Protector of the Pride (Lions of Pride Island Book 3)

by Terry Bolryder

  And he wanted so much more. To go places with her and see her smiling. To buy her presents and see her face light up. To eat meals together. He wanted it all.

  And he’d start by going down to her room, if she was there, and telling her he was ready to go along with her plan.

  Lucy opened the door when she heard the knock, wondering who would be there.

  She was shocked when she saw Axel there, looking abashed.

  If it was any other man who had kissed her senseless and then disappeared, she’d have been expecting them.

  But not stubborn, cold, anxious Axel. Even if he’d thought leaving was a mistake, she’d assumed it was something he’d pretend had never happened.

  But here he was, with his tie disheveled, lines under his eyes, as if he’d done nothing but torture himself in the hour or so he’d been gone.

  After he’d left her in the dining room, she’d tried to finish dinner and then given up and went to her room to think about what had happened. Her body was still thrumming just at the thought of him.

  Seeing him there at the door woke up all of her senses again, and she folded her arms over her chest as she stepped back to let him in.

  She had no idea what he was going to say.

  He didn’t look like he knew either.

  He walked in, went straight to the window, and propped himself on the seat.

  The room he’d given her was spacious and beautiful, decorated with antique furniture, but the window seat was her favorite place. It gave a beautiful view over the grounds and the woods and was soft and comfortable.

  But even though it was her favorite place, or perhaps because it was, it seemed right to see him sitting there, blond hair glinting in the moonlight, suit and white shirt reflecting shades of silvery blue in her dark room.

  When he looked at her, his golden eyes glinted a grayish silver in the muted light. “I want to accept your deal.”

  She sat on the bed, arms still folded, heart pounding. She didn’t feel like the cocky tease she’d been before. She felt slightly in awe of him. Slightly worried about her own feelings.

  She knew that romance and commitment weren’t for her. She knew that. Yet, looking at Axel, she feared for her heart if they went along with what she’d suggested earlier.

  But his eyes looked so hopeful, his masculine body so tempting, and she knew, even if she did fall, she could get over it eventually.

  It would probably be worth it. And she liked taking risks. It was exciting.

  And there was something between them that she’d always sensed but hadn’t been able to put a finger on. Some connection. For a second, the fairy-tale section of her brain wondered if she could somehow be his mate.

  But no, the chances of that would be one in a million. Things just didn’t happen like that in real life.

  She scooted back on her bed until she could lean against the headboard and continued staring at Axel. “I just don’t know.”

  His gaze snapped to her, his features once again sharp. “What do you mean?” he asked. “We had a deal. You offered.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “And I’m allowed to renege.”

  He shuffled his position uncomfortably. “Of course. But I’m allowed to ask why. Was it something I did?”

  Yes, you made me shudder in unabashed ecstasy, and I never thought you could have that effect on me. Now I’m scared of what else you could do and how much I would miss it when you were gone.

  “No.” She lied.

  He folded his arms and glared at her, and she suppressed a groan as she felt her body respond just at the way he was looking at her.

  She was already getting hot just being in the same room with him. Her body couldn’t seem to forget how easy it had been for him to please her.

  “Axel,” she said. “I just… What happened between us was strong.”

  “It doesn’t always have to be like that,” he said. “I can be more careful about the physical things.” He bit his lip. “I want to woo you. Date you. Do the other things we talked about. Not just jump into bed with you. After all, you know that’s obviously not a problem for me now.”

  Jealousy lashed through her at that. “Yes.” The thought of him doing that to another woman was already agonizing. For some reason, it felt like this beautiful man was already hers.

  She hugged herself with her arms and then stopped when she realized she was doing it. “I don’t know.”

  “Should we just cut out the physical stuff?” he asked. “Would that make it easier?”

  She snorted. “No way. I need that part.” She scooted to the edge of the bed and stood, heart pounding. “In fact, I think I really need that part. Now, even.”

  He looked at her, eyes glowing again, lips pressed together in a firm line. But he scooted over as she joined him on the window seat. It was a tight fit, and they stayed together like that for a minute before he lifted her into his lap. She could feel his erection beneath her, but it was somewhat comforting.

  He was just as lost in this as she was.

  His arms came around her, and he pressed a kiss to the side of her head, searing the skin there. He was even more overwhelming when he was gentle like that. She was beginning to regret requesting to see that side of him.

  He was much easier to resist as her stressed-out, uptight boss. Now, no matter how professional she tried to be, she’d still see him as that sexy, sensitive lover that overtook her like a storm.

  His hands stroked over her arms, alighting the sensation there, and she groaned.

  “Stop that,” she said, not really meaning it.

  “Tell me the next step,” he said. “Courting you, I mean.”

  “First off, stop calling it courting,” she said as his hand trailed down to her belly, stroking her there and then coming to rest on her hip. “And stop that. I can’t think.”

  “I can’t,” he said, squeezing her hip. “You’re so soft and delicious. My hand just wants to keep doing it.”

  She squirmed, liking the feel of his touch, the acceptance of it. But she needed to think straight. What had he just asked her? Oh yeah, about courting.

  “Call it dating,” she grated out, relieved as his arms settled around her again, caging her in. “And I don’t know. I guess flowers, chocolate. And we should go out.”

  “I work during the day, as you know,” he said. “But how about tomorrow evening?”

  She nodded, loving the feel of his chest on her back. When they were done discussing this, would he leave? She didn’t want him to.

  “What do you think about sexuality?” he asked. “Should we cut it off? I don’t want either of us to get overwhelmed.”

  “And you aren’t already?” she asked tersely, bitter at her own body and its constant begging for him.

  He laughed. “Yeah, I am. But I’m trying to be sensitive. Which is a feat for me, as you know.”

  She laughed, feeling some of the tension seep out of her. “I guess so. I don’t think we have to cut it off. We just have to have some control.”

  He nodded, his chin grazing the top of her head. He felt so big behind her, like a large, steadying wall she could depend on. She’d never had anyone like that, and she hadn’t ever expected it to be Axel.

  After all, he supported and protected the country. But this was more personal. Better. More than she’d hoped for.

  She honestly hadn’t thought she was this into him when she’d suggested helping him. But now she was realizing she was, and it scared her.

  But not enough to back her off. Fear had never been enough to keep her from doing stupid things. The rush got to her. The risk.

  It had been good working with Axel because it kept her out of trouble. And now she was taking both of them right back in.

  “Speaking of control,” he said. “I think this position is getting a bit tough for me.” His deep voice was tight with control, and she realized he hadn’t even gotten off before.

  That was thoughtful of him, just taking care of her. What woul
d Axel look like when he lost control, that tight face lost in pleasure?

  She turned around and knelt in front of him, looking pointedly at his crotch. “Nice.”

  His fact twisted as he turned away from her. “Thanks.” His tone was terse. “I should get back to my room.”

  She reached for his face, turning it toward her. “What if I’m not done?” she asked. “What if it wasn’t enough?”

  He looked into her eyes frankly. “I thought you were overwhelmed. I thought you were worried.”

  She came closer. “Right now, I’m more worried you’ll leave before I can have everything I want.” And she meant it. Her body was humming. She couldn’t resist him, no matter how stupid it was. “How about just once, to seal the deal before we start dating?”

  He raised a perfect blond eyebrow. “Isn’t that a little backward?”

  She growled and shook her head. “I don’t really care at the moment what direction it is. I just want you.” She put a hand over him, and his eyes widened as he scooted back slightly. He put a hand over hers and removed it from his member, eyeing her warily.

  “Look, I want you, too, Lucy. So much. But I don’t want to do anything we’d both regret.”

  She could see want mirroring hers, shining in his eyes. “We can’t regret something we both choose,” she said, touching his face.

  She could see his big body giving in to her, leaning a little closer with each touch.

  Just a little longer, and this big lion would be hers. She told her lioness not to purr prematurely.

  “And you aren’t going to regret this in the morning? You aren’t going to say I went about it all backward and not want to keep going with dating?”

  She shook her head. “On the contrary. I’ll be looking forward to it even more,” she said. “Even after just the one you gave me, I keep thinking about you. Filling me.”

  He swallowed, the large Adam’s apple in his throat moving nervously. “Still seems backward.”

  “Backward, forward, I want you,” she said, putting her hand over his member again.

  He groaned. “Lucy…” Then he stood, pushing her out of his lap. Before she could protest, he scooped her up in his arms. He held her against his chest in a tight hug, and she could feel his heart beating. “Not tonight,” he said. “We should wait.”

  “You should have thought of that before you gave me an orgasm,” she muttered as he walked her to the bed and set her down on it, looking down at her with something like tenderness as he watched her in the dark. She turned away from him. “Fine. Go, then.”

  He walked around her side of the bed, looking at her curiously. “And now you’re pissed at me. I’m trying to be a gentleman.”

  She sighed and looked up at him in resignation. He was probably right, no matter how much her body wanted to scream at him. “It’s fine,” she said. “I’m sure you won’t be able to resist for long.”

  He snorted as he walked to the door. He paused for a second after opening it and then walked back to her on the bed. A chill went up her spine in anticipation, and then he leaned forward, hands on either side of her, and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

  Damn her body for waking up again.

  “What was that?” she asked as he stepped back and walked to the door again.

  “Just getting a head start on the wooing,” he said. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Let me know if you need anything.”

  She just gaped after him as he shut the door. She listened to his smooth footsteps echoing down the hall.

  How could he just walk away like that? Was he completely unaffected?

  She growled and flopped on the bed, pulling her pillow over her head. She’d meant to tease him, and it had totally backfired. Yet she still couldn’t wait to see him in the morning.

  4

  The next morning, things were oddly like usual as they worked together in the office. They’d eaten a quiet breakfast, with only a few furtive glances, and then Axel had headed to the office to work, and she’d followed after a quick perusal on her phone of some of her favorite internet sites.

