Prince of Passion Read online

  "You're very beautiful,” he whispered against her ear. “Too beautiful for this world. You should have stayed in Drahcir."

  And never gotten you? Never.

  His hand moved to her neck and upward to cup the side of her face. It became impossible to breathe as she waited ... hoped ... for his kiss. She had dreamed of it for years, wondered what he would taste like against her.

  She fisted her hands to keep them from shaking as his gaze lowered to her mouth. Her lips parted of their own accord, her heart pounding so fast she knew it would burst from her chest.

  All she had to do was lift her face and their lips would meet, but fear kept her immobile.

  And then his head lowered.

  The first contact of his lips against hers was like lightning through her body, and she was powerless to resist him. Yet, he didn't stop with the simple brush of his lips.

  Soft, supple, insistent were his lips as he kissed her. A small sigh escaped her when his tongue slipped between her lips. Her heart stopped and plummeted to her feet when his mouth slanted over hers, his tongue pushing inside her mouth to duel with hers. He moaned low in his throat, sending chills over her skin.

  It was the most exquisite pleasure she had ever experienced.

  As soon as she opened for him, he deepened the kiss, bringing her up against the hard planes of his body. Unable to stop herself, her arms wound around his neck, and her fingers threaded through his thick, dark locks.

  Aimery had cautioned her to wait until they had returned to Drahcir before she let Keiran claim her, but the kiss awakened something deep inside of her. Something that wanted only Keiran.

  Gods, aye. I've waited so long.

  When the kiss finally ended, she found she couldn't step away from him. Being in his arms made her forget everything but him.

  "Look at me,” he urged her.

  Reluctantly, Gwyn opened her eyes.

  "I've no right to ask, but stay with me."

  She could walk away. She knew he'd let her. But the loneliness so stark in his gaze made her heart catch. If she stayed with him, she knew he'd claim her. Aimery had made it clear for them to wait.

  But how could she after such a kiss? Already her body was longing to feel his lips again.

  It was simply asking too much of a mere mortal.

  She forgot all about the dishes and the few men still below. All she cared about was the man in her arms.

  "Aye,” she answered.

  With a shove of his foot, Keiran closed the door and took her in a fierce kiss that left no doubt in her mind what he wanted to do to her that night.

  Her bed was narrow and there was no hearth in her small chamber, but none of that seemed to matter as Keiran led her to the bed. Slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, he began to undress her. The cool air met her exposed flesh and caused chills to rush over her skin.

  When she was naked in front of him, he reached around for her braid and released her hair until her curls cascaded around her.

  "Exquisite,” he murmured.

  No man had ever seen her nude before, but Keiran's gaze warmed her, making her feel beautiful and sensual—the woman she'd always wanted to be.

  His hands caressed down her arms to her hips. Achingly unhurried, he began to move his hands upward to the indent of her waist, stopping just below her breasts.

  Her breath came more quickly, anxious to feel his hands on her. Her breasts swelled and her nipples puckered in the cold air beneath his heated gaze. Her eyes slid closed when he finally cupped her breasts.

  When his thumbs moved over her sensitive nipples, Gwyn gasped, her senses in a whirlwind. The pleasure was so intense, so wonderful that it became almost too much.

  She gripped his shoulders to keep herself steady as something new and amazing blossomed within her, spreading from deep inside of her outward until she was panting with it all the while aching for more.

  Her head fell back as she began to drown in the pleasure. Keiran's mouth was everywhere. He kissed her neck and the sensitive skin behind her ear, but when his lips moved to her breasts, Gwyn knew her knees would not hold her.

  As if reading her thoughts, one of Keiran's arms wrapped around her a moment before his mouth latched onto her nipple.

  Keiran suckled the pert little bud in his mouth, luxuriating in the sound of Gwyn's soft cries. Her other pink nipple cried for attention as he shifted his mouth to the awaiting breast. Her breasts were firm and filled his hands perfectly.

  He suckled her deeply, dragging her nipple far into his mouth before running his tongue over the bud. His cock throbbed with need, begging him to fill her and ease the ache within him.

  But he wasn't yet ready to stop his exploration of her magnificent body. Her flawless, creamy skin was smooth as silk and soft as down.

  He gripped her hips and thrust his rod against her, letting her know just how much he wanted her. To have found someone from his home had been just what he needed this night, even if she wasn't his mate. He didn't feel quite so alone with Gwyn in his arms.

  His clothes became a hindrance. He wanted to have her skin against his. Before he lifted his head, he lightly bit down on her nipple, causing her to gasp and grind her hips against his.

  Keiran turned and laid her on the bed before he jerked off his clothes as fast as he could. When he was at last free, he stood frozen as her hungry gaze raked over him.

  Deep in his heart, Keiran knew he shouldn't even be thinking of bedding Gwyn, not when he still had his mate to find. But there was something alluring about Gwyn, something he couldn't turn away from. Whether it was her exquisite beauty, her calming influence on his soul, or the simple attraction between them, he couldn't, and wouldn't, walk away from her this night.

  His balls tightened when her gaze stopped at his cock. He groaned when she licked her lips, making him think of how her tongue would feel on him, of sliding his rod into her hot, wet mouth.

  When he could stand it no more, he moved to the bed and crawled atop her. Her soft body cradled his as her gray eyes devoured him with the same amount of desire as pumped through his veins.

  It was going to be one heavenly night.

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  Chapter Three

  Gwyn felt as if she was floating on clouds. For so long she'd waited to be held in Keiran's arms, even before Aimery told her of her destiny.

  And now, her greatest desire was being fulfilled.

  His body was hard and warm, and the delicious weight of him atop her was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. She would be content to lie beneath him for all eternity. Especially while he kissed her as he was now.

  The kiss was hypnotic, making her limbs liquid and her body heat as though it was on fire. The tiniest movement of his hips and she felt his rod against her sex, tempting her ... teasing her.

  With his mouth pulling her under with the very expert way he nibbled, licked and kissed her lips, Gwyn was barely able to contain the pleasure within her.

  Then his hand touched her breast again.

  Desire, quick as lightning, shot through her, centring at her sex and giving her the uncontrollable desire to rub her hips against him. She gave in and moaned as pleasure so intense she could barely breathe flooded her.

  Her hands glided over his bulging arms to his wide shoulder then over the muscles of his neck that flexed and bunch beneath her hand.

  "By the saints, you are so beautiful,” he whispered just before he nuzzled her neck.

  Gwyn sighed and closed her eyes as his body shifted downward until his face was even with her breasts. She waited expectantly for him to take a nipple in his mouth, to rub his tongue over the bud.

  She watched, mesmerised, as he circled first one areola then the other with his finger making her nipples pucker. He tweaked one peak the same instant his mouth descended on the other.

  A soft cry tore from her throat as she arched her back with the pleasure that consumed her. He shifted slightly, his hand skimming over her
waist and hip to her thigh.

  Her lips parted, a low moan issuing from her throat when his fingers parted the curls of her sex and cupped her. The heel of his hand pressed against her, making her grind her hips against his him.

  She wanted more, needed more. But she wasn't sure what it was she needed. Her body searched for something, moving her towards some goal, and all she could do was lay there and experience every blissful moment of it.

  When his finger dipped inside of her, pushing deep within her, her nails dug into his shoulders. In and out, his finger moved, driving her wild with each thrust as he stretched her.

  She moaned as his finger brushed across her pearl. Urgency built within her as his thumb stroked her nub and his fingers readied her for his cock. His hands knew where to touch and just how to touch to make her writhe with need.

  The sensations wracking her body were intense, beautiful and addictive. Her hips moved in time with his hand, matching his rhythm as the delicious pressure continued to build until ... she shattered.

  Gwyn cried out as her first climax ripped through her body, sending her drowning in the waves of bliss.

  She opened her eyes to find Keiran leaning over her, his eyes bright with desire. She gasped when he rubbed his rod against the sensitive flesh of her sex just before he entered.

  The feeling of him filling her, stretching her was the most exquisite thing she had ever felt. His hips shifted, driving him deeper as he filled her inch by inch.

  "I cannot wait,” he whispered.

  Gwyn wrapped her arms around him. “Don't. I want to feel you, all of you."

  And with that, he pulled out of her only to give one hard thrust to bury himself to the root.

  She stiffened, trying to overcome the pain of him breaching her maidenhead. When he didn't move, she looked up at him to see him staring at her with shock and surprise.

  "Gwyn,” he started, but she quickly placed a finger over his lips.

  "It was mine to give, Keiran. Don't think. Just feel."

  When he still wouldn't move, she raised her legs and wrapped them around his waist so her ankles could lock together. He moaned as it brought him deeper inside of her.

  He began to thrust then. Long and slow, short and quick, each movement left her panting for breath and eager for more. Her body floated, encircled by the strength of Keiran's arms, and she gave herself over to him readily.

  His thrusts began to quicken as he pumped deep into her. Her body awakened again, eager and willing to be touched and kissed by Keiran.

  Their breaths mingled and sweat glistened over their bodies as he continued to drive into her. Time and place were forgotten. All that mattered was each other and the pleasure surrounding them.

  It wasn't long before he gave one final thrust that buried him to her womb as he threw back his head and poured his seed into her. She gasped as she peaked a second time. Gwyn held onto him as his body jerked with the force of his orgasm. When he collapsed on top of her, she eagerly held him, comfortable in the knowledge they were together.

  He pulled out of her and rolled onto his side, already asleep. She ran her finger down his face, hating the dark circles beneath his eyes and the lines of worry around his mouth.

  Her finger caressed the dark brows that slashed over his hazel eyes before moving to his square jaw and wide mouth. A lock of his hair fell across his wide forehead. She moved it away and smiled down at the man who had claimed her.

  Tomorrow would lead to questions and explanations, but tonight was theirs to enjoy at will.

  * * * *

  Keiran awake to see the first rays of sun filter through the shutters on the one window in the chamber. He smiled down at the woman who slept facing him, her lovely honey hair with its golden highlights curled around them.

  He couldn't remember the last time he had slept the night through. He felt more rested than he had in months and all because he'd given in to his passion.

  His cock stirred at the sight of Gwyn's exposed breast and nipple. He was just thinking of various ways he could wake her when she turned over in her sleep.

  Keiran's mouth went dry as he stared at Gwyn's left arm. From shoulder to elbow an intricate melding of knots and swirls announced to the world what she was.

  His mate.

  He inhaled a shaky breath and gripped his stomach that felt as if he'd been punched. Slowly, he rose up on his elbow and looked down at his right arm. Just as he expected, the same markings adorned him.

  Keiran ran a hand down his face and tried to wrap his mind around the fact he had actually found his mate. Without even trying to. But was it by coincidence, or had there been something more at work?

  Drahcir had no choice but to allow Gwyn to return since she was his mate. If she wanted to return.

  He swung his legs over the side of the bed and leaned his elbows on his knees as he dropped his head into his hands. His head reeled with questions, but he wasn't even sure if he had time for them.

  The Tnarg was out there, waiting for them. As soon as they started the journey to Drahcir, it would attack. That was if she agreed to return with him. She might have found a good life outside of Drahcir. As her mate, Keiran couldn't return without her.

  A soft hand touched his back, causing him to jerk in surprise. He turned and looked at Gwyn over his shoulder. “Look at your arm."

  She licked her lips and glanced from his marked arm to hers. Her nervous swallow told him more than any words could.

  She had known.

  "Why didn't you tell me?” he asked.

  She dropped her hand and sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest. “I should have, I know. It was selfish, but I wanted you to want me for me, not simply because I'm your mate."

  "It explains the instant and deep attraction,” he admitted and turned towards her. He wished she would have told him, but the relief he felt in finding her overrode any other emotion. “I've never felt anything like it in my life."

  She played with the blanket in her hand, her eyes downcast. “It was everything I had ever dreamed of and more."

  "How long have you known? I must know."

  She blew out a breath and shrugged. “I suppose I can tell you now. The day you left Drahcir, Aimery visited me."

  "What?"

  She raised her gaze to his and nodded. “He told me I was your mate, and that if I stayed in Drahcir, you'd never find me since all mates are outside the gates."

  "True,” he said with nod. “Not a single Sinclair has ever found their mate with one of our own."

  "I'm not sure how it happened, but I'm glad it did."

  Keiran reached out and took her hand. “I had almost given up hope of finding you. I came here because I wanted to be as close to Drahcir as I could."

  "What do we do now?"

  He glanced at the window. “We need to get to Drahcir."

  "And the Tnarg?"

  He stood and paced to the window. “It's here. I know it. I'm surprised it didn't try to kill you before I arrived."

  "Aimery told me it would hunt me. The last month I've kept to the inn, only venturing out during the day surrounded by people, and I've never left the village. It was difficult for it to get me."

  Keiran shook his head, not understanding. “Why didn't it attack you in here?"

  She pointed to the shutters. “Rather difficult when they're reinforced with iron."

  He chuckled. “Brilliant. Are you ready for what's to come?"

  There was no missing the way her gaze darted to the window. “Of course,” she said.

  He knew she lied. She put on a brave front, but she had every reason to fear for her life for the Tnarg would stop at nothing to kill her.

  "We need to leave immediately. We have precious few days to reach the gates, and the weather will slow us down."

  She slid from the bed. “Not to mention the Tnarg."

  He clenched his jaw and began to dress. He was elated to find his mate, but that elation mixed with a bone deep fear. If his other three br
others had made it back to Drahcir, then the Tnarg would be relentless in trying to kill Gwyn. Just thinking of her dead made him feel sick to his stomach.

  Keiran glanced up to see her slide her gown into place. She was so beautiful he could stare at her all day and never get tired. Her eyes, a most unusual gray, could capture him with just one look. And the wealth of beautiful honey hair that curled to her waist made him want to run his fingers through it.

  He looked down at the tattoo on his arm just before he pulled on his tunic and jerkin. He and Gwyn were branded to each other forever now. He knew barely anything about her, but it didn't seem to matter. They had the rest of their lives to learn all there was to know.

  Yet, he was anxious to begin their life together. How he wished the Tnarg would disappear and the Fae princess would release the curse. Centuries had passed, but she was never satisfied.

  Keiran didn't think he could stand to see his children leave Drahcir to search for their mates. It wasn't right to ask them to do it, and it must be stopped. How he wasn't sure, but he was going to see about doing it.

  "Keiran?"

  He looked up to see Gwyn standing in front of him. He smiled and pulled her into his arms. “I've waited for you my entire life,” he whispered into her hair.

  He'd been raised as the heir and loved deeply by his family. He'd learned to lead justly and with honour, but always there was a part of him that longed to find his mate. Now that he held her in his arms, he felt complete. Truly whole.

  "If only we could have had the years in Drahcir with each other,” she said and raised her gaze to him.

  "We'll have years together, Gwyn. I'll get us to the gates. I promise."

  Her brow furrowed. “That's odd."

  "What?"

  "There are no sounds coming from below as there should be."

  Keiran's stomach knotted. Something was wrong.

  She smoothed her hands on his chest. “I'm frightened."

  "I'll protect you."

  And he would, to his dying breath.

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