Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
He heard the note of strain in her voice. She was fearful but determined.
“I call you Pelkgapâd és Meke Pirämet because you are my fearless defender. You defend everyone you love. I have no doubt that when you love me, you will defend me with every breath in your body.” Petru pushed strands of silky hair from her face as gently as he could. “I will do no less for you. You will always be my world, Safia.”
Her jewel-colored eyes didn’t leave his. Her fingers tightened convulsively on his shoulders as she nodded, as if giving him permission to continue.
“Straddle me.” Now his voice was strained, but for an altogether different reason. He had to be careful. He had promised himself he would follow the customs of her people as much as he could. That meant he could bind her to him, which he’d done. He could convert her, which he intended to do, but when she rose Carpathian, he would return her to her family so they could be married in the way of her people. Until then, he couldn’t make love to her in the way he wanted, solidifying their union.
It was a risk, but she was conceding so much to him, and he needed to give her something in return. He was learning the customs of the Imazighen as quickly as possible by reading the minds of those around him. He meant what he’d said to her—they would live with her family if they survived the coming war. Or at least as close to her family as possible.
Safia slipped over his thighs, her legs on either side of his. She slid her palms up his chest to circle her arms around his neck. Petru knew she was seeking comfort. He wrapped his arms around her and held her to him, whispering softly to her in the ancient language of his people. He could only try to assure her that he would treasure her above all else. Actions spoke much louder than words, and he intended to show her rather than talk about how much he was willing to do for her.
“We should do this fast before I chicken out,” she whispered, her voice muffled against the heavy muscles of his chest.
He pulled back just enough that he could frame her face with his large hands. Her oval-shaped face felt delicate, fragile even, her skin so soft it was like satin beneath his rough palms. His gaze searched hers even as his mind touched hers intimately. She was determined but very frightened of the consequences of her decision.
“Pelkgapâd és Meke Pirämet,” he murmured. He brushed featherlight kisses from her temple to the corner of her left eye and then over her eyelid. “You are fearless when you defend your people. It was one of the many traits I respected and admired in you when we met. You faced demons and vampires for them without flinching. It is the reason I often call you Pelkgapâd és Meke Pirämet. Fearless Defender. There is no other like you.”
He brushed kisses over her other eye and then trailed more along her high cheekbone, taking his time, memorizing her beautiful bone structure. His heart was pounding nearly as hard as hers. “Think of me as one of your people. Count me as one of your people. That is what you’re doing right now, defending me when I need it most.”
He had started out encouraging her, but in the end, he realized this woman was the key to living. To finding joy. Happiness. He didn’t think in terms of finding affection. Of him falling in love. He didn’t know what that emotion was when he’d started on his journey to find her. For two thousand years, he’d observed others, and he’d never really understood the concept. He knew sacrifice. But he hadn’t felt it.
Safia reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, her touch so light it was barely there, but it was so powerful, compelling, just that gentle butterfly brush sinking deep, becoming a brand of ownership.
“I made my commitment to you, Petru. I don’t give my word lightly. My first loyalty will always be to you, and that makes you not just one of my people. You’re my first person.”
Her eyes had gone that perfect shade of jade as she looked directly into his so that he would see her sincerity. He hadn’t doubted her for a moment. How could he? She was showing him the way to an emotion he hadn’t believed existed. Not just one emotion—several.
Safia didn’t do anything by halves. She lived her life to the fullest. She loved that way. She battled demons, committing herself completely to the fight. Petru knew she would give herself to him that same way—entirely. Without reservation. The only way she would ever stop is if he screwed things up. He had no intention of doing so.