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HOPE AND LUST SOARED in Eacion as he stared at Anni. He could hardly believe his good fortune. His true mate, though still a little leery of a future with him, was offering him a night—and herself.
Unless he was terribly mistaken, she was a virgin. Not that it mattered, because after him, she’d want no other. He’d make sure of that, and he wouldn’t even use magic. No, he’d win her love the honest albeit hard way: with time and patience if need be.
As she pulled him through the loitering crowds, a few snickers floated to his ears. Anni flushed but squared her shoulders. Apparently, it was no secret what they were up to. Not that it came as a surprise to him. He certainly hadn’t been subtle in his interest. A few even knew of his intent.
Anni walked at such a brisk pace that her limp became pronounced. He sent a zap of healing warmth through their joined hands. Still, there was only so much he could do, and he didn’t want her to injure herself. His lust could wait. Her health couldn’t.
He tugged her to a stop once they were out of sight of the square. “Please slow down, Anni. Whether we get there in a minute or four doesn’t matter.” He smiled cheekily, hoping it would take any perceived sting out of his words. “In fact, some say it’s about the journey.”
She stared at him and nodded slowly, releasing a deep breath. Then, like a ray of sunlight breaking across a cloudy sky, a sultry smile curved her lips. “They might be right. I guess we’ll have to see for ourselves, won’t we?”
“As many times as you want.”
She blinked. “More than once? Is that possible?”
“Even with human men, I believe it’s possible after a time. With fae males, however, there is only a minimal time we need to...recover.”
She inhaled sharply. “I see.”
He smirked. “Oh, you will.”
Leaning down, he claimed her lips in a quick kiss. Right when he was about to pull away, she grabbed the back of his head and latched onto his mouth with a determination he didn’t ever want to stop. Her taste, her very presence—everything about her exploded like an aphrodisiac through his veins.
Suddenly, she pushed herself away, turned, and started walking. “Promises, promises.” With a flip of her hair, she glanced coyly back at him. “Well, are you coming or not?”
He stared at her, open-mouthed. Where and when had she learned such tactics? More importantly, did she have any more just waiting to come out and play? By the dragon, he hoped so!
With a shake of his head, he caught up to her. “You, miss, will pay for that.”
She glanced sideways at him and yet somehow still made it look sensual. “I look forward to it.”
He growled low in his throat. His breeches felt three sizes too small in the crotch, and it was all her fault. Maybe they did have to speed this up a little. Before she could say anything, he scooped her up into his arms.
She yelped, her hands finding purchase around his shoulders. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Carrying you.”
“I see that.” She canted her head to the side. “Why?”
“You deserve to be cherished.” That sounded as good a reason as any.
“And carrying me will do that?”
“Well, and we’ll get to my chamber all the quicker.”
Laughter bubbled from her throat. “I thought so, Lord It’s-about-the-Journey.”
Color warmed his cheeks. Was he so transparent? “It still is. You’re getting quite the ride now.”
“And I’m sure to get an even better one later.”
He groaned. The temptress! “Where did you learn to act and talk like this?”
The humor left her face. “You’re not bothered by it, are you?”
“Not in that way, though it does leave me feeling quite bothered in another respect.”
“Oh, then, my friend told me a lot about the intimate act and all that surrounds it. I guess I picked up more than I realized.”
“I look forward to seeing—and feeling—what else you may know.”
“Hurry, then. We don’t have all night, because half of it has already fled.”
Thank the dragons, he had long legs. He ate up the distance until the inn loomed before them. Wasting no time, he entered the building and took the stairs two at a time, nearly stumbling in his haste. She gave a gasp that soon turned into a giggle. His arm tightened around her. By the heavens, he never wanted to let her go.
After a few more steps, he reached the third floor and stood before the door to his room. He unwarded the entrance with a flick of the hand. Once in, he kicked the door shut and deposited her on the bed. A few flickering candles and one lamp provided enough light for her to see by, and he needed even less.
He licked his lips. She was a delectable sight with her hair tumbling over her shoulders in a brown waterfall. Her expression reflected a mixture of shyness and desire. He wanted so badly to claim her in every way, but he stayed himself. She wasn’t ready for the fulfillment of their true bond yet. Though he would have her physically tonight, he couldn’t do what he truly wanted—join her soul to his. But all things in due time. He couldn’t take this so quickly that he bungled their relationship.
Patience had been his companion for many years, so what was a little more time?