Page 24 of The General's Bride

She stiffened at the mention of her sister’s name.

He kissed her temple. “Hear me out. London was my intended, but with her, it was just a duty thing. It was an honor that the king thought me worthy enough to choose me for his daughter who everyone knows he dearly loves. I felt she was a suitable wife for me. On the night of our betrothal dinner she ran away. She didn’t want our union.”

“My sister is nuts. How could she not want you?”

“Very easily. I suppose the same way I felt nothing for her besides brotherly feelings. The two of you look almost exactly alike yet I can’t keep my hands off you.”

Paris grinned. “I’m sure if you would have known London had a twin you would have figured out why you felt these new feelings.”

“Probably. I found them disturbing, and didn’t want to fall for you, but each time I touched you, I couldn’t get enough.”

“When you thought I was London, did you intend to do all those things you did to me, to her?”

“Honestly, I planned on it, but now I know I wouldn’t have been able to go through with it. I should have listened to my instincts about the union. An accomplished wife is a good asset, but without passion, it would have led to a long boring existence. I doubt I will ever tire of you.”

“So what happens now? When you contacted my mother this morning did she have an update on London? Has the emperor located her?”

“Unfortunately he hasn’t. At least not yet. He’s still on Earth but according to the queen, he’s closing in on her location. Hopefully he will find her soon.”

Paris sighed in relief but then worry assailed her. “I hope she’s okay. She hasn’t been on Earth in years. What if she’s cold or hungry? What if she gets hurt?”

“Well, we at least know she’s alive or else she wouldn’t have been picked up on the DNA tracker. And what I know about the princess is that she’s very resourceful. I’m certain she will be fine.”

Her twintuition told her that London wasn’t in any prominent danger. It was funny that the feelings she’d shut off so long ago were once again active. She could literally feel her twin. Maybe it was because they had been on the same planetagain, even if it was briefly. Or maybe it was because Paris had opened up her heart.

Another concern crossed her mind. She gripped Zahn’s hands. “Do you think my mother and the Emperor will be upset that we’re together now? I’m not sure how things work on your planet but I know on mine, there are cultures that practice arranged marriages and it’s a bit deal to break them. Will you get in trouble?”

Zahn placed his arms around her and placed a light kiss on her forehead. “You have no need to fret. As you have already pointed out, your sister is no keener to wed me as I am her. Besides, I can’t in good conscience go through with the betrothal with the way I feel about you.”

Her heart fluttered with happiness. In her wildest imagining Paris never would have believed that being abducted by a sexy alien barbarian would result in her falling so madly in love in such a short period of time. But nothing felt more right than being with Zahn. “I feel the same way.”

“It’s a good thing that you do because when I see the queen and the Emperor, I will make my intentions toward you known.”

Paris grinned. “And what are those intentions?” she asked wanted to hear the words.

“I have every intention of making you my bride.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t thought that far along the line, but the idea of being with Zahn for the rest of her life made her happy. “Aren’t you supposed to ask me to marry you?”

“No. I’m not leaving that to chance. You are marrying me. You do want to, don’t you?”

She gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. “I can’t think of a thing that would make me happier… besides finally seeing my mother, sister and brothers. Speaking of which, shouldn’t we have left already?”

“We can leave shortly. Besides, now that you’ll be living on Thibius, you can see your family as much as you’d like.”

Paris hadn’t thought about that. She’d be leaving Earth and all she knew behind. When she gave this some thought, she realized she wasn’t leaving much. She would have to somehow get in contact with Carol to let her know she was okay, but other than that, her future now lay with Zahn.

She looked into his dark green eyes, her emotions overwhelming her. Paris never knew so much happiness could exist.

“Can I tell you something?” Zahn whispered.

“You can tell me anything.”

“Before I met you, I believed love made men weak, but I’ve never felt stronger.”

She cupped the side of his face. “We’ll be each other’s strength.”

So much good was finally happening in her life. She would finally be reunited with her mother and sister, and she’d found a man who she knew she’d love for the rest of her life.

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