I slide my hands up his back, my fingers moving over the supple leather of his jacket.
He breaks the kiss and slides his hands up to my face. “I want to take you to my bedroom. I want you to share my bed.”
Xander’s mouth descends on mine again. I open for him, accepting him, feeling the heat burn within me from the soft stroking of his tongue. How he’s seeking and exploring in a way that is sensual, yet gentle.
“You will be the only woman I take to this bed,” he whispers against my mouth. “Be that woman for me. Please.”
His words nearly undo me. These kisses are different. Such a mix of desire and gentleness. I feel cherished. This man deeply adores me. It’s as if he is saying something different tonight without words.
His body is speaking for his heart, I think.
I break the kiss and whisper my answer over his lips. “I want that more than anything, Xander Wales.”
Now I’m speaking from my heart with my words. Xander needs to know I’m not going to sleep in the bed of the future king, but Xander Wales.
The man I’m starting to fall in love with.
His breath hitches the second I say his name, but no words come. I gaze into his eyes, all full of emotion for me, and I know he’s unable to speak.
“Show me your bed,” I whisper. “And show me how you want to make love to me.”
His eyes flicker with desire. I feel it crackling between us, this chemistry kindling that will become a fire the second I fall back onto his bed.
Xander brushes my lips with his. Then, without another word, he takes my hand in his and leads me towards the stairs. My heart pounds fiercely with each creaky step we take, as I’m getting closer and closer to his room.
His bed.
And going there will intensify our relationship, as this is Xander letting down a wall for me to come inside. To share his sanctuary, to stay in his sacred place not just to make love, but to stay in his bed until the sun rises the next morning.
As we reach the top floor, I notice Xander has to duck, so he doesn’t hit his head on the ceiling. There are two rooms on the top floor, and he leads me to a door on the right.
He places his hand on the knob, and yet he doesn’t turn it. Xander hesitates, standing still. I can hear him breathing more rapidly, and I wonder if he has doubts. If this is too much, too soon.
“Xander,” I say softly, wrapping my arms around him and pressing my cheek into his hard, muscled back, “we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. I know what a huge step this is for you to take.”
He swivels around and captures my face with his hands. “I’m not hesitating out of doubt. I’m taking a moment to live this. You came into my life days ago, and I already want you in my bed. You’re changing me. And this will further make me …” he pauses, collecting himself “… a man worthy of a woman like you. I want to see that man in the mirror every morning and know he’s good enough for you. That’s all I want to be.”
Feelings for this man burst within me. I move my hands around his neck and draw his face until our lips are barely apart.
“You already are that man,” I whisper, breathing my words across his beautiful lips. “You already are.”
Then I draw his mouth to mine and kiss him. I take the lead, my tongue sweeping into his mouth and caressing his with all the feelings that are growing in my heart. Xander responds, a groan of desire escaping his throat as his hands slide underneath my coat. His hands move slowly, gently, touching me as if I’m a treasure in his arms. Something priceless and valuable to him. I move my hands up his neck, trailing my fingers along his spine, stroking each curve and contour with whisper-light touches, treating him as if he is my priceless treasure, too.
He removes one hand from my body, and I immediately miss his warmth. As I kiss him, I feel his hand move backwards, and then hear the sound of a doorknob being turned. I break the kiss and gaze up at him.
“Come into my room,” Xander says, his voice raw with emotion.