Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

“Thank you, Rinkin,” Nythoria said.

Carys smiled at the man. “Yes, thank you.”

He bowed his head. “My pleasure, Knightqueen.” He left quietly.

“Rest, Knightqueen.” Nythoria nodded to her and Sten. “It will take time for our messenger to reach the neighboring village. We will not hear news before morning.”

“Thank you again, Nythoria,” Carys said.

“You saved my son. You never have to thank me.” She left with a swish of her skirts.

“We can bathe.” Carys whirled around, excitement stamped all over her face. “Finally.” Her armor retracted, leaving her barefoot in her tattered dress.

His gut clenched at the thought of her naked. “You go ahead.”

She straightened. “No, we’re both bathing.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him into the bath house.

The air was warm, but he knew it wasn’t just the humidity. It was the desire that had remained a constant, low simmer inside him.

“Oh, look. There are soaps and lotions.” She gestured at a tray resting beside the hot pool.

He grunted. Soap was the last thing on his mind right now.

Control. He needed some control. The intensity of his desire for this woman was beyond anything he’d experienced. And she’d never been with a man. He didn’t want to hurt her.

She spun to face him. “I can hear you thinking, Sten.”

“I—”

“No.” She held up a hand. “We’re safe for now. It’s time to stop thinking.”

Then, before he realized what she had planned, she reached over her shoulder to the fastening of her dress. A second later, the fabric pooled at her feet.

He sucked in a breath.

His brain wouldn’t work. She was so beautiful. A long, slender body with gentle curves. Elegant, feminine, with pale-gold skin. She slid her underwear off and met his gaze, her chin lifted. She turned and strode into the water.

His gaze dropped to her ass. Those sweet globes.

When she was in the water, she turned. Her breasts bobbed, the upper curves pulling his gaze.

His throat was so tight he could barely breathe, and desire was heavy in his gut. In his thickening cock.

“You’re incredibly beautiful, Carys.”

She blushed. “You are, too.”

He snorted. “I’m a knightguard. I’m rough, and big, and scarred.”

“Beautiful in a masculine way. Your size and scars show your strength.” Her gaze locked on his. “Take your clothes off, Thorsten.”

He hesitated.

“Your queen commands it.” Her tone was low and playful.

He shuddered. The need for her was so strong. He wanted to stride into the pool and pull her into his arms.

To finally indulge everything he’d ever fantasized about this woman.