Page 82 of Sword of Rage
He hesitated. “I don’t want you to do anything you’ll regret.”
“The only thing I’ll regret is if this doesn’t happen.” She reached up, pulling his head down toward hers.
“You’re certain?”
She was. “Do you not want this?”
His body shook as he chuckled. “I’ve never wanted anything more.”
“I feel the same way.” She didn’t have to say it a second time. His lips devoured hers. Savoring every moment, she was in no hurry to rush this along. Her legs tangled with his. His hands slid up her sides, pulling her shirt off. His fingers trailed over her bare skin, making her shiver. Wanting to feel him, she lifted his tunic up over his head. In the faint light, she saw several scars from swords, a testament to his profession.
His lips slid down her neck, her shoulder, and to other parts of her.
Once would never be enough with this man. Somehow, she’d fallen for this assassin-prince.
* * *
Harley peeled her eyelids open. A beam of sunlight cut through two of the boards on the side of the barn. Smiling, she stretched and rolled over. Ackley lie stretched out beside her, asleep. A blanket covered him from his naval to his knees. Resting her head on her arm, she admired the lean cut of his muscles. His face was smooth, youthful, innocent, and…happy. She couldn’t help but smile. Last night had been perfect. Everything she hoped it could be with the right person.
Reaching forward, she gently trailed her finger down the side of his face. Where would they go from here? She had to travel with Ledger to Penlar where she’d meet up with Owen. Ackley had to go south to lead his army. She’d gotten so used to having him around that she couldn’t envision not having him by her side. And after last night, she didn’t want to be separated from him. However, they were from different kingdoms and each had their own set of duties to attend to.
Ackley’s hand wrapped around her wrist, yanking her to his chest. She squealed as she fell against him.
“Morning,” he said, his voice gruff and husky. He smiled, the simple act lighting up his face. “I think I could get used to this.”
So could she. Unable to help herself, she kissed him, savoring the feel of his lips on hers. Her stomach growled. Apparently, she’d worked up quite the appetite last night. “We should get dressed.” She kissed the tip of his nose. Turning, she located her clothes strewn all over the loft. She quickly gathered them, pulling them on.
“I didn’t realize it was so late.” Ackley cursed.
“What’s the matter?”
“I was supposed to be on watch after Gytha.” He pulled on his pants.
“Sorry,” she said sheepishly, not really sorry for having monopolized his time last night. The most perfect night of her life.
“What happens now?” he asked.
“You go meet up with your army, and I’ll meet up with my cousin.”
“I mean between us.” He slid his shirt over his head.
“I don’t know.” He’d eventually return to Marsden where he belonged. It wasn’t like he’d stay in Melenia for her. He was a prince. And she couldn't go to Marsden with him since her life was here.
He nodded. “When you figure out what you want, let me know.” He grabbed his boots and headed down the ladder.
No one had ever asked Harley what she wanted before. She’d never been given that luxury. Her life had been dictated and controlled by her parents and then Lyle. The idea of doing something simply because she wanted to was so foreign to her, she didn’t know how to respond.
She followed him down the ladder. At the bottom, Ackley stood holding the ladder for her. When she reached him, she grabbed his shirt, forcing him to meet her eyes. “What do you want?”
He tried to look away, but she firmly held him in place. “I want whatever you want,” he answered.
“Why give me the power? I don’t understand.”
He leaned his forehead against hers. “Because you deserve to be happy.”
“What about you being happy and getting what you want?”
He closed his eyes. “Harley.” He said her name like a soft caress. “I was at your house.”
