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Fallon was startled to find Cyn and his daughter standing in the middle of her bedchamber, various small, colourful pieces of...something littered at their feet. He greeted them both. Darcy gave him a brief hug and slipped away, knowing the following conversation wouldn’t be appropriate for her.
He grinned lazily at Cyn. “You look beautiful, love.”
In the few days she’d been around, she’d become something of a pro at improvising outfits. Fallon had chuckled to hear the servants gossip about it, but he found it charming. Especially today’s ensemble: she was decked out in a gold curtain Fallon recalled being used as decoration for a ball, many years ago. She’d wrapped a cord around her waist and had somehow managed to make the skirt cling alluringly to her shapely legs. Fallon’s stallion nickered at the familiar sight and scent of her. Everything seemed right with Cyn around.
“Thank you,” she said, flirting back and gazing at him from under her eyelashes. “I’ve been showing Darcy how I put my face on.” Cyn gathered her scattered cosmetics from the floor.
Fallon nodded, unable to tear his eyes away. We want her. He craved the warmth of her delicious body wrapped around him.
“I’m glad you’re getting along so well with Darcy. I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”
“Not at all,” she said with a smile. “I’m glad you stopped by.”
“As am I.” He couldn’t help grinning at the thought of being wanted by her. She was a veritable goddess. Maybe this can work out after all... As usual he ignored his stallion, because he didn’t dare to hope she’d really be his mate.
“So you wanted to see me?” Cyn asked coyly, setting her cosmetics bag back inside of her purse.
Fallon reached for Cyn’s elbow, gently guiding her toward the door. “Let’s go to my chamber. I have a gift for you.”
“That sounds promising,” she said, grinning.
Her smile was absolutely blinding. He was dazzled.
“It’s not going to be like the other surprises,” Fallon said gently. “I promise.”
“That’s a bloody shame, in my opinion,” Cyn purred. “I like naked surprises.”
She took Fallon’s arm in hers and walked with him down the hallway to his bedchamber. He was walking on air. With Cyn on his arm, he was who he was supposed to be. His stallion turned alpha and protective. He became stronger, powerful. But being with her felt natural, like this was what he should have been from the beginning. It was disarming; gazing down at her lovely face (and cleavage, if he was being perfectly honest), he couldn’t see a reason to part from her. His stallion paced ahead of them, eager to have her alone again.
“Aye, well, I hope you like it,” Fallon said, and held out the small box he carried. “It’s probably a bit less exciting than what you’re used to, but...”
Cyn opened the box. The way she furrowed her brow in concentration and licked her bottom lip was irresistible. She pulled out a small disc—a mirror, framed by driftwood. The surface of the mirror was shimmery.
“Fallon.” She looked up at him, clearly touched, and blushed. “This is so beautiful. Thank you. I’ll always think of you when I use it.”
“Aye,” Fallon said, reaching for the item. “But it has more purpose to it than that, love. This is a magical object. It was crafted and blessed by our healer, and it has a secret.” He eyed her, drawing in a sharp breath at the sight of her tongue on her bottom lip.
“Does it?” she asked in a cheeky voice. “Tell me.”
“This is a method of communication between our world and your world. To humans, it looks like a simple hand mirror, but it’s really a portal. You can use it to communicate with me any time you’re in your world. If you choose to leave, that is.” He tried to hide sounding downtrodden at the thought of her leaving forever. His stallion whinnied, upset by the prospect.
“Wow,” she said, breathily. “This is really special.”
“It is.”
She seemed enchanted by the small portal as she turned it over and over again in her hands. With a heavy heart, Fallon realized he’d have to come to terms with the prospect of her leaving him. As much as he loved and desired her, it wasn’t really fair of him to keep her against her will. She made a mistake, but we cannot punish her for that.
Deep down, Fallon knew he would only be happy if she stayed out of her own desire, not because he’d trapped her. He couldn’t fathom making this goddess resent him for forcing her to mate before she was ready. She had a life, one that was important to her, and sadly, it didn’t include Fallon and his world. We want her so much, but this isn’t the right way to make her ours.
He couldn’t force her hand. Cyn would hate him for it, and he would hate himself. He would never experience the power he’d felt just now when they were walking together. He’d feel like a bastard and an imposter for eternity.
