The Emperor's New Nightingale by Angela Castle

struggles.
    “What did you think I meant by ‘never letting you go’?”
    “I, uh, well, Rin, I don’t think I’m ready for marriage yet. This is moving so fast you have my head spinning. I mean , I don’t really know you yet. I like you, I really do, and you’re strong, sexy, and handsome. This is a new life and, well, I want time to explore.”
    She felt the tension of his body under hers. “Please don’t be angry.”
    “ No, you’re right. My apologies, sweet songbird. I’ll give you time. I’m trying to see things from your point of view, how strange and new this world is to you, but this doesn’t mean I’m going to let you go. Allow me be your guide and your lover. Give me a chance to win your heart.”
    She glanced up at him, meeting his blue gaze . He tenderly stroked one hand down her naked back while the other cupped her face, and then leaned in for a soft kiss.
    How could she say no to the tender, vulnerable look in his eyes? Her heart clenched and she nodded, letting her lips curve up into a heartfelt smile of her own.
    “Everyone deserves a chance.”
    His arms squeezed her tightly against his chest. “Thank you , little one, you won’t regret it.”
    Julie had a good feeling already; her heart would be lost and there was nothing she could do to protect herself if he decided to break it.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Nine
     
    Erson hung in the shadows , near the gate to the tavern, watching Julie sipping her morning beverage. From the moment she walked on stage, and he heard her voice with the clarity of prized diamonds, he knew he must possess her.
    W hen she disappeared, it was been a struggle to hide his panic from Uric, but his brother found her safe and working in a song tavern. He came to see for himself as soon as he was able. The other human women were more demanding and taxing on his time. He couldn’t wait to be rid of them.
    Uric came home with news the Song Krystal would be coming to their home late morning to test the human women. It seemed their little plan was discovered by the Ario authorities. He and his brother would have to face the music, so to speak, once the Emperor found his nightingale.
    It pleased him Julie would not partake in the contest. It gave him more hope he would soon make her his.
    Her lips curved into a dreamy smile. Erson gazed at her . She was even more lovely and lush than he remembered. His groin tightened painfully thinking about how he would make her flush and scream with pleasure, when he sank his cock deep into her.
    More than anything else, he wanted to see the dreamy smile on her face directed at him. Could she forgive him for what they did?
    There was only one way to find out. He moved from his hiding spot and into her line of sight.
    She tensed.
    “You! What are you doing here?” She rose to her feet backing away. It was not a good start.
    Erson couldn’t blame her for her suspicious gaze. “Please, Julie, sit down. You have to believe I would never harm you. I think you know it was never our intent to hurt anyone.”
    Julie lowered herself into the ch air, facing him. “I understand why you did what you did, but the way you did it was wrong.”
    “Try to see it from my point of view. Do you honestly think any Earthling woman would believe us, and willingly travel to Ario to partake in the nightingale contest?”
    Her lush pink lips curved up in a smile, making his heart race, “No , I guess not. Humans, as a race, can be fickle and their minds limited, but there are the odd, bright ones.”
    “You have my heartfelt apologies for deceiving you . Can you forgive me?”
    Confusion flickered through her gaze . “Forgive you and your brother?”
    Erson couldn’t resist reaching out and placing his hands over hers. “My brother can vie for his own forgiveness. This is for myself . You have to understand you’ve captivated me from the moment you walked out on the stage, back on Earth. Your beauty, your voice—I knew I wanted you in every