Caiman’s arms came around my back, gently cradling me against his chest as if I would shatter to pieces. “Shhh, it’s all right. I know how much you loved him.”
I breathed him in, stealing his steadiness and strength. “I loved the man I thought he was. I don’t think I’ll ever stop.”
A sigh. “I don’t mind sharing your heart as long as there is a little room left for me.”
He wasn’t demanding I renounce my love for his brother or insisting I put him out of my mind. Somehow, he’d said the exact words I needed to hear.
“There is,” I whispered against his lips, ready for what came next.
His answering smile made it hard to kiss him properly. When he drew away, I murmured my protest. A protest that quickly became a laugh when he swept me into his arms and carried me to our room.
20
CAIMAN
Roisin snuggled closer to me,her skin warm and soft. If I died now, I’d die with a smile on my face. There was still so much work we needed to do, on ourselves and on our relationship, on processing our grief and all we’d lost, but after a week of growing closer, I could see her island now from my bridge. And she could see mine.
Speaking of islands, I figured we should do some traveling, escape this castle and see Vellana together. Perhaps I’d speak to Lord Fisher about moving up the royal tour. Roisin would love the small palace in Shippensberg and the walled cottage in Treek. I wanted her to see every province—every village—in the kingdom she would help me rule.
Roisin’s silver hair spread across the pillowcase like strands of moonlight. Cheeks flushed. Lips a dusky rose. Tanned skin seeming to glow with whatever light of magic lived within her.
Now that I had her in my bed, I never wanted her to leave.
There was a chance she may still wish to keep to her own chambers, but I sincerely hoped I had more than convinced her that sharing mine would be a far better choice.
Smiling a sleepy smile, Roisin pressed a tender kiss to my neck as she nuzzled closer, throwing one leg over mine. My hideous hands looked like an abomination where they rested on the swell of her smooth hip. She hadn’t seemed to mind them last night.The memory left my stomach tightening
“Good morning, wife.” I’d never tire of saying that word.Wife. The way it rolled off the tongue. The accompanying pang of desire.
“Morning, husband.” The greeting may have been whispered against my throat, but I felt it burrow into my heart and sing to my very soul.
I was the luckiest man in the entire world. Not just for marrying this entrancing woman but for the opportunity to make a life with the only woman I had ever loved. A future filled with joy and happiness. There’d be tough times as well, but I figured after the road we’d traveled to get to this point, fate owed us a break.
She’s not meant to be yours.
I buried the reminder deep inside the well of grief and guilt, which I could forget existed as long as Roisin remained near.
“How are you?” I asked.
Her back arched as she stretched in one slow, languid motion. “Hungry. And you?”
I nipped her earlobe, relishing her soft sigh and the way her short nails bit into my arm. “Starving.”
Someone rapped on the door. For once in my life, couldn’t I just bask in paradise before the world intervened?
“Your highness?”Broderick.
“That man has the worst timing,” I groaned. From this day forward, I was not to be disturbed between the hours of ten and ten unless it was a matter of life or death. I’d make a royal decree. I could do that now that I was king, couldn’t I?
Cursing, I fell back onto my pillow and scrubbed my hands down my face. “What is it, Broderick?”
Roisin smacked my shoulder. “Don’t make the poor man shout through a door. Let him inside.”
I sat up, bracing my forearms against my raised knees before tugging the covers up and over Roisin’s head, earning a giggle. As much as I loved seeing her undressed, Broderick would not have the same luxury. “Come in.”
Broderick opened the door and stepped inside, having the good sense to keep his gaze on his pristine black boots. “Forgive the intrusion, sire. But everyone is assembled, and the captain has informed me that the tides are favorable this morning.”
Captain? Tides? Hold on. That wastoday? “Forgive me. I’ve been a little distracted.” Roisin poked me in the side from beneath the tent of sheets. “We’ll be there in ten minutes.”