The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] (12 page)

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.

It was several moments before either could speak.

She lay on her back, staring at the ceiling in the near darkness. She heard the harsh breathing of the man beside her and tenderness assailed her.

She turned toward him and was enveloped into his embrace. He pressed tender kisses to her temple as she rested her chin into the crook of his neck.

"Nadia, I..."

She stopped him by placing a finger across his lips. “No, don't say anything Mathis. I just want you to hold me."

She felt it as his lips curved into a smile. She snuggled closer to him and allowed him to hold her for the remainder of the night.

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"Stay."

Nadia glanced over her shoulder at the naked prince in her bed and smiled. “I can't."

Mathis stretched, and his muscles rippled in an appealing manner. She tore her eyes from the pleasurable sight in front of her and continued dressing.

"Have I ever told you how good you look in your uniform?"

She giggled as she approached the bed and bent down to give Mathis a kiss. “Are you trying to seduce me, my prince?"

His eyes darkened to a smokey blue. “I think I've already done that, my love. Several times, in fact."

She flushed. It was true. He had been in her bed for several nights in a row.

Mathis grabbed her arm and playfully tugged her until she ended up sprawled across him. “Will I see you this afternoon?"

"I promised Hugh I would watch him train."

He groaned loudly, yet he smiled. “I shall come with you. I have grown quite fond of your nephew.” His hands stole around her waist and pinched her bottom. “His aunt as well."

She slapped his hands away and gave him a mock frown. “You dare touch a member of the Royal Army?"

He nuzzled her neck. His breath tickled as he whispered against her skin. “I dare much more than that, Captain."

"I really do have to go.” She reluctantly pulled out of his embrace. “I will see you in a few hours."

Nadia finally forced herself to leave him and headed for the soldiers’ barracks. She was scheduled to patrol the palace again that day, but she planned to have Hugh accompany her.

In a few months, he would be knighted, and she would not have as many opportunities to visit with him. Noventian knights trained with the army and fought on the battlefield beside them, but their duties often grew political in nature.

She was deep in thought as she crossed the courtyard of the palace and did not see the lady in her path until it was almost too late.

"Pardon me, Lady Rowena!” Nadia backed up and gave a polite bow to the prince's intended bride.

Rowena's beautiful face brightened as she smiled. “Nadia, isn't it?"

Nadia lifted an eyebrow. She was not aware Rowena knew her name. “Yes."

Rowena's laugh tinkled like bells. “The prince has spoken of you. He is fond of you, I can tell."

"Which prince?” Nadia wanted to kick herself. How had she allowed herself such a slip?

If she noticed, Rowena did not give herself away. “Prince Talin of course.” She linked her arm through Nadia's and gently pulled her toward the garden. “Please walk with me."

Nadia wasn't quite sure how it happened, but she found herself in the garden with Rowena. She was strong for such a tiny little thing.

"I envy you,” Rowena said with a tiny sigh.

Nadia drew back in confusion. “You envy me? Whatever for?"

"I have watched you. You seem so sure of yourself. I would give anything to be as confident as you."

Nadia was unsure how to answer. Why would Rowena envy her? She had beauty and the love of a handsome prince. What wouldn't she give for the same?

Her heart skipped a beat.

Did she really want Mathis’ love?

She could deny it all she wanted, but the truth remained. She was in love with him.

All her life, she had fought for her independence. She'd trained for countless hours to be the best soldier she could be. She had to be honest with herself now. She would give it all up for him. Her life was now Mathis.

"Prince Talin is unhappy with me."

Nadia jerked her attention back to Rowena. She scanned her face, searching for some sign of deception. Finding none, she relaxed her guard.

"You did try to poison him after all."

Rowena gasped and covered her mouth with one tiny hand. “You know about that?"

Nadia shrugged. “It wasn't very hard to figure out."

"He was quite angry, but then he laughed.” Rowena's brown eyes widened. “Can you imagine?"

Nadia chuckled as she nodded. “Actually I can."

Rowena's answering smile was self-deprecating. “I am not used to such a reaction from men."

Nadia did not like the darkness that appeared in her companion's eyes. She had temporarily forgotten she'd promised Mathis she would help uncover Talin's plot. Now would be the perfect opportunity to learn more, but Nadia's instinct screamed at her Rowena was innocent in her father's ill doings.

Almost as if she'd sensed Nadia's thoughts, Rowena held out her hand. “I know you have no reason to trust me, but I do not mean Noventia or its prince any harm. It would be comforting to know at least one person here does not think of me as the enemy."

Nadia did not envy the future princess’ position. It would indeed be difficult for the enemy's daughter to marry Noventia's prince.

She took Rowena's hand without hesitation. “I am naught but a soldier, but I do not hold you responsible for the actions of others."