Then... peace.
Royce collapsed on top of her, his head dropping into the crook of her neck, his body blanketing hers. The room was silent, but for the crackling of the fire and the harsh, rasping sounds of their breaths.
Sanity returned in increments and, slowly, Royce became aware of his surroundings. Beneath him, Breanna sighed, her legs unclenching and sliding down to sink into the rug, her arms going lax around him. Her breathing was still ragged and, abruptly, he realized she was trembling.
“Breanna?” He tried, unsuccessfully, to lift his head, and settled for murmuring in her ear instead. “Sweetheart?”
“Mmm,” was the muffled reply.
“You're shaking.”
“And you're astonishing.”
He smiled at the dreamy quality to her voice. “That compliment belongs to you. I think I'm half-dead.”
“No, you're not.” Her fingers trailed lightly down his back. “I can vouch for that.”
He kissed her neck. “Am I crushing you?”
“Only in the most wonderful way.”
Forcing himself to move, Royce rolled to one side, taking Breanna with him and keeping their bodies tightly joined. Then, he groped around until he found the blanket he'd seen lying near the armchair, pulling it over them until they were securely covered. “How's that?”
“Ummm,” she responded, snuggling closer and rubbing her thigh over his with that innate sensuality he found so unbearably arousing. “That's perfect.”
He cupped her face between his palms, studied her intently. “Does it hurt?”
She shook her head, sending masses of her newly freed hair tumbling about. “Not even a bit. It feels,” she wriggled slightly, taking him deeper into her, “more right than I can say.”
Royce felt his body leap in response—an astounding fact considering that minutes ago he thought himself incapable of moving, much less making love.
More astounding was the emotion that accompanied it.
“Breanna,” he said, determination lacing his words. “I meant what I said earlier. We need to talk. To make plans. The minute I eliminate that bastard who's after you, I'm dragging you off and putting a wedding ring on your hand.”
She traced his lips with her fingertips. “You'll get no argument from me.” A pause. “Although I really meant it when I said I didn't expect you to decide our future right away. Love is one thing, marriage quite another. You're a very independent man, Royce. I don't want you to feel as if you're sacrificing that independence.”
“If you're telling me not to need you, don't bother. It's too late.” Royce kissed her fingertips. “I don't feel less independent. I feel lucky.” A heartbeat of a pause. “And I want to give you everything you deserve.”
“Including a depth of emotion you're still not sure you're capable of,” she replied astutely. “Well, you might not be sure, but I am. And I happen to be a very wise woman.”
Royce chuckled, tangling his hands in her glorious auburn hair and kissing her tenderly. “Yes, you are.”
She wrapped her arms about his neck. “I love you,” she whispered.
Royce's eyes darkened with emotion. “I didn't realize what I was missing. Now I do.” His palm slid around to caress her nape. “You're the most beautiful, courageous—”
“Surprising?” Breanna added with a shaky laugh. “I've never been so forward in all my life. I still can't believe I just seduced you.”
One dark brow rose. “Is that what happened? Funny, I recall it being very mutual.”
“But I initiated it. I think there was a part of me that knew it would happen the minute I stepped into the hallway.” She gave a dazed shake of her head. “My heart was pounding when I walked out there. Because I was determined to tell you that I love you. I'm sure you've guessed I'm rarely so audacious. In fact, I can only think of one other time I shocked myself as thoroughly as I did tonight.”
“When was that?”
“When I held my father at gunpoint.”
Royce propped himself on one elbow, feeling more intrigued than stunned. “Was that when he was going after Anastasia?”