expanded, welcoming him.
The first two times had been frantic. Hell, he’d practically ripped her clothes off before dumping her onto the bed and making love to her. With the worst of his need sated, he gently rocked his hips, his eyes locked on hers. Her golden hair spilled over the pillow. He fisted it and kissed her again, swallowing her moan of delight.
His thrusts were slow and measured. Every time he sank into her was a revelation. She was his wife, his miracle.
She ran her hands up his chest and hooked her legs around his waist. “In a hurry, are you?” he teased. It was such a strange thing to be playful, to trust another person enough to let down his guard.
“I fear you’re creating a monster. I’ll likely be very demanding in the future.”
His balls pulled up hard. “I can handle it,” he assured her.
The corners of her mouth twitched. “I have no doubt.”
He kissed her again, taking them up and over. There was no explosion this time, but the release was even more satisfying. After it was over and he was sprawled on top of her, he kept rocking against her, unable to stop.
She tapped on his shoulder and he rolled away, taking her with him so they were facing each other. “How long do you think we’ll be here?”
He shrugged. “As long as the king wishes.”
“The girls will stay with us, right? You’re okay with them being with us, aren’t you? It’s not something we really talked about, but the girls are mine now.”
He hated the uncertainty in her eyes. “They belong to us.” It had never been an issue for him. He gently nudged a damp lock of hair off her forehead. “We are a family.” His chest swelled and a sense of purpose filled him. “I will protect you all. We will find our way, either here or on another planet. Whatever makes you happy.”
“Whatever the king allows.”
She wasn’t wrong. “Would you mind staying on Gravas?” He’d never considered he’d have the opportunity to live here again.
“Would you?” she countered.
“As long as you’re with me and safe, that’s all that matters.” It was almost surprising, but he was perfectly content to be wherever his family was. He wasn’t afraid to work. And he had a small personal fortune. Being the king’s blade paid well, and he’d lived on his ship so he’d had no expenses.
“What would I do here? I’m not used to being idle.” She traced a path on his chest from one nipple to another. He growled and flattened her hand over her heart.
“If you wish to keep talking, you need to stop.”
“Really? How is that even possible?” She glanced down, her eyes widening as his shaft began to swell.
“You inspire me.”
Her laugh made his heart swell with joy. In this room, with the door closed and the world locked outside, he was free to let down his guard and be himself. It was a gift beyond price. It was such a foreign sensation. He’d lost himself to his work, but with Etta, he was finding his way.
Outside their room, he’d be even deadlier than he’d been before. No one would hurt those in his care. “Helldrick is still out there.”
She stiffened but nodded. “He can’t get to the girls, though, right?”
“Not if we stay here. And the king is sending someone after him. It won’t be long until he’s no longer a problem.”
“Good. I want my sisters to be free, to have choices.” Something she’d never had.
“I love you.” It was the ultimate act of vulnerability. It was the first time he’d ever uttered the words.
Etta’s smile was soft, her eyes filling with tears. “I love you, too. Now and forever.”
“Now and forever.”
****
Etta removed the dish from the cooking unit and set it on the counter. Kyler was due home any time. He’d been gone most of the day, conferring with the king. She had no idea about what and wasn’t sure if he’d be able to tell her. She was surprisingly okay with that. State secrets weren’t something she needed to know.
“What do you think?” Sera set the final napkin on the table and stepped back, a huge smile on her face. Both she and Maggs had thrown themselves into helping her with this dinner. Their first one in their temporary home.
“It’s perfect.” And it was. The table was big enough for the four of them. The suite they’d been given was more like a family dwelling, complete with a kitchen