Protected by the Prince

First she had to get his temperature down.

She slid back the covers ready to fetch a damp flannel when another cry rent the air. Her blood froze at the wordless horror of that shout. It tapered into a wail of such grief every hair stood on end.

There was a convulsion of movement. The covers were flung wide and Alaric’s hard frame landed on hers with such force it knocked the air from her lungs.

‘No!’ Huge hands gripped her shoulders. ‘You can’t!’ He choked on the words, his head sinking to her breast.

It took a moment to realise the dampness she felