Page 34 of Princess

He glanced around the room, then zeroed in on Beck, who waved him to continue.“Rodrigo knows everything I do, and he’s been training the men for submarine combat.We have four torpedoes in the front, two in the rear.A direct hit could take down or cripple a large ship, but the torpedoes are old, tracking could fail, or they could malfunction completely.Tactical positioning and surprise are our best weapons.”

“And the mines?”I asked.

“We have them in the shipyard harbor and Warrior Bay,” Nokita confirmed.The Bay was close to the citadel.“They’re remotely detonated.If we use them right, we could catch their sub by drawing it closer.The mines give us an advantage.”

I was impressed.More than that, I liked the idea of the islanders having a way to fight without risking hellhound bites or scratches.How to use Lesley Barnes as a decoy was also swirling in my head.

“Give me an update tomorrow once the oxygen gauge is replaced,” I said.

A yawn crept up before I stopped it.I was so tired.I glanced at the clock.It was after three.No wonder my brain was barely functioning.

“Tell me what I’m missing,” I said, rubbing my eyes.“I’m too tired to think straight.”

King leaned forward.“You mentioned using the president’s wife as bait.”

That’s right.Lesley.Decoy.“I’m open to ideas.There’s got to be a way to use her even if Barnes doesn’t want her back.”

King took my hand.“What if we reconvene in the morning?We can iron this out when we’re more rested, then call in the teens for the next meeting.”

I wanted to argue, but exhaustion made my thoughts blur together.I don’t think it had ever been this bad.Pregnancy was to blame, and there was nothing I could do about it.

“Sounds like a plan,” I muttered around another yawn.

King stood and, before I could protest, he scooped me into his arms.

“Really?”I grumbled.

He ignored me, carrying me from the room like I weighed nothing.

I gave up and snuggled into him.Sleep took over before we were halfway to the room.

Chapter Fourteen

Marinah

Food waited for me when I opened my eyes.I slept like the dead and only woke up because of the delicious aroma filling the room.King entered the bedroom wet and naked, fresh from a shower.

“Did I sleep for three days?”I asked.

He smiled.“Only eight hours.I moved back the meetings.”He held up a hand.“You needed the sleep, and it’s not up for debate.”

“Who’s the boss of this outfit?”I muttered.

“You are, but you’re pregnant, took a hellhound bite last night, and overextended yourself.I’m your mate, and I have a say when it comes to your well-being the same way you have a say when it comes to mine.”

“But you never listen to me when you overdo it,” I challenged.

“You are pregnant,” he said with finality in his voice.

“Argh.”I tossed a pillow at him.

He caught it and tossed it back.“You’re always cranky when you’re hungry.”

He walked over and helped me up.It was impossible not to lean into his naked body, but my bladder couldn’t wait, so it was a very short snuggle.He had his pants on when I came back but his chest was still available for perusal.I liked his chest and secretly smiled because before we were together, I told myself he had too much muscle.It was a lie.He had the perfect amount and my mouth watered for more than food.Leading the Shadow Warriors and being in charge of the island was not kind to our sex life.

As always, I ate with single-minded purpose.King sampled his food at a slower pace.

“Do you feel better?”he asked.

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