Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

She could protect Oron, while he protected her. He’d make sure the Gek’Dragar didn’t hurt her again.

“Our first step is getting home. You are the heart of the Oronis.”

She let out another sigh. “Sometimes I’m just a woman.”

Sten flexed his fingers. He wanted to touch her, but he made himself stand. “Get some sleep. I’ll do a security check.”

She lay down on the sacks. “Good night, Sten.”

It didn’t matter that her dress was ripped and dirty, or her feet were bare. She looked beautiful.

He turned and made himself walk away into the darkness.

CHAPTER SEVEN

She was so comfortable.

Carys opened her eyes. It was still pitch black. She felt cool air on her back and blazing heat on her front.

Then she realized where she was. In the mine.

Wrapped up in Sten’s arms.

Her belly fluttered. She turned her face into his neck and his arms tightened around her. He held her flush against his hard body. She shuddered out a breath, and desire filled her—hot and sharp. In his sleep, his hand slid down and cupped her ass.

Oh. It made her yearn for more. For touches, caresses. For sex. She’d shared a few uninspired kisses here and there, but that was it.

Sex was too complicated when you were a queen, and your entire planet was watching. At least, that was her excuse.

She breathed Sten in. The truth was, there was only one man she imagined peeling her clothes off, touching her, putting his hands on her skin.

The one man who didn’t want her.

For now, she’d steal this moment. She rubbed her face against his chest. So warm. Safe. She drifted back to sleep.

Carys opened her eyes, shaking off sleep. She was still tired.

Wait, she wasn’t in her bedroom in the palace.

She blinked at the mine roof that soared overhead. The small lantern was on low, giving off a golden glow. The walls were a dark rock, black and forbidding. She could tell it was still nighttime.

She stretched her sore muscles. The lumpy sacks didn’t make the most comfortable bed.

The spot beside her was empty. Where was Sten? She sat up, touching the depression where he’d been lying. Her knightguard was missing, but she knew he wouldn’t be far away.

She already missed touching him. Missed the sense of safety she only felt in his arms. She pushed her hair back and finger combed it. A faint noise caught her ear, and she straightened.

A low groan.

Sten?

Was it his injuries? She rose, and, as quietly as she could, she moved toward the sound. She rounded a corner and saw Sten. He was turned away from her, shirtless.

Her gaze ran greedily over the slabs of muscle in his back. He was built for strength and power.

Then his head dropped forward, and he groaned again.

She took another step, and everything inside her clenched tight.