“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.
The world was good.
Life was better.
Her lashes fluttered, a butterfly kiss, and she opened her eyes, and saw Mikael lying next to her. She smiled with pleasure. She loved sleeping with him, loved having him there with her all night.
She was quite attracted to this man.
“Good morning, laeela,” Mikael said, eyes still closed, his voice deep and husky with sleep.
“You’re awake,” she said, pleased.
“No. I’m still sleeping,” he said, his voice still with that lovely gravelly growl she found enormously sexy. “My eyes are shut.”
“Then how did you know I was awake?” she asked, amused, propping her head on her hand.
“I could feel you watching me.”
“Then you are awake.”
He sighed. His beautiful dark eyes opened, and he looked at her, black eyebrow lifting. “Now I am.”
She grinned. “Hi.”
He sighed again, heavily, but his eyes glinted. “Hello.”
Jemma laughed softly. He was acting put out but he wasn’t really. “How did you sleep?” she asked him.
“Well. And you?”
“Exceedingly well.”
“You like our fresh desert air.”
“No, I like you. Being held by you.” She felt bold, but she didn’t care. How could she be shy around him when he made her feel so beautiful and strong? “That’s three nights you’ve stayed with me, all through the night.”
“I am committed to your pleasure.”
“You most certainly are,” she agreed, hiding her smile as she studied his hard, handsome features. Such a striking face. All strong lines and edges and then that soft curve of lip...lower, upper. He was so nice to look at. “I appreciate your commitment.”