His Defiant Desert Queen(93)
“For you,” he said, handing her the box.
She looked up at him, dark winged eyebrows lifting higher. “You have to stop.”
“Never.”
She laughed, eyes dancing. “Fine. I tried. I won’t fight you anymore because a gift now and then is rather nice.” Then she opened the box, lifted the stunning sapphire earrings out, jaw dropping in awe. “Oh,” she whispered, giving one earring a slight shake. “These, my husband, are absolutely stunning.”
Mikael’s lips curved, and yet on the inside he grew very still.
My husband, she’d said. Not sarcastically, or angrily. But kindly. Warmly.
It made his chest tighten and ache. He tried very hard to be a good king, but that didn’t make him deserving of a woman like Jemma.
“Be careful,” he said to her, leaning across the table and kissing her gently. “Be careful of wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
She smiled into his eyes as her hand reached up to cup his face. “I know of no sheep. Just wolves. And hawks. And scary desert scorpions and snakes.”
He stared into her eyes an extra moment, taking her in, feeling the impact of her beauty and warmth. “I could very well be one of those poisonous scorpions or snakes.”
“You could.” She rubbed his jaw, fingernails scratching lightly along his stubble before sitting back. “But I don’t think so. I’ve seen who you are. You’re a man determined to restore honor to your country, and preserve tradition. You are protective of women, just look at how you’ve treated me, and provided for my mother.”
“Because I failed to provide for mine.”
“You’re making amends.”
“Too late, though, for her.”
He rose abruptly from the table, unable to sit another moment, and extended his hand to her. “Come with me.”
* * *
He led her to the enormous bed in the Sapphire Chamber, and stripped her of her gown and delicate silk bra and thong before kissing her and making love to her. The lovemaking was slow, sensual, lasting for hours.
Satiated, Jemma remained in Mikael’s arms. He held her closely and Jemma sighed, feeling secure.
He felt right to her. Being with him felt good. The humiliation and shame of the past year couldn’t hurt her when she was in his arms. Damien’s rejection no longer mattered. Damien wasn’t anything but a lousy model, a spineless man. She smiled to herself, feeling safe...content...loved.
Mikael had somehow made her feel whole again, and strong.
Saidia wasn’t home, but Mikael could be. And while he hadn’t said words of love, he’d given her something else. His commitment. His promise.
She trusted his word. She cherished his vows because he was a man of his word, and a man who took his commitments seriously.
This, she thought, wrapping her arms over his, this is what she needed. This is who she wanted. This was her future.
* * *
In the morning, Jemma woke slowly, feeling deliciously lazy, and deeply rested. Eyes still closed, she let herself breathe and float. At least, it felt as if she were floating. Everything inside her was warmth and light. Easy.