“Do you really like it?” Fallon asked, and the gravity of his words hung in the air.
An unrecognizable expression marked her face. He dreaded hearing her say she’d be leaving forever.
“I love it,” Cyn said softly.
The ice around his heart melted. He folded her into his arms and kissed her, all painful thoughts fading. We would die for her, was the last thing he remembered thinking before being swept away by her charms. He bent to kiss away his fear of losing her.
* * *
CYN REELED WHEN HIS mouth met hers. When she could finally come up for air the weight of her emotions crushed down on her.
“I’m so glad you like my gift,” Fallon said, gently breaking the kiss.
Turmoil raged within her. Her hands were hot and sweaty. Even a discreet wipe on the sides of her ‘dress’ didn’t help. She was curvier than most of the females in the Realm. So she hadn’t been able to borrow proper clothes. Cyn hadn’t minded until now when it made her feel vulnerable. The portal she clutched in her hand stayed cool to the touch despite her heat. Although she found the sensation calming, she couldn’t shake the odd feeling of holding something truly magical.
“So I can just use this anywhere? Like, say I pop down to the pub and have a few and then decide I want to drunk-dial you?” Cyn teased, attempting to lighten the mood.
Fallon’s lips barely curved up, and she deflated. Shit, I should’ve gone when I had the chance, when he first suggested it. Now I’m more conflicted than ever, and attached to his daughter.
“If you wish. But I would urge you to use discretion, if possible,” he said in a more curt tone than she’d expected.
Cyn rolled her eyes. “Of course I would be discreet.”
Arse. She met his penetrating, no-nonsense gaze. His eyes were so dark she could barely distinguish the pupil, and she was entranced by their intensity. How could he possibly want someone like me? I’m a bloody mess.
“Aye, take care that you do, because our world is unknown to most humans.”
“Of course, I’ll be the queen of caution,” she said lightly, unable to look away.
Fallon stared at her as if he could see her soul—like every thought in her body belonged to him. It made her feel exposed, which was rough because she worked so hard not to reveal herself. It was disconcerting and incredibly sexy all at once.
“All queens should be as bonny as you.” Fallon walked over to the open window and looked out, his face was unreadable. “It’s a fact, and you can’t question my authority as the chieftain.”
“Ha!” Cyn laughed, unable to stop the slight note of bitterness that crept into her voice. “My body type doesn’t exactly fit your Realm, you know.”
Fallon turned to face her, suddenly serious. “Cyn. Believe me when I say you’re lovely. You’re the loveliest creature I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
Cyn blushed, unable to help herself. “I’m not fishing for compliments, y’know? I don’t really have to worry about that much...” She trailed off, unable to meet his eyes.
Hell, here she was, with the most gorgeous and kind man she’d ever been with. Most of the pretty boys she flirted with were cruel. There was always a bit of snark under the way they teased her. They wanted her, but they didn’t want to admit it. Fallon was their diametrical opposite.
And now I’m going to leave him and go back to those sodding wankers, she thought, feeling utterly miserable. Cyn couldn’t exactly recall why she’d placed so much importance on returning to London earlier. It was impossible with Fallon stripping her of all pretension. All of the airs she put on just seemed unnecessary when she was around him.
“I know,” Fallon said. “I can’t imagine you have trouble finding admirers.”
“Not a single one of them has been like you, though.”
The honesty was difficult, but it was good to admit her feelings. Fallon looked pleased by her openness.
“There’s not a single lass like you around here, either,” he said, smiling for real this time.
Cyn’s heart thudded. Was it really possible they were falling for each other? She couldn’t imagine it. She’d never had a serious relationship, and no one she’d ‘dated’ matched his generosity and tenderness. What if I’m not enough for him? He’s used to living in this perfect Realm, and I’m so not perfect. Her insecurity seeped in and sabotaged her, as usual.
“I’d like to think so, but I’m really not good at this...”
Fallon stepped forward, closing the gap between them, Cyn wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. She inhaled his musk, and there was a trace of familiar stirring between her legs. I can at least have this, she thought, willing herself to be satisfied with what was ‘now’ instead of ‘then’.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, love. You do just fine.”
