expecting a bit more of an effort…”
I stare at him in horror and am about to open my mouth to tell him to do no such thing when Steph rouses enough to start laughing. She wipes at her cheeks with one hand while she continues to laugh and shake her head.
“No, no, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she chortles. “Unless you’re into pain and debasement… Then please do. Here I thought she looked horrified over Eliph hooking up with the likes of me. That was nothing compared to the way she looked at you, following your offered… uh, services.”
I tighten my arms around her, offended all over again about the way the naga treated my mate.
“There is no other female like you,” I retort fiercely, holding her closer against my chest. “Which is unfortunate for other males out there because you are a most wonderful female. No male would be luckier than one who wins your affection and trust.”
Surprise flickers in the dark eyes that turn toward me, but I’m being nothing less than truthful. As far as I’m concerned, she is a superior mate, one that any male would be honored to have. I don’t know what the naga sees, but when I look at her, I see a female who is compassionate as well as strong and forthright. A female unafraid to speak her mind, and a female with a lot of love to give to the right male that she trusts with all her heart. I look forward to learning more about her, to see what makes her eyes burn with fury and what makes her smile. I want to see every expression, to know her in ways that no other has. I want to see that which she normally keeps hidden—and I worry I will not have enough time to experience even a fraction of that.
My ahandral yawns again and settles back against me with a begrudging smile, as if she is pleased but uncertain of just how much to believe. That’s okay. I know that she is not quick to trust, but that will make winning her all the sweeter. I will prove myself. Right now, I will content myself with how right she feels in my arms. She fits against me perfectly.
“You sure do talk a good game,” she mumbles sleepily.
I press my lips to the top of her head, enjoying the way her thick curls tickle my face.
“It is nothing less than the truth. That another doesn’t see your value as clearly as I do is her shortcoming, not yours. I am truly honored that it is you my magic bound me to. Of all the females in the world, whatever time I have with you at my side will be treasured.”
She stills within my arms and then turns just enough to gaze up at me suspiciously. My heart hurts for her that she has learned not to trust words of affection and adoration from a male when spoken in earnest.
But perhaps it is for the best that she is cautious. I don’t think any other females would have been able to evade fairies the way my crafty mate did until I was able to arrive. It will also make it harder for another fae male to lure her away.
She squints at me as if she is about castigate me, but instead heaves a sigh and curls up against me once more. Her cheek flattens against my chest so that her ear rests right over my heart. She mumbles something I can’t make out because I am in awe of the way her heart begins to regulate its beats to match my own. She might be struggling with being my mate, but it is her mind having difficulty with the matter more than her body. On a primal level, she recognizes me as hers and seeks such a closeness that our hearts may become one as I hold her.
I am quite happy with her there and snuggle her close, not even bothering to hold back the delighted smile as my mate drops off to sleep in my embrace. I can feel the goblin’s eyes on me, though, and that is enough to disrupt the peace I am enjoying.
Reluctantly—and with no little annoyance—I lift my gaze, meeting his eyes. They spark with mischief and humor as he leans forward, elbows propped lazily on his knees.
“Interesting effect you unicorns have on females,” he observes casually.
“A damned nuisance,” I correct with a resentful mutter.