by Day Leclaire
Instantly, the gentleness shifted and became more passionate. Fierce. Raw. Their desire spinning out of control. Without breaking contact with her mouth, he cupped her bottom and lifted. Her legs parted of their own accord, wrapping around him, allowing him to settle in the warm juncture of her jean-clad thighs. His clothes were a delicious abrasion, the friction of his slow undulations driving her toward the brink. She rocked in tempo with him for an endless minute of pure delicious lust before freezing.
Please. She tightened her hold, preventing him from moving, while she dragged air into her lungs. Im going to lose it.
He brushed his fingertips across her beaded nipples, edging her closer still. I hope to heaven this suite has a bedroom.
She swallowed, fighting for control, teetering so close to oblivion that he knew the least little movement would send her over. Find it. Fast. Or itll be too late.
Its already too late. Well do it here and now.
His mouth crushed hers, practically swallowing her whole, as he tipped her onto the floor. Hands got in the way, his as he tackled her jeans, hers as she tackled his. Clothes ripped loose, discarded with blistering haste. The urgency built, pounding at them, firing their blood, reducing them to the most basic, primal essence. Through the roar in his ears he heard her whimper, the breathless plea, the blatant demand. Or maybe they came from him.
The scent of her filled his lungs, the sweet, hot musky odor that was so uniquely hers. It roused him to a fever pitch, proving to him yet again that in this regard, nature forever dominated intellect. He found her ready for him, burning wet, and he filled her, driving into her, sending her up and over. She crashed down, brutally hard, only to scream upward once again as he rode the pain and pleasure.
It had never been like this. Never. More. More. More! The words were ripped from him. A desperate mantra that beat out the pace. The music sang through them both, soaring to a final endless note before dying to silence.
The breath shuddered from her lungs and she stared at him, dazed. That wasthat was She trembled. I havent a clue what that was. But you better be able to play it again.
Oh, yeah. Maybe. If he lived that long.
Eventually they found the bed and fell into it, exhausted. She clung to him and he read the silent message. She was terrified that any minute now Tolken and his men would come to the door and drag him away. He could only reassure her with his touch. He held her, stroked her, soothed her. The light fragmented off his wedding band, catching her eye and her arms tightened around him in response.
Youre my husband. She said the words, fiercely, laying claim.
For as long as you choose.
Her fingers traced his features, a delicate exploration before feathering into his hair. Hell come for you soon.
His shoulders lifted. We have a little longer.
I dont think I can handle it when they take you. The admission came hard. I want you in my life. More than that, I need you.
I can give you what you need. No question. He said it with absolute assurance.
She smiled, her mouth trembling from laughter to tears. You dont know what I need or want. You might think you do. But you dont.
The tenor had grown serious and he rolled onto his side to face her. Then tell me, he urged. Tell me so Ill know.
She met his gaze and he read the temptation hovering there along with the reluctance. If you were smart, she whispered, youd let me go. Im not the type to stick around.
I cant. I wont. He felt the brief yielding of her body and pressed home his advantage. You say you love me, that you want to be with me. You have a home in Celestia. You have people who love you and need you there. So, stay. To his frustration, he instantly realized hed miscalculated, a rare misstep.
She stiffened within his arms, wariness creeping into her gaze. Is this how you negotiate? Use whatever advantage will get you what you want?
Yes. He couldnt help smiling. Though if it makes you feel any better, I only use my sexual advantage on you.
Exhaling roughly, she flopped onto her back. Of course. After all, its worked like a charm up until now, hasnt it? She scrubbed the heels of her hands across her face as though waking from a deep sleep. What am I thinking? Im not the type who stays. I cant believe Im even considering the possibility.
He couldnt resist a final caress, one that left her shivering in reaction. What did she do to you, Alyssa?
She didnt pretend confusion, he gave her credit for that much. Its not my mothers fault. Not totally. I could have chosen a different path instead of following in her footsteps.
Explain it to me.
You havent noticed her hands, have you? She shook her head before he could answer. No, you wouldnt have. There hasnt really been an opportunity for you to.
Merrick frowned, picturing Angela during that brief time theyd been in the room together. Hed observed her, of course, and had automatically filed away a quick, detailed image in his mind. An occupational hazard. Shed been slight of build and fair like Alyssa. Paler. Fragile. Eyes the same slice-of-heaven blue. But her features were sharper. Drawn. Shed stood perfectly still, arms at her sides, as though reluctant to draw attention to herself. But he couldnt recall anything specific about her hands.
No, I didnt notice, he admitted. What about them?
They were broken as a child. Deliberately. Finger by finger.
Oh God.
The details arent important. Lets just say that whatever type of abuse you can imagine happening to her probably did.
Anger filled him, an impotent rage over the helplessness of children trapped in the keeping of deviant, amoral adults. Was she removed from her parents custody?
Yes. Foster homes followed. A series of them. I dont think she was abused there. At least, shes never hinted at it. She just wasnt helped. When she turned sixteen, she took off.
He closed his eyes. And so the running began.
Exactly. Shes spent most of her life looking for love and never finding it, always hoping shed discover salvation around the next corner. Alyssas mouth twisted. Or with the next man. Most of her husbands have been older. Substitute father figures, if I had to guess.
It fit. Like Prince Frederick.
He was a father figure? Hed surprised her. Older than Mom?
Twenty, twenty-five years older.
Her brow wrinkled. I guess my brother must be older, too.
Forty-five, at least.
I didnt realize. She released a gusty breath. So, the pattern was set, even then.
Apparently. He took a moment to digest everything shed told him before asking his next question. Okay, I understand your mother and what motivates her. But how do you fit into all this?
I love her, Alyssa stated simply. Ive been the one constant in her life. Weve been on the run from the minute I was born, with brief layovers along the way. A couple of cockeyed optimists searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. At least, thats how she always described it to me.
So, its all about honor and duty with you, too. Not to mention protecting those you love. Judging by her stunned expression that had never occurred to her before. And now? Where do you go from here?
Im so tired, Merrick. Her voice dropped, filled with a yearning that tore at his heart. Id like to stop, maybe stay somewhere awhile. Let that rainbow find me for a change.
He brushed a tumble of curls from her eyes. Maybe stay longer than a while? he asked tenderly. How does forever-after sound?
That might have been a possibility, if it werent for one small problem. She smiled, a wobbly effort too painful for words. The one person Id have been willing to stay for wont be here, not if Prince Brandt throws you in jail. Now, hows that for irony?
Then maybe I can give you something to remember me by.
He left her arms long enough to find his trousers and remove a small velvet pouch from the pocket. He dumped out the contents and returned to the bed, gathering her close once again. Taking her hand in his, he slipped a ring on her finger.
This is for you, he told her.
The subdued light flashed off Fairytale, the ring shed admired at the Marstons shop. A ring that symbolized soul mates united in an unbreakable bond of eternal love. With a small exclamation of disbelief, she turned in his arms and clung to him. How? When? Why?
A slow smile lit his face. Why? Because it was meant for you and only you. The how and when were a little trickier. But I found a way. His smile faded. Id planned to choose the perfect time to give this to you, but Im not sure theres going to be one.
She gathered his face in her hands and kissed him. Then well make this the perfect time. Here and now.
And as one by one their final minutes together ticked away, she made those moments more perfect than any that had come before.
Prince Brandt sent for Alyssa early the next morning. She was escorted once again to his office. She didnt know quite what to expect, though she could guess what he wanted.
Please. Sit. He held her chair with an inborn graciousness. We need to talk.
About what?
First, I wish to apologize to you. I pulled you into a situation not of your making or of your concern. It was wrong of me.
You tried to force me to marry you, she replied bluntly. And you used my mother in order to ensure my agreement. That wasnt just wrong. It was outrageous.
There were reasons. Valid reasons. He said it without remorse.
Anger swept through her. Because you want to be king? You consider that a valid reason?
He started to reply, then hesitated. I cant go into it at this point. Perhaps someday in the future. He regarded her in silence for a moment and then spoke with surprising frankness. You were a pawn, Alyssa, a pawn I chose to use without taking into account how it would affect your life.
You mean without caring.
He inclined his head. Without caring. This time he did show a hint of regret. If there had been any other way, I would have taken it. But there wasnt. There still isnt.
You cant really intend to throw Merrick in prison, she said, hoping to take advantage of his momentary change in disposition. You abducted me, remember? If anything, his could be considered a rescue mission.
Brandt shrugged that off. My principality, my rules. His prison sentence stands.
So, what now? She struggled to keep her distress from showing. Is this the point where you threaten me if I dont tell you who you married?
I was thinking more in the nature of a bribe. He cocked a sooty eyebrow. Would that work any better? You and your mother on the next plane to New York, Merrick at your side? Any interest?
Ill pass, thanks.
He sighed. Dont tell me Montgomery has brainwashed you with his notion of honor and duty.
She tilted her head to one side. You know, a few hours ago you might have scored with that one. But my husband pointed out an interesting fact to me. I do believe in honor and duty, in protecting the ones I love. Otherwise I wouldnt be sitting here right now, intent on saving my mother and my husband. She smiled coldly. So, no. He didnt brainwash me. I was pretty much there already.
Honor and duty? Really? He looked mildly intrigued. Are you serious?
Dead serious.
Let me guess. Laughter gathered in his eyes. You plan on saving Verdonia from the evil prince.
Hey, if the royal shoe fits.
And you plan to swear on your honor that Montgomery didnt abduct you.
Absolutely.
You cooperated with him.
All the way.
In order to avoid marrying me.
Can you blame me?
So when the opportunity presented itself, you ran off with Montgomery.
I did.
And let Miri take your place.
Yes. No. No! She stumbled to a halt, staring at him in barely controlled panic. She debated backtracking, saying somethinganythingto cover up her mistake. But she could see it was far too late. Hed bluffed; shed fallen for it. She closed her eyes, guilt overwhelming her, and spoke through numb lips. How did you know?
I was pretty much there already, he replied, tossing her own words back at her. But I appreciate the confirmation. Now, one final question. Where is she?
I dont know. She opened her eyes, blinking against tears. Thats the truth.
Yes. I can see it is. You dont lie very well, Ms. Sutherland.
You say that like its a bad thing.
In my position, it can be. Youll see what I mean in a minute. He picked up the phone and punched a button. Bring them.
She regarded him with undisguised bitterness. Youll never know how delighted I am that we never married.
You may find this hard to believe, but so am I, despite the agenda that made our alliance so critical.
He leaned across his desk toward her. She found his features too austere for her taste, though she couldnt deny they were compelling. And when he smiled with gentle warmth, as he did now, he was downright stunning.
Dont take it too badly. Despite your husbands ridiculously protective nature, there are few women hed feel the need to defend with quite such passion and ferocity. His mother. His wife. Something shifted within his gaze, an emotion that he swiftly banked. His sister. It only required calm logic to reach the appropriate conclusion. He gave a harsh, self-deprecating laugh. Though Im forced to admit it took me most of the night to manage calm, let alone logic.
And why is that, Prince Brandt?
Because of Miri, he surprised her by admitting. And then, once the obvious occurred to me, I needed someone to confirm my guess about her.
Alyssa flinched. What he meant was someone foolish enough to confirm his guess. Before she could snarl a response, Tolken entered the room, followed by Merrick and her mother, as well as a handful of guards.
Prince Brandt stood. Youll all be pleased to know that Alyssa and I have reached an accord. He gave Alyssa a courtly bow. Thank you, Princess, for your assistance identifying Miri as my wife. The three of you will be driven immediately to the airport where Ive arranged for first-class seats from Verdonia to JFK.
Merrick, whirled to face her, took one look at the guilt she was certain was written all over her face and charged toward her. He was stymied by the timely intervention of the guards. What the hell did you do? he demanded, frantically struggling against his captors. You told him, didnt you? Why, Alyssa? Why would you do such a thing?
Ten
A lyssa shook her head, frantic to explain, eaten up with guilt. Its not what you think.
But before she could explain further, Prince Brandt interrupted. Part of me envies your future, Montgomery. To live in the United Sates, playing house-husband while your beautiful, intelligent, cooperative wife takes over as Assistant Vice President of Human Relations at Bank International. Quite the life of leisure. Far better than a jail sentence, dont you agree?
Take off these handcuffs and Ill show you how well I agree with you.
Brandt shook his head. Perhaps well save that for another time and place. He picked up a packet and handed it to Tolken. Here are the tickets. The ladies will be riding in the limousine I have waiting. Im afraid I dont quite trust you to behave well enough for such an elegant vehicle, Montgomery. Tolken and a few of his men will escort you in a van better suited to the transportation of felons. Not quite as comfortable, but Im sure you understand the necessity. Just as Im sure you understand the necessity of the handcuffs remaining on until youre safely aboard the plane.
Im not leaving Verdonia.
I thought you might say that. Brandt smiled. So, Ive arranged for a jail cell for your wife and mother-in-law should you refuse. Your choice, Montgomery.
You cant do that, Alyssa protested. Her gaze flickered from Brandt to Merrick, and back again. You cant, can you? Everyone keeps telling me Im a princess. That ought to count for something.
Brandt shrugged. Once againmy principality, my rules. I might not be able to lock you up forever, but I can hold you long enough.
Merrick shot her one brief look. My wi
fe in jail. Tempting.
But youll pass, wont you? said Brandt.
To Alyssas distress, Merrick had to think about it before nodding. If it means shell be out of Verdonia permanently, then yes. Ill pass. Before anyone could prevent him, he took one swift step in her direction. Its a good thing you run well, Princess. Because when I get free, you better be able to run faster and farther than I can. His gaze, pure molten gold, pinned her in place. Trust me on this one, you dont want me to catch you.
Merrick
Without sparing her so much as another glance, he crossed to the door and addressed Tolken. What are we waiting for? Lets get the hell out of here.
She betrayed you, old friend.
Shut up, Tolk. The van rumbled onto the highway and gathered speed.
Dont feel bad. Women are notorious for being weak.
Some women, perhaps, Merrick conceded. Not Alyssa.
So youre saying shes strong enough to resist Prince Brandts questioning? Tolken nodded. That would indicate she chose to betray you. Outrageous. Definitely not the sort of woman to rule Celestia. Verdonia is better off rid of her.
Merrick ground his teeth. Thats not what I meant.
Tell me. What did you mean? When a response wasnt forthcoming, he suggested, Perhaps her betrayal is your fault.
What the hell are you talking about now?
You abducted her for the greater good. Do I have that right? Im sure you set an excellent example. No doubt she betrayed Miri for a similar reason. Of course in this case it was for her greater good and that of her mother. Tolken lifted a shoulder. Welland yours.
Merrick deliberately changed the subject. I wont get on that plane. You realize that, dont you?
I realize itll take force. Its a good thing I have plenty of that available.