Fallon embraced Cyn and pressed a small kiss to her hair. Fallon seemed less eager than usual, too, and she was grateful for the moment. Without speaking, they both tilted their heads until their lips were inches apart. His gentle breath brushed her lips, and she was close enough to smell his hair. Leaning forward, Cyn placed her lips on his, then held her breath in anticipation. Tingles fluttered through her body—she was suddenly aware of his muscles shifting beneath his thin tunic and leggings.
“I’m so glad we’re here right now,” she whispered, breaking the kiss and nuzzling Fallon’s neck.
He made a deep sound in his throat that she swore resembled a strangled whinny. She turned his chin toward hers for a deeper kiss. Fallon’s tongue slipped into her mouth and she moaned, desperate to feel him everywhere. With a growing sense of urgency, he wrapped his arms around her and gently pushed her a few steps back until the bed was behind her thighs.
“I’m glad we’re here, too,” Fallon said, pressing his forehead against hers.
Cyn was stunned by the intensity in his voice. It was almost like he was saying good-bye. All his energy was focussed on her, with a fierce determination to possess her as if his life depended on it. He untied the cord around her waist that held her dress together.
“This has been my favourite one so far,” he whispered, folding the cord and placing it on the bed. “But I think you look even more glorious without it.”
There was a slight breeze on her breasts as Fallon slipped the curtain down her body. She held her arms up obediently as he removed the pins she’d used, and when his fingers stroked under the edges of the cloth, she shivered.
“You’ve become quite the expert at this,” Cyn murmured.
Without saying a word, he leaned forward and kissed her lips, moving her back further on his silken bed.
“I need to have you right now,” Fallon said as he undressed. “I can’t wait another second. Do you know how tempting you are, love?”
As always, she was struck by the taut beauty of Fallon’s chest. Cyn let her eyes wander, until they landed on his magnificent erection. He was stunning. He looked like a statue. She’d see him in every piece of art when they were no longer together.
“Then take me,” Cyn said.
Fallon lay down beside her and ran his hands over her curves. He trailed kisses down her neck and breasts, sucking and gently biting her nipples until she moaned. Her panties were already moist. His hard cock pressed into her thigh. It was almost uncomfortable, but she wanted to remember everything about this time and savour it later.
“I will have you, Cyn.”
She nodded, but didn’t say anything. Somehow she knew he had a double meaning. As he climbed atop her and spread her legs, he kissed her until her lips were almost raw. He entered her with a single motion. With every thrust inside of her sex, the intense atmosphere grew. His face was inches above hers, like a hungry animal about to devour her.
“Say you’re mine,” he said, his voice a gruff demand. At the same time he thrusted deep, making her gasp.
“I’m yours,” Cyn said, panting and moaning.
His thrusts grew harder and faster. Fallon reached between them, stroking her clit. He climaxed inside of her, and she clung to him desperately. It was like she was drowning and he was her saviour. Her muscles spasmed around his shaft as his hot seed filled her. Then her own climax sent her spiralling, and all she could do was cling to him. But within minutes, he was snoring next to her with his arms still around her body. Cyn pulled the duvet overtop of them and snuggled back into Fallon’s warmth, unable to keep from drifting off into a thin and troubled sleep.
* * *
CYN YAWNED. BLINKING, she noticed the chamber had grown dusky. Her throat was dry and her head ached, almost as though she was hungover. With a pang, she remembered the first morning she’d woken up next to Fallon, and how disastrous it had been. She sighed, rolling onto her back and listened to Fallon’s rhythmic snores. With a slight start, he awoke. His face broke into a lazy smile upon seeing her.
“Come here,” he whispered, holding out his arms. “I want to hold on to you for a while.”
Cyn snuggled closer, resting against his chest and closing her eyes. His heartbeat soothed her, and she inhaled his scent, committing it to memory.
She traced patterns on his arm with her fingernails. “This is nice.”
Fallon cleared his throat. “There’s something I need to ask you.”
“And what’s that?” Cyn purred sleepily, kissing his bare chest.
Fallon took her in his arms and pushed her away, gently. Opening her eyes, Cyn winced at his worried expression. Her throat tightened. She knew what he was going to say, and dreaded making a decision that would change her life forever.
“Will you be my mate and return to your old life? Or will you stay with me and be mine?” Fallon asked.
# # #
