Rule (Roam Series, Book Five) by Kimberly Stedronsky

by your ‘dramatic rescue of our lord and sovereign.’”
    I turned off the water, raising my eyebrows at the door. “They think I saved your life?”
    “You may have.” He opened to door, his face blocked by an oversized, beige towel. Wrapping me inside the plush linen, he tucked me against his chest. “I’m very proud of you, Eva.”
    His words, combined with the fact that I was completely naked and overheated from the shower, sent me into a dizzying pool of desire. Reaching for him, I balanced on my tip-toes, closing my eyes. “How about a thank-you kiss?”
    He stiffened and backed out of my arms. “I may be immortal, but I have human weaknesses. Your maids should be in here with you.”
    I felt the rage boiling inside, and my mouth moved on its own accord. “Yeah, Blondie wouldn’t be too happy about you kissing me, would she.”
    “Eva.” His pained expression was satisfying- a little.
    “Okay, send in my maids. What time is the wedding?”
    “Five o’clock.”
    “See you then.” Marching to the sink, I reached for my toothbrush, thankful he’d retrieved it along with my shampoo and conditioner. My gums bled beneath the force of my severe brushing.
    “Eva,” he repeated my name, and I tried to ignore the way my heart jumped every time he said it.  Spitting and rinsing my mouth, I straightened, watching him through the mirror. “You are incredibly beautiful, and so very desirable. Last night, I had no intention of using your condition to my advantage. Your head was unclear.”
    “My head is perfectly clear now,” I gripped the towel around my body, turning around and taking a step toward him. “And I don’t want Eric, or anyone else. And I don’t want you to kiss Gabrielle anymore.”
    My childish demands were met with agitation; I watched his jaw tighten. My mother’s reproving words haunted me with guilt. Let him make his own choices.
    “You desire a traditional arrangement, then?” He asked, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
    “If by traditional you mean monogamous, then yes.”
    “You wish to be my wife and queen, in every way.”
    I watched his eyes darken with wanting; I shivered at a cold, wet drop of water that slid down my back from my hair.
    “ Every way?”
    His breathing doubled at my words.
    “Eva,” he exhaled my name, cupping my face in his hands. “You are bewitching.”
    I moistened my lips, leaning into him. “Ask me to be your wife, and mean it,” I ordered.
    “Be my wife,” he responded immediately, backing me against the door.
    Not really a question, but it will do.
    “ Okay ,” I whispered, staring at his lips.
    This time, his touch was nowhere near gentle.
    Tilting my head just slightly, he allowed himself full access to my mouth. As if changing his mind at the last second, his lips lowered to my neck, his fingers sliding into my damp hair. He held my face steady as his mouth closed over my bare, wet neck. When his tongue suckled against my skin, I made a sound that I couldn’t believe came from my own throat.
    His teeth closed over my skin, just barely, a s his other hand slid down over my shoulder to tug at the thin fabric of the towel. I moaned, gripping the last barrier between us with all of my strength.
    Bones disintegrated in my knees; my body readied itself for him.
    “ I want… you…, ” I admitted, struggling to breathe evenly. “ More, Will, ” I begged.
    “ My God, Eva ,” he mouthed, his tongue sliding against the burning skin on my neck.
    “Your majesty.”
    Eric’s knock on the bedroom door shocked us both out of the humid fog. He moved away and straightened his shirt, buttoning the top two eyelets before hurrying out of the bathroom.
    I backed against the wall, gripping the towel and trying desperately to even my breathing. What am I agreeing to do? He’s a king. What do I want from him?
    He’s not just a king … he’s Will.
    Smiling to myself, I breathed deeply.
    I want him to love me.
    “I want to call my mom,” I