Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

He sucked in a breath.

“These are my feelings.” Her chin lifted. “You can ignore them, you can ignore this, but it won’t change how I feel. I know you don’t feel the same. I know you only kissed me because I ordered you to, not because you truly want me.” There was a flash of pain on her face, but she held his gaze. So proud and regal. “I know everything you do is because of your dedication and duty. So don’t worry. I won’t get confused again.” She gave him a brisk nod. “Now, let’s go.”

She turned and continued to walk down the path.

Sten stared after her. His fingers curled into fists and his chest was rising and falling fast.

Carys thought he didn’t desire her? Didn’t have feelings for her beyond his job?

He stomped after her.

“We’ll continue to the ocean. Find a village—”

He grabbed her arm and spun her around.

She gasped.

“Any man who didn’t desire you would have to be dead.”

Her lips pressed together. “I don’t care about other men.”

Sten felt something snap inside him. He dragged in a deep breath, then scooped her into his arms.

“Sten!”

He took two steps and pinned her against a nearby rock. Her hands gripped his shoulders.

“I want you so much that sometimes it hurts,” he growled.

Her lips parted.

“From the moment I met you, I thought you were the most beautiful woman in the galaxy. When you were younger, that was just a fact. As you got older…” He swallowed. “I noticed in different ways. Then, I also learned that you are kind and fair, and dedicated to your people. I’ve watched you grow into a good ruler and a wonderful queen.” He swallowed. “A gorgeous woman who’s funny and smart and thoughtful.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “Who looks mouthwatering in her gowns or her armor. Who takes my breath away. Every day.”

“You’ve never said this much all at once.” Her breathing quickened, her eyes wide.

“Every day I fight to hide what I feel for you. Every night, alone in my bed, I stroke myself thinking of you.”

Her cheeks flushed and her fingers flexed on his shoulders.

“Every time I see some handsome man ask you to dance at a party, or touch your hand, or try to get your attention, I have to stop myself from ripping their arms off.”

“Sten?”

“Yes?”

“Kiss me.”

He shuddered. “As my queen commands.”

Her fingers dug into his muscles. “No. Because you want to.”

“Let me show you how much I want you.” Sten pressed his mouth to hers.

The kiss started gentle. A tantalizing brush of their lips. But it didn’t take long before it turned wild, heated. He thrust his tongue between her lips, and she kissed him back, her body rubbing against his. The taste of her was like an explosion of the finest flavors.

She melted into him, her tongue hot and eager against his. He let his mouth drift lower, over her jaw, down her neck. Her skin was like the finest silk.

“Please, touch me,” she panted.