Page 66 of The King's Sword
She nodded.
“The only way I can do that is without Ex tracking us or sending more men after you. As my parents so bluntly stated, I put you in this mess, I must fix it. If I’d left you at the Lynk palace, you’d be protected. I’ve put you in danger. This is my fault, and I’ll make it right.”
She slid her hand down his arm to his hand. Twining her fingers with his, she squeezed. “I can help.”
“Yes, you can,” he answered. “I need you to stay in your room where I know you’ll be safe. I can’t deal with Ex if I’m worried about you.”
That wasn’t the answer she wanted.
Gemma cleared her throat. “I need to return to my unit,” she said. “I’ll make sure everyone is busy between three to four in the morning. That’s your window to enact your plan. If you need anything else from me, you know where to find me.”
“Thank you,” Evander replied.
Gemma exited the room.
Evander peered down at their joined hands.
“This plan is too dangerous,” Sabine whispered. She’d already lost her sister to an assassin and couldn’t stand the thought of losing another person she cared for.
“I have to.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “It’s what I’m trained to do.”
She took hold of his other hand as well, as if she could keep him there forever. “Please don’t go alone.”
The corners of his lips rose. “Have you so little faith in me?”
Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t lose you.” She leaned back so she could see him better.
“Sabine.” His green eyes bore into her as he let go of her hand and reached up, cupping her cheek. “Let me do this for you.” He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, sending a jolt of warmth through her.
“It’s too dangerous,” she insisted, grabbing hold of his upper arms, trying to hold him in place.
He slid his hand from her cheek to the back of her head. His eyes kept searching hers. “Have you ever wanted something so badly but knew you could never have it?” he whispered.
“Yes.” She swallowed, staring at his lips. She’d never before felt an intense desire to kiss a man because of their connection. She’d only done so for fun, curiosity, or to even make her brothers mad. But this, this was something else entirely. Shewantedto kiss Evander. Leaning toward him, she placed her lips next to his right ear and whispered, “I want something that I can never have.” She squeezed her eyes shut then forced herself to move back, away from him.
Only he didn’t let go. He was staring at her lips. His hands now cradled either side of her head, just below her ears, holding her in place. He leaned forward, inches from her.
She moved her hands to his waist.
Then, ever so gently, he kissed the edge of her lips. It was tender, careful, and not nearly enough. If something happened to him, this would be their last time together. She wanted him to know what he meant to her. Not having the words, she turned her head, leaning into his kiss and deepening it.
Her body felt as if it had been engulfed in flames. The smell of Evander filled her. His lips moved over hers but it still wasn’t enough. She parted her lips, craving more of him. His tongue slid into her mouth, touching hers. All thoughts escaped her as she only felt this man in her arms. His right hand slid to her waist, up under her shirt, pressing against her back.
And then he leaned away, his eyes widening. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his chest heaving up and down.
She didn’t want him to stop. Clutching onto him, she tried pulling him closer.
He took a step back, breaking their contact. “I didn’t realize I…” He ran a hand over his face.
The reality of the situation came crashing down upon Sabine. She was married to the king of Lynk and in Avoni kissing the prince who was engaged to her husband’s sister. If anyone found out they’d kissed, she could be killed for treason. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. This was her fault. She never should have acted on her feelings for Evander. Especially when she didn’t fully understand them herself.
“No,” he responded. “I’m sorry. This is my fault, not yours.”
“I think we’re both complicit.” She turned, facing away from him, trying to regain her wits. She couldn’t afford to act on her own feelings, wants, or desires. It had just been the thought of something happening to him that had scared her. With her hands on her hips, she forced herself to walk a few feet away from him, still not daring to look at his face. She’d just thrown herself at him like a harlot.
“Sabine,” Evander said, his voice soft and gentle. “I?—”
She couldn’t bear to hear him explain away what had just happened between them. When she was alone she would examine it, think about it, and feel it. Right now, she needed to lock it away before it became overwhelming and she did something stupid. “No,” she said, interrupting him. “I just…do you ever wish you could go back and redo something in your life?”
