Page 71 of The Princess and the Demon

I nod, watching as he stalks from the room. I listen for the door before stripping off my tattered nightgown.

Groaning, I step into the hot water, sinking into it slowly. The heat seeps into my muscles, and I sigh, laying back against the tub. Thoughts of what just transpired between us flood my mind.

He could have easily taken me today. I wouldn’t have stopped him if he wanted to go further.

I frown.

Didn’t he want me? Everything I saw today told me that, yes, he did.

So why did he stop?

Groaning, I dip under the water completely.

23

AMON

Istalk down the corridor towards Allocer’s library, knowing full well I’d find him there. I could still feel Elora in my arms, could still feel her essence against my fingertips. Subconsciously I raise my fingers to my nose, inhaling her scent.

It sends pleasure-pain lancing through my groin.

I’m going to stay perpetually hard.

A growl escapes me as I round the corner into the library.

Allocer is standing, his back to the door, hands placed in his pockets, looking out a window.

He turns around, pushing the bridge of his glasses onto his nose. “Is she ok?” He asks.

I pull out a chair, sitting heavily. “She’ll be fine.” I growl. “I’m thankful we got to her in time.” I run a hand through my dark locks and sigh.

“Brother, we have a bigger problem.” The statement comes out flatly, the finality evident in my tone.

Allocer regards me silently before shifting.

“Listen, let me do the research. In the meantime, take your mate home, seal your bond.”

I sit forward, placing my elbows on my knees and clasping my hands out in front of me. I give Allocer a sheepish look.

He frowns before realization etches his features.

“She doesn’t know!?”

I hang my head in defeat. “I know. I haven’t told her…. I can’t bring myself to.”

Shaking his head, Allocer walks to a bookcase, leaning against it with his other hand on his hip.

“All hells, Amon, that’s not going to help matters.”

I shake my head at him. “You don’t understand. I need her to accept me. To want me because she truly wants me. Not because she’s forced.”

Allocer looks down at his feet, and silence draws out between us for a moment.

“Amon, you can’t expect her to understand right now, but she doesn’t need to. She probably feels it too.”

I say nothing. He’s right. I know Elora feels the bond between us.

It’s all I can feel when she’s near me.

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