Page 36 of From London, With Love
“I will destroy you,” she vowed.
* * *
“Sir Gideon?”Alexandra called. “A word with you, if I may?”
Gideon’s gaze slowly lifted to hers, as the rest of the council filed out through the door. He’d been half-turned to follow the others, but paused at her imperious words.
She glanced at the others, but Malloryn was deep in conversation with Barrons and didn’t pause. A little thrill ran through her at the thought of concocting a seduction beneath his very nose. Everyone knew she and Sir Gideon were friends—they often played chess together—but hopefully nobody suspected there was more between them.
“As you wish,” he said with a polite bow of the head, and made his goodbyes to the rest of the council.
The door closed, leaving them both alone.
“I have had some thoughts on your proposal,” she said firmly, knowing Malloryn wasn’t out of earshot. “I would like to discuss it in private at some length.”
“Some length?” he mouthed, shaking his head at her.
Alexandra dragged her fingertip across the polished surface of the dining table, smiling a little dangerously. “Indeed. Would you care for that game of chess now, while I gather my thoughts?”
“I could spare you an hour of my time,” he teased. “Does this proposal have anything to do with the Scandinavian summit, or does it refer to another alliance?”
“Oh, Gideon.” She rolled her eyes. “We were discussing the precise treaty I wish to speak of the other day—a meeting of strong-willed forces and a potential alliance between the two. It may take more than an hour.”
“My night is at your disposal, Your Majesty.”
He followed her through the door into the hallway that led to her private chambers. A maid curtsied, then darted into the dining room behind them as Alexandra strode along the carpets.
There was no sign of the council.
The second they were through the door into her drawing room, he captured her wrist and brought her hand to his mouth. “Is this the alliance you were referring to?”
“Perhaps. Though it depends upon whether a satisfactory trade agreement can be reached. What do you have to offer?”
“Pleasure,” he whispered, brushing his lips against the inside of her wrist. “Worship.” His tongue lashed against her pulse. “Absolute adoration.”
Desire surged through her—not simply desire for him physically, but a yearning to break free of the prison she’d somehow placed herself in.
It had been one thing to congratulate herself on how well she’d been managing.
Three years without succumbing.
But three years abstaining did not mean she’d spent those years living.
He’d been right. She was too hard on herself. Ever since the revolution, she’d been forcing herself to live an abstemious life, working from dawn to dusk to try and compensate for the guilt she felt.
But perhaps it was time to remove that heavy weight from her shoulders.
“Kiss me,” she demanded, sliding her hand through his hair and hauling his face down to hers.
Show me what it’s like to live. To feel.
“As my queen commands.”
His breath scoured her lips as he lowered his face. Capturing her face in both hands, he brushed the faintest of kisses across her mouth. Sweet. Sensual. Both a tease and a seduction. The tip of his tongue darted out, brushing against hers, and then she was lost.
“More,” she breathed, curling her fist in his hair and wilting against him.
The kiss deepened.
