When Keira awoke, she didn’t open her eyes straight away. She registered the warmth enveloping her. Alexei was still with her.She enjoyed the steady rise and fall of a chest beneath her cheek, the rhythm that was comforting. She loved the scent of him…Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the balcony doors that he must have left open. She was sprawled across Alexei's chest, her leg hitched over his, their bodies entwined in an intimate embrace. Safe. She felt utterly safe.Memories of the nightmare flickered at the edges of her consciousness, but after Alexei had settled in bed with her it hadn't come back… it therefore held no power now, not with Alexei's arms around her.She shifted slightly, tilting her head to look at him. His eyes were closed, dark lashes fanning against his cheeks, his jaw relaxed in sleep. For a moment, she simply watched him.Alexei's eyes opened, those deep blue depths meeting hers with a softness that made her breat
Keira closed the door behind her with a satisfied smile, already anticipating Alexei's return. She was grinning because he had indeed undone her dress and then had trouble leaving her.She moved through the suite, turning off most of the lights except for the soft glow from the bedside lamps. She removed her dress the rest of the way, then her shoes and underwear.She was exhausted, but her mind refused to settle. She really was worried about Amelia and she really hoped Amelia took her advice.Her phone buzzed on her way to the bathroom. Keira grabbed it to see a text from Blair: How are you going?Keira typed back quickly: Survived royal family dinner. Met Alexei's brother and sister-in-law… they're lovely. Maria hasn't improved, knowing her better, she is still a bitch. Will call tomorrow.Blair's response was immediate: Love you.Love you too.Keira set the phone aside and moved into the bathroom.She spent only a few minutes under the hot spray, then emerged and wrapped herself in
Keira glanced at Amelia, noting that she was hiding secrets, ones not immediately visible to everyone. But because Keira was new here and after her run in with Maria, she was looking for hidden meanings or motives."If you don't mind me asking, how does an American woman end up marrying the future king of Wystovia — long live the current king or whatever?"Amelia was quiet for a long moment, staring out at the fountain. When she finally spoke, her voice was distant. "My family has roots here. My mother was a lady of Wystovia until she met my father from America and fell in love. My grandfather was one of the King's most trusted advisors."She picked at the broken rose in her hands. "I'd known for years I was intended to marry Niko, and he knew about me. But we actually met only four days before our wedding.""Alexei told me you only met four days before, and wow… " Keira's eyes widened. "That's...""Terrifying? Archaic? All of the above?" Amelia's laugh was hollow. "We didn't love eac
The conversation began with light conversation as the first course was served... it was a delicate seafood appetizer that Keira barely tasted. She was too aware of the King's presence at the head of the table, his occasional glances in her direction, and Maria's barely concealed hostility across from her. She still wasn't firing on all cylinders… She needed a full night’s sleep which she hadn't had since the kidnapping."Miss Warner," the King said as they moved to the second course, "I understand you have quite an accomplished family. Your sisters have both married rather well."Keira felt the subtle trap in his words. "My sisters married for love, Sir. The fact that their husbands are successful is incidental. Both my sisters are excelling in their own careers as well. My sister Blair is CEO of Warner Industries.""Of course." His tone remained neutral. "Though one must admire the... fortuitous nature of such unions.""Theodore," Amelia interjected smoothly, "surely we can discuss s
Keira stood under the scalding spray of the shower after Alexei left and she had cleaned up the room, she realized she needed to get a move on, letting the water wash away the lingering scent of sex and tiredness from her brain. Steam filled the bathroom as she tried to process everything that had happened in the span of a few hours.Heir to the throne. Potential mother of future royalty. A life where her children might never have the freedom to choose their own paths. What was she doing?She pressed her palms against the marble shower wall, water cascading down her back. When she'd agreed to come to Wystovia, she'd thought the worst thing would be learning proper etiquette and dealing with media scrutiny. The succession issue changed everything.After a while she reluctantly stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush towel. Through the bathroom door, she could hear movement in the other room."Miss Warner?" A voice called. "I have your dress for this evening."Keira cracked open the do
Alexei shuddered above her as his own release tore through him. His fingers dug into her hips with bruising intensity. He collapsed against her back, their sweat-slicked bodies pressed together, both of them trembling in the aftermath. For several moments, they remained frozen in that position, their ragged breathing the only sound in the luxurious bedroom."Jesus," Keira finally gasped when she could form words again. "That was...""Incredible," Alexei finished, pressing a kiss to her shoulder blade. He withdrew carefully and tied off the condom, tossing it aside on the nightstand, before helping her onto the bed properly.She curled against him, her body still humming with aftershocks. The pendant he'd given her rested cool against her flushed skin."Do you think anyone heard us?" she asked, suddenly remembering where they were in the royal palace, with staff and guards everywhere.Alexei laughed, the sound vibrating through his chest under her cheek. "The walls are stone and a foot