The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld #10)(97)
Author: Gena Showalter

He kissed her temple. “You need a nap.”

“Do not.”

“Well, then, I need to clean up your wounds and I don’t want you aware of the pain.”

“I’ll clean them.”

“And you would still feel the pain. That’s what I’m trying to avoid.”

“I can handle pain.”

“But you shouldn’t have to.” He set her on her feet and pinched the artery running up her neck.

“Don’t you dare—” Glaring, she collapsed on a cushioned settee.

His determined face was the last thing she saw.

When she came to however long later, he was still with her. He had a phone pressed to his ear. “Now you know as much as I do. And I’m sorry, man. I’m sorry this happened.” A pause. “I’d still really like you to come. The circumstances are the same in both realms, so the women won’t be in any more danger here.”

“Kane,” she rasped.

He spun to face her. “For me,” he said, and disconnected the call. Those hazel eyes filled with guilt. “I was just talking to Lucien. William and his children are unreachable. The bugs reached the human realm. No one knows exactly what harm they’ll cause.”

As he spoke, he walked toward her and discarded his shirt. “The doors are locked. The soldiers I’m willing to trust are doing patrol.” He reached down to unbutton her shirt. “Are you mad at me?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

“No.” A little mad would never mask the intensity of her desire for him.

Pupils expanding, he eased on top of her. Warm skin and against warm skin, driving her wild.

“Kane, I have a confession to make. I think I…love you,” she said, tangling her hands in his hair. “How do you feel about that?”

He closed his eyes for a moment, a look of utter bliss consuming his beautiful features. “I don’t know how to express the pleasure the thought of your love gives me, but sweetheart, I want you sure. It’s wrong of me, but—”

“Wrong of you how? We’re married.”

A dark look shuttered over his features. Silent now, he bent his head and kissed the pulse hammering at the base of her neck, a strategic move meant to distract her from her question, but she…wouldn’t…oh!

His tongue stroked over her collarbone, before delving lower and playing at her br**sts. All the while, his hands expertly shucked the rest of her clothing, leaving her completely bare. And then, his hands were free to dabble elsewhere…everywhere.

Every silken touch and wanton caress, soft here, harder there, reminded her of his inexorable power over her. He could take her to heights she’d never dreamed possible.

“I won’t show you any mercy,” he vowed.

“I don’t want your mercy.”

“What do you want?”

“You. Only you.”

He was in the process of kissing her inner thigh. At her words, he looked up at her. Heat filled his eyes. “You have me.” He swooped back up, meshing his mouth into hers, his tongue sweeping inside, claiming, dominating. “I’m yours.”

After that, he lost his leisurely pace. He lost his gentleness, too.

He fumbled with the waist of his pants; the very second the material gaped open, he was inside her, her back arching as pleasure speared her.

“Tell me,” he commanded as he moved, lines of tension branching from his eyes.

She knew what he wanted. “I love you.”

“Sure?”

“So sure.”

“Again.”

“Love you.”

Her words were like fuel to an already raging fire. He became a man possessed by need, only need, rough and wonderful, driving her higher and higher, until all she could do was scream her pleasure.

He roared with his.

But even after he’d collapsed on top of her, he still wasn’t done with her. He rose up on his elbows and peered down at her. Need still blazed in his eyes. Panting, she watched as sweat trickled from his temples.

“More,” he said, and stoked her desire all over again.

* * *

“I FOUND YOU a dress,” Kane said a long while later. He tugged on his pants. “Will you wear it for me?”

Josephina watched him, her sated body still humming with pleasure. “Of course.”

“Good. Meet me in the throne room in an hour.” He blew her a kiss before leaving her alone.

Only then did she realize he’d never offered his own declaration of love. He loved her, though. She knew he did.

But she wanted his admission. I’ll have to step up my game.

Draped over the corner chair, she found a beautiful ball gown made of the most delicate blue fabric. Not even Synda had ever worn anything so fine. Josephina showered and brushed her teeth, then trembled as she dressed. She took special care with her hair, pinning the sides at the crown of her head.

The only flaw to her appearance was the gash in her cheek. Kane had knocked her out and sewn it up himself, and though he’d placed a flesh-colored bandage over it, it was noticeable.

Down the stairs she went, no guards or servants in sight. Only the leaders had been imprisoned in the dungeon with the royal family. The rest of the army and staff had sworn allegiance to Josephina last night.

She reached the throne room and found Kane waiting for her just outside the doors. He’d changed his clothes, and now wore a clean, pressed white shirt and black slacks. His hair was brushed, the wounds he’d received during battle already healing.

He smiled when he spotted her. A real smile, full of light and heat. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. But why—”

He pushed open the doors. “Your coronation. And wedding. It’s two-for-one day at Chez Fae.”

The remaining members of the high and low court had been gathered together and bound at the wrists and ankles. Though many looked as if they wanted to shout at her, all remained silent. Had they been threatened by Kane?

Her gaze skidded back to him. “Wait. Did you say wedding? Because we’re already married.”

“It wasn’t a ceremony you remember or even liked. So, I’m giving you another.” He offered her the hook of his elbow. “Ready?”

This man had to love her. Trembling, she accepted, and he led her forward.

That’s when she saw…oh, my, but I married a darling man. There was Maddox, with the beautiful Ashlyn. The babies were…nowhere that she could see. There was Lucien, with the vivacious Anya. Reyes, with the talented Danika. The young Gilly was at Danika’s side. Sabin, with the pint-size Gwen. Aeron, with the angelic Olivia and bombshell Legion. There was Gideon, with the fierce Scarlet. Amun, with the glowing Haidee. Strider, with the fiery Kaia. Paris, though he was minus the powerful Sienna.