Page 57 of Warrior's Reign
His lips were on her uninjured cheek, his breath in her ear. Strands of his hair brushed across her shoulders. “You will get used to me. You understand me better than you know.”
It was almost an admission. Bastard. Were they playing a game of chicken to see who would break first? Fine, but she was going to win.
“And I know you,” he continued in a murmur. “You never allow ignorance to excuse you from keeping your word.”
The deep, sonorous timbre of his voice melted her core. A sensual caress, and a promise. Reign dragged in a breath and then his lips were on hers. Gentle, exploratory. His hand cupped the back of her head.
Reign grabbed his shoulders and laid back, pulling him on top of her. He settled his weight on his arms, careful, deepening the kiss. But she wanted the press of him, wanted him to crush her into the bed.
Opening her eyes, she met his burning gaze. Gentle was fine for some women. She needed more.
“No, Reign,” he said. “Not yet. Our parents will speak and give their blessings and then I will give you what you want.”
“You want it too.”
His eyes darkened. “What I want, you will need all your strength for.”
Vykhan pulled away from her and rose, his expression neutral again. Reign couldn’t fathom how he controlled himself, just like that. What would he be like in bed, controlling her? What would he be like if he lost all control?
She rose onto her knees. “Why?”
He looked at her for a long moment, and then turned and left.
Reign stared at the door. “Well, I guess we’re not at the sharing our feelings stage.” She made a face.
Then gingerly touched her cheek and laid back down under the device to finish the healing cycle.
* * *
Her shift with Ibukay was especially uneventful. TheBdakhunrescheduled her tour and stayed in her office; Reign suspected Vykhan had got to her, but Ibukay only grinned before diving into admin work. Normally Reign would be bored, thinking she was wasting her time. The Beysikai palace was one of the most secure buildings on Yedahn, after all. But since the threat was coming from within, Reign remained alert.
She entered her quarters with relief when the shift was over though, realizing the earlier bout had taken more energy out of her than she’d thought. A message from Icolo gave her details for her upcoming new client meet, and she noticed he also added wardrobe recommendations. Reign snorted.
Trying to decide if she should go to the dining hall for a meal or suffice herself with a snack, the comm console chimed.
“Accept, audio only.” Pa’s face popped on screen. “Visual.”
He smiled when she appeared. “Reign, I know it’s past midnight but your mother couldn’t wait any longer.”
She ran her tongue along her teeth. “What exactly have you heard?”
His eyes narrowed.
“Okay, okay. You mean my First?”
“I spoke with his mother.” Zoriah’s face appeared next to Benyon’s. “She seems very nice. Not a wicked mother-in-law at all.”
“I don’t know her well, but her rep is solid.”
“When were you going to tell me you had a boyfriend? Vykhan Rhyksai. He’s hot.” Her eyes turned dreamy.
Benyon frowned at his mate. “I am hot.”
Mother smirked.
“Do you need proof?” he demanded. “I will make you scream my name tonight.”
Reign cringed. “Let’s reroute the conversation.”
