Page 59 of Between Realms

I curse myself for approaching Wynstelle with a levy for her freedom. But I am a spoiled idiot, using my influence. Isn’t that how the elves do things, especially royalty? Negotiations, bargains, trades. But she isn’t an elf. That iswhyI wanted to meet her. Why I desire her. And now, why I want her—completely.

But I will be grateful for any tiny morsel she gifts me, be it her thoughts or a simple touch.

How is it this mortal woman makes me want to be a better male? I don’t know, but it’s happened. Her very presence makes me question my life and every single choice I’ve made, or will make. I could have almost any female in the realm, whether they are available or not, but now I believe I will only be happy with Wynstelle for the rest of my days.

Wyn seems to see me for me, not as a prince—not the powerful future leader, but just a male. A male who might bring her pleasure.

I had known from the moment I first set eyes on her that she deserves more than what I offered her with my bargaining. Oakes had said much of her courage and spirit. And I agree. Wynstelle is also resilient and intriguing.

I desire, more than anything else, toearnher respect. I have never gone out of my way to earn anything before—it has always been given freely.

But this new feeling is invigorating. I’m excited about being challenged. Iwantto be challenged. Wynstelle is the only one who has ever evoked that desire within me.

I fear I will never deserve her affection. My heart will accept nothing less than my best effort. Yet, I’m young and stupid and selfish. Jaden and Oakes don’t need to tell me. I can see it in their eyes. They expect me to mess this all up. Perhaps they are correct. But what if… what if I could make all three of them proud of me?

“What were those incentives you mentioned?” she asks with a cocky smirk.

Feck. I need to taste that smile.

I lean down and gently clasp my large hands on the sides of her face. I wait, hovering for the approval I need to proceed. She shifts toward me ever so slightly. Then I press my lips to hers, soft and sweet.

Wyn moves in again for another, chasing my lips.

I oblige, and our kisses become more urgent.

Why does she have to taste like the sweetest, most forbidden fruit?

My hand skims down around her neck and draws her closer. Then, in a moment of chivalry, I pull away to pause and make sure she is all right. I look into her eyes and see only desire. “Was this your first kiss?”

Wyn flushes bright red and avoids my gaze. “Is itthatobvious?” She covers her mouth with her hand. She laughs at herself, despite her embarrassment.

“No. It wasn’t obvious at all.” I gently move her hand and give her a soft peck on the lips. “You are a natural, but you mentioned you never experienced…pleasurewith a male, so I just wondered… But now, perhaps, if you want, I’ll leave with this lovely gift you have blessed me with and treasure it always.”

“Don’t leave.” Wyn clings to my shirt before I can move.

I trail my fingertips along the sides of her face. “I’ll take things between us very slow and only do what you are comfortable doing. I want you to tell me whatyouwant. Just make me aware if anything is too much. I don’t want to hurt or upset you ever again. I’ll stop atanypoint. Even if you said yes to it initially.” I wait for her response, and when she just stares at me, I ask, “Agreed?”

“Yes. I’ll let you know.” Her golden-brown eyes lock onto me with an intensity that seems beyond her years to master. “Can we kiss a bit more?”

“I would very much like to accommodate that request.” I start with her mouth and then pepper kisses down her neck.

Wyn lets out a moan. She arches her back, which moves my hand lower, and I understand I have approval without asking. Encouraged by her response, I slide my hands down over her ample breasts.

Goddess bless, Wyn is perfection.

She runs her hands over my chest and then tugs at my shirt hem. “It seems quite unfair you’ve seen me completely naked, and I haven’t even seen your chest.”

In a flash, my shirt is gone.

“Oh!” Wyn squeaks, then licks her lips as if she were hungry to taste me. She trails her hands over the solid, muscular planes of my chest. Her touch is like wildfire, blazing and awakening my senses.

Have I ever felt more alive? No, I have not.

My body rouses as it never has before. My soul is drawn to her like it recognizes its mate. Could she be? I know the answer the moment I ask.

Her eyes twinkle, and suddenly, she becomes bolder. Does she sense the connection, too?

“You’re…impressive.” Her eyes eat up my broad chest and then drop to my pants. “What’s the rest like?”

---