Page 69 of Fates Fulfilled
“The shield is thin and can be taken down at any time. I thought we might want a small amount of privacy.”
Her eyes returned to his face and his mouth inches away. “Privacy is good. My surprise wasn’t at the ice wall, but at the magic I sensed when you made the barrier.”
He studied her face. “It is good that you are getting better at sensing your ability. At some point, you will have mastery of it, but I’m afraid that won’t be soon enough for our escape.” He gently pushed a lock of hair from her face. “Camille will regain her abilities by tomorrow or the next day, and between her and Amund, we will get you and your friends out of Dark Kingdom.”
Lex frowned. “My powers were supposed to help your people. I feel useless.”
He shook his head. “You cannot help anyone if you are harmed.”
“There has to be a way.”
He cradled her face with his hands. “Anything that pits you against my father, I will not allow.”
The heat from his palms was intoxicating. “You’re very bossy, you know that?”
“I am very protective of what is mine.” He leaned down and softly kissed her, his lips lingering above hers.
Her heart thumped in her chest, and she leaned up and returned the kiss, pressing her body closer.
Garrin tilted her head and took her mouth fully. He tugged at her chin and parted her lips, his tongue taking possession in a way that had her body trembling.
Body trembles? Could she be any more virginal?
Garrin pulled back. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He looked intently into her eyes. “You understand that, yes?”
Lex nodded, but she really felt like shaking her head. She didn’t understand why Garrin desired her. She was powerless and, thus far, had been more burden than help. Her mother said he wouldn’t put Lex above his people, but that seemed exactly what he was doing. “What if I decide to protect you?”
He kissed the corner of her mouth. “That is not how it’s done here.”
She tilted her head back, but he leaned closer, focused on her lips, undeterred. “Why not?”
Garrin continued to pepper the sides of her mouth and chin with light, seductive kisses. “Because Fae men take care of their women.”
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Garrin covered Lex’s mouth, drugging her with his kisses. Not that Lex was complaining. “Fae men take care of their women, do they?” she managed to get out.
His lips slid to her neck. “Always.”
“Em and the other women in your court seemed pretty competent at protecting themselves.”
“They are.” He nudged her chin up with his nose, giving him better access to her neck. “I trained them.”
Warmth filled Lex’s limbs and her mind went blank. When she caught her breath, Garrin’s hands were sliding down her sides, his palms causing heat to flare up wherever they touched. “I’m not a part of your court,” she said. “I’m not one of your women.”
“You are myonlywoman.”
She was done for if he kept talking like that. “You sleep with other women too,” Lex said, trying to keep her head on straight and remember her place in all of this.
His expression turned to one of chagrin. “Not all of them. And not in years. I’ve been too busy searching for you.”
“But you would have slept with them if you could have.”
“I could now. I choose to be with you.” He guided her to the ground and the coat he’d laid out. “You’re the only woman I think about. The only one I wish by my side. My father raised me to believe it my duty to expand the royal family. Until I met you, I saw no reason not to. But my father’s actions have caused my mother a great deal of pain. I see that now. I will not hurt you. Not for anything. Not even for duty.”
His eyes were dark inside the cave, his pupils nearly covering the iris. But she sensed his sincerity.
She pecked him on the lips. “I would mind, you know. If you were with another. But I do admire your court women. They are brave.” She glanced up at the ceiling. “Maybe a little too obsessed with you, but I can’t blame them. I might be slightly obsessed too.”