  She was a little bit worried about spending the day in the same room with him, but she bucked up and got herself in there.

  And now they were working like nothing had happened. Trust Axel to let work take priority over everything.

  Right now, he was arguing irritably on the phone with one of the dragon regions.

  “I don’t have backup,” he said. “We’re spread thin. … No, I wasn’t aware of any ice plan. … The what?” He shook his head. “If I hear from the oracle, I’ll let you know. Meanwhile, are there any tigers you can borrow?” He rubbed his head. “Fine. Do that. And I’ll get in touch with the local tribunal and see what they say.” He slammed the phone down and ran a hand through his hair.

  “Mainland trouble?” she asked.

  He nodded, letting out a long sigh. “Sometimes I wouldn’t mind handing all of this over to someone else. If there was someone trustworthy.”

  She nodded slowly. “There’s a huge burden there.”

  He exhaled slowly, relaxing in his chair and then picking up the phone to dial. “I gotta call one of the tribunals and let them know about a rogue wolf problem. I hate they’re always causing us trouble.”

  “It’s because their female population was hit,” she said. “That always disrupts a society in a big way.”

  “Wolves are just trouble, period,” he said.

  “There are some nice ones,” she rebutted.

  He looked over at her. He was unbearably handsome today in a light-blue sweater over light khakis that hugged his butt. A butt she couldn’t see right now because he was sitting behind a desk.

  Something like jealousy flashed in his eyes. “And how would you know?”

  “I’ve worked on the mainland, you know,” she said. “I haven’t only stayed here. Unlike you, I’m not tied to it.”

  “What about your family?” he asked. “Now that I think about it, I’ve never asked you about it.”

  She shrugged. “Not much to tell. I’ve been in the foster system since I was young. I was orphaned as a baby. I never knew my family. I’ve done just fine on my own.”

  “Orphaned? That’s heavy. You think they died in political wars?”

  She looked away. She didn’t want to talk about this. When she’d gotten older, she’d gone looking for who her family was. And then quickly realized it would be better not to know.

  Now she really didn’t like to think about it. They didn’t make her who she was. She’d always been on her own. She chose her own destiny; no one else did it for her with something stupid like blood.

  “Why do I feel like there’s something there you aren’t telling me?”

  “Probably because I don’t owe you info about anything in my life,” she said.

  He bit his lip. “Fine.” His biceps flexed in his sweater as he leaned forward on the desk, flipping through a stack of papers. Then he sat back, handsome face confused. “What was I doing?”

  “Calling one of the tribunals?” she suggested with a half smile.

  He grinned. “Thanks.” Just as he picked up the phone, she heard the doorbell ring to the castle. He put a hand up, tucked his phone against his ear, and stood up to get the door.

  She was touched by his protectiveness. He never let her be the one to go to the door. And even with servants around, he never expected them to drop whatever they were doing and race to the door.

  She heard him get the door. Then he talked to someone, and she heard footsteps head back into the office.

  She looked up to see a man she didn’t recognize, in a uniform, holding a gigantic vase of flowers.

  She gaped as he walked forward, asked her name, and then situated the vase on her desk.

  He left, and then the front door shut, and she waited to see if Axel would come back in.

  In a moment, he did, still on the phone, talking tersely with whomever was on the other line. Working with the wolf tribunals
was a crapshoot. Half the time, they were corrupt and secretly involved in whatever shenanigans were going on.

  There were more wolves than any other shifters out there, including cats and bears, and as such, they tended to be more involved in human society and more aggressive in making room for themselves there.

  But she’d met good wolves as well.

  She shook her head as Axel sat down and turned her gaze to the flowers.

  So beautiful. Had she ever had flowers delivered? Well, the answer to that was yes, but it didn’t count because they were flowers she didn’t want. Flowers meant to scare and intimidate, not flowers meant to woo.

  Axel had picked exactly what she would have wanted. Orange tiger lilies accented by white daisies and beautiful sprays of small blue booms. It was bright and happy and filled the room with its color and scent.

  She gave him a smile as he set his phone down on the desk and leaned against it.

  He eyed her sidelong. “You like them?”

  She nodded, trying not to grin like a schoolgirl. “Of course. Step one of wooing?”

  He nodded. “Do they work? I’ve never sent romantic flowers before.”

  Nerves rolled through her at that. The first. And here they were, playing a dangerous game together. This wasn’t really romance, was it? Then why did it feel so right?

  She moved the heavy vase to the other side of her desk because they were crowding her and making it hard to see Axel. But they still blocked her there.

  He laughed and walked over, easily lifting them and taking them to a nearby table where she could see them, but they wouldn’t be in her way. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have gotten such a big arrangement.”

  “The bigger the better,” she said, flushing and grinning as his eyes narrowed meaningfully.

  “So everything bigger?” he asked.

  She nodded, feeling her blood growing hot at the thought.

  He smiled, a bright expression that lit up the room. It was surprising because he was always so tense. “I’m glad you like it. I thought I would butter you up before our date tonight.”