Page 127 of The King's Man
“Stop insisting that my only interest in you comes from the bond—do you think I have no spine?”
“Of course not, but the bond is… powerful.”
“It is—you feel it, too?”
“Yes.”
“And is that the only reason we stand here together—from your heart and mind, Dee. Be honest with me. Is it only the bond that puts you at my side?”
Fear flashed in her eyes and her head eased back, but came up against the tree, and I never broke eye contact.
She cleared her throat. “No,” she said in a small voice.
Thank God.“Then why do you doubt me?”
That V between her brows pinched harder. “I don’t know.”
I sighed and took her hand, placing her open palm on my chest.“Feelme, Diadre. Feel me through the part of me thatonly you have.Feel me and tell me that is the heart of a man who is divided.”
*****
~ DIADRE ~
Jann’s gaze was so piercing, so penetrating, it seemed he lookedinsideme. He leaned over me, his nose almost brushing mine, anddemandedthe truth.
And my heart raced with as much fear as thrill.
I had to close my eyes, to break that gaze because I struggled to breathe through it. But I did as he asked. I let my head sink back and pressed my hand to his chest andfelthim. Felt that glowing, gold cord thrumming, pulsing with light—and with something else.
Something that stopped my lungs. A wash ofemotionthat wanted to bring tears to my eyes. And then,curse him,he remembered the vows to me—that hazy, frantic, terrifying run into the Shadows of Shade, and his courageous,infantilepursuit. The way the Shadows punished him for me and his insistence that I was…
“Dee,”he breathed and tipped his forehead against mine, his breath washing over my lips, though he didn’t kiss me. Instead, he filled my mind with that moment he’d surrendered himself and vowed.
My mate.
My body for your protection.
My voice for your champion.
My blood runs for you, my soul.
My mate.
Behold, you are my joy. Behold you are my love.
Let me taste with my mouth because your kiss is richer than wine.
Let my body speak the words my tongue cannot form.
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your soul.
For my love is stronger than death, my jealousy fierce as the grave.
I burn for you with fire, the very flame of God.
I am your beloved. I am your mate.
My soul sings for you. My desire is for you.
