Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,29

under the water. She chucked them on the shoreline.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Dexter said, treading water fifteen feet away.

“Why is that?” Her body started shaking from the frigid water.

“Because that might have snapped the last of my self-control.”

Had he gotten closer to her? Or was she moving in his direction?

“Seeing you wield those swords was…well, it was the sexiest thing I’ve ever experienced. But knowing you’re here, in the water with me, with no pants on? I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to keep my hands to myself.”

“But you’ve been around women fighting your entire life. Gytha is probably your best fighter.” So why would he find Reid sparring with Knox sexy?

Dexter was only five feet away now. His dark eyes focused on Reid, making her want to melt into the water.

“Have you ever considered Knox attractive while he’s fighting?”

“No.” Knox was Knox. Reid had never found him remotely enticing.

“Because you don’t have feelings for Knox.”

Reid swallowed, understanding Dexter was admitting he had feelings for her. She didn’t know how to respond.

He swam right in front of her, then stood, the water coming up to his shoulders. Too far out to touch the bottom, Reid continued to tread water, watching the man before her.

“Gytha is one of my captains. She is a soldier and a friend. You, Reid Ellington, are…” He grabbed her waist, pulling her toward him. When her legs slid around his torso, his hands clasped her back, holding her body against his. “You are unexpected.” His lips enveloped hers.

Reid found herself wanting more. She curled her fingers around his neck, pulling him to her.

“Marry me,” he murmured against her lips.

“I’ve already said yes.” Her legs tightened around him, and she tangled her hands in his wet hair.

“No. I’m not asking Lady Reid Ellington to marry Prince Dexter Winston.” He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers. “I’m asking you, Reid, to marry me, Dexter. Titles, land, and all that aside, I want you to want to marry me—the person.” His eyes seemed uncertain, vulnerable even.

A droplet of water slid down the side of his face. Reid brushed it aside. “You’re saying even if you didn’t have to marry me, you’d want to?”

“I thought that was obvious.”

Her breath caught as she saw the desire emanating from him. She realized he was still waiting for her answer. “I don’t know how it happened, or when, but, at some point, I started to care for you.”

“I don’t want you to care for me.”

Reid covered his lips with her palm, silencing him. “I’m not done.” He playfully bit her finger, so she fastened her grip behind his neck again. “I’ve been afraid to fully trust and love another person.” The fact her father had lied about her mother’s death only exemplified that point. “I’m inexperienced with relationships, love, kissing.” Taking a deep breath, she decided to just come out and say it as plainly as she could so he would understand. “While I’ve been attracted to your…body…from the beginning, it wasn’t until I got to know you that I started to fall in love with you.” She placed her right hand on his bare chest, trying to explain. “At first, I didn’t understand it because I’d never been in love before. I’d been so careful to keep my secrets close, to never feel anything for another man and blow my cover. So when I started to see the type of person you are—passionate about your army, devoted to your family, protective of your county—I realized I’d already fallen for you without even realizing it.”

He leaned his forehead against hers, trapping her hand between them as he gazed into her eyes. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes. I’ll marry you.” She couldn’t believe she’d gone from an unwilling participant to wanting and desiring the man before her.

He pressed his lips gently against hers. Then he deepened the kiss. One of his hands slid beneath her thin undershirt, pressing against her back.

“You’re so cold you’re shaking,” he mumbled against her lips.

The feel of Dexter consumed her so much she hadn’t thought about being cold. However, now that he’d said something, she realized she was trembling.

“Let’s resume this next to a fire,” he said as he released her.

A few things came to mind—one of those being that Ackley knew about this place. The last thing she wanted was for him to show up and see her and Dexter having a private moment. The second thing she feared was if Dexter started kissing her like that