Page 96 of 2 Books in One Bundle
‘You know, according to myth, Hera created the Milky Way.’
Helia placed her palm on his chest. The warmth seared him to his core.
‘Heracles needed that strength for his labours.’ He took great pride in the look of surprise on Helia’s face. ‘What? Do you think princes don’t read?’
‘It’s not that. I just wouldn’t have expected you to be allowed to read about mythology when you must have had a prescribed book list.’
‘I could read whatever I wanted to. Why would you think otherwise?’
‘I’ve been given a list of whatIshould read.’
‘You can read whatever you want, Helia. You’re the Queen. As someone once said, “Make it so.”’
‘Just like that?’
‘Just like that.’
Vasili brushed his fingers through her hair. Now that Helia had agreed, and he had permitted himself to touch her, he couldn’t stop. He hated it. And he loved it.
‘There may be things you need to read to prepare you for ruling, but you’re not limited to what Andreas thinks is appropriate. He’s pining for the kind of rulers he’s never going to get.’
‘What about you?’
That was a loaded question. What did Vasili want? Initially he had been opposed to being King, but now he had accepted the title. He was King; and when he thought about who should rule beside him he could think of no better option than her. Which had him answering honestly.
‘I’m happy with the Queen I have.’
He didn’t wait for her to respond. Couldn’t bear to see what reaction she might have. So he pulled away and stood up, ripping his shirt over his head and offering her his hand.
‘Take a swim with me.’
‘Now?’
‘Yes.’
‘But...’
‘Don’t be afraid, Helia. Trust me.’
He wanted her to, and when Helia put her hand in his it was easy to ignore that voice at the back of his mind screaming at him to get away from her. Warning him that he was getting too close. He wanted to listen to it, but at the same time he craved that closeness with equal measure.
Vasili took her into the water. His hands tight around hers.
‘Please don’t let go of me.’
‘I won’t.’
When they were waist-deep, he turned to look at her. He had thought at the cove that she looked like some sort of sea nymph, with those eyes the colour of the water, her golden body and the blue bikini, but now... Now she looked ethereal. Utterly ravishing in the pale moonlight. Who cared about Hera or the Milky Way when he had a goddess in his arms? Except she wasn’t...not yet.
He let go of her hand to wrap his arms around her waist, holding her close. Her sharp intake of breath raised the hairs on his body. He wanted to make her gasp. He wanted to make her as crazy as she made him.
Eyes locked on hers, he leaned in...waiting. Praying that she would close the distance between them. Making sure that she was certain it was her choice. He would let her go if she didn’t. Let her go back to the bedroom and give her enough time to fall asleep before he went anywhere near the place and faced another night of little to no sleep. Of craving Helia like air and avoiding even the barest hint of intimacy.
But he wouldn’t have to. While he knew he would still have to face his battles, Vasili rejoiced as she closed the gap between their lips. Pressing hers against his in a desperate bid to get closer. He angled his head and she parted her lips for him. His fingers were digging into the soft skin at her waist as their tongues met in a sweet dance. She clutched at his back, wanting more. And he would give it.
He deepened the kiss, growing hard at the sound of her moan. She would feel his length pressed up against her, he knew it, but he couldn’t step away. He wanted her so badly it was a buzzing throughout his body.
‘Helia...’ he breathed against her lips.
