Prince of Spies - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,31

other a brief clap on the back, another indication of their closeness. “You’re a good friend, Drake. I’m putting not just my safety, but that of my mate in your hands.”

Drake sent one last look over at the sleeping woman, his expression softer than Nico had ever seen it. “I won’t let you down.”

“I know, Drake. That’s why I came to you. There are precious few men besides my brothers that I would trust in this world. You’ve always been top on the list.”

Drake bowed his head briefly. “I’m honored.”

Nico secured the bolt after Drake left without making a sound. He surveyed the room. The leftover food on the big tray would make a good meal for Riki, whenever she woke. Nico’s own hunger was satisfied for the time being.

Well, at least his hunger for food was satisfied. His hunger for Riki was a constant. It didn’t matter where they were or in what kind of situation. He always hungered for her. It was fast becoming part of his nature, and he knew it would only grow worse the more time he spent with her.

Personally, he didn’t care. Nico wanted the closeness. He wanted the bond. He wanted her. Period.

If he had to wait to consummate that bond, so be it. Riki was worth every effort, every sacrifice, every moment of his time. She was his love. It was just that simple.

And that devastating.

Shucking his shirt and boots, Nico lay down next to her on the large bed. He decided to keep his leggings on. First, because they were in a strange city in a strange bed and he might need to jump into action quickly should something go wrong. Second, he didn’t quite trust himself not to take Riki’s soft body with his, even in sleep, if there were no barrier between them. It was safer to have at least one or two layers of cloth between him and his ultimate goal. At least until they settled things and Riki became his lover, mate and wife.

With a hearty sigh, Nico put his arm around Riki’s waist and pulled her unresisting body back against his own. She settled into the curve of him as if she belonged there and he felt a great sense of satisfaction.

Finally, he slept, cradling the woman he loved in his arms.

Riki woke feeling warm and comforted, and incredibly aroused. She was lying on a cloud—which she came to realize was really Drake’s borrowed bed, as her senses began to clear. Nico had her wrapped in his arms, and his hands were against her skin, under her clothing. The layers of skirt had been pulled up around her waist under cover of the warm blankets. His chest heated her back, his strong arms encasing her in warmth, his hand plying one nipple and the other resting at the juncture of her thighs.

No other man had ever touched her so tenderly, so hotly, so enticingly. Only Nico.

She tried to turn in his arms, but he stilled her.

“Ssh, sweetheart. Just lie back and enjoy.” His strong fingers lifted her thigh, moving her leg over his as he tangled them together. She felt the soft leather of his leggings rubbing between her thighs with a sense of wonder. It felt so good!

But what he did next felt even better. Nico’s hand moved, his fingers searching among her folds and finding a little nubbin of flesh that seemed connected directly with her womb. As he stroked it, she felt her insides quiver and the dampness of excitement flow from her core. Nico rubbed his bristly chin against the back of her neck and nipped lightly, sending shivers down her spine.

She felt him smile against her neck as his fingers slid in the wetness between her legs. She tried to pull back, embarrassed, but he would have none of it. His strong arms held her steady, his legs pinioning hers.

“You’re so wet for me, my dove, so eager for my touch. Do you know how much that means to me? Do you know how much you excite me?”

Nico pushed his hips against hers and she felt the hard rod of his erection against her backside, through the soft leather of his leggings. He was well endowed and very ready.

But she wasn’t. She feared she would never be ready to give up her virginity—not while the threat of Lucan loomed over her head.

Riki pulled back and this time Nico let her move away just slightly, though his hands still roamed over her