very over-protective mate. I will bear no risk to your safety. This last week has been torture for me.

She understood. Boris was a man who protected, who took care of those who belonged to him. Having her and Zoey in such danger, being unable to protect them properly, must have made him feel helpless. And that was the last thing she wanted for him, so she just nodded.

“It is all right. I understand. Just as long as I have you.” Feelings of old loneliness would never quite leave her.

He turned her face to his. You will never feel alone again, Nassir. In fact, there may be times you wish everyone would back off and give you space. He grinned. Personal space is not something that Zoey understands the meaning of.

The knot in her stomach unravelled slightly. “I don’t think that will be a problem. It will be nice to have friends. To feel like I belong.”

Although I had my brothers, I always felt alone too. I will not want you too far from me, I fear. If you find it too smothering you must tell me. I will try to back off.

 “And I’ll do the same for you,” she told him. “Because I don’t want you far from me. A few weeks ago, I had nothing. Now, I have everything. And I’m almost too scared to believe it’s true.”

Believe it. Because I am going nowhere. My mate. My love.

She snuggled in and held him.

You know, there are advantages to being able to communicate telepathically.

For a moment she was confused. “Oh, you mean, like for covert things. Or keeping secrets?”

No, I mean for joining. Straddle my face with your legs.

“What?”

Shh. This is a silent game. Every time one of us speaks out loud they owe the other one payment.

She rolled her eyes at him. Somehow, I think I will be at a severe disadvantage.

Oh, do not worry. I think you will ultimately come out on top. Now kneel with your legs on either side of my face.

He scooted down the bed a little and lay there, waiting.

She blushed.

Boris, I can’t do that. That will put my…you know…right there…

She was slightly scandalized and really aroused.

He just smiled at her, a wolfish smile that was filled with anticipation. I know.

Her eyes widened. Could she? He seemed to want her to. Oh Gods.

You have until the count of five.

Or?

Or I’ll think up some sort of punishment.

Punishment?

He just gave her a firm look.

Well. All right then.

She climbed over his face, her face growing even redder, knowing he could see everything. Then his hand wrapped around her hip, drawing her down and his tongue…oh Gods that tongue should be illegal.

She gasped as he lapped at her folds, slowly licking as though savoring every drop of her cream.

You are so delicious. I could eat you all day and never grow sick of the way you taste.

“Boris!” She raised her hips, nearly slipping to one side, but he tightened her hold, bringing her closer to him.

That’s one.

So this is what he had meant by advantages? She wasn’t sure it was an advantage so much as a tool to drive her insane.

That’s unfair!

He laughed in her mind then pressed his tongue deep inside her. In and out. In and out. She groaned. Heat burned through her as his skilled tongue took her higher and higher. Her legs shook, she leaned forward even more, needing something to stabilize herself.

And then his tongue pushed against that spot deep inside her that drove her wild.

“Gods!” she screamed.

That’s two.

Like she cared. Right now, her whole body felt like she was being pulled taut. All it would take was a bit more pressure and she would snap. He kept up a steady but slow tapping against her hot spot. And then his hand dropped to her ass, squeezing tight before a finger slipped between the two globes to press against her dark rim.

“Boris! No!” she screamed as she crashed over into bliss, her body trembling with each aftershock. Her breath sawed in and out of her body as she collapsed forward then rolled.

Boris drew her down so she lay alongside her before pulling her in for a deep kiss.

And that is three. Hmm, what can I get you to do?

Nassir just grinned. If he didn’t know she could certainly show him. But she wasn’t worried. Whatever it was, she was certain to enjoy it.

Right now, with him wrapped around her, she felt safe and happy.

Her luck had definitely changed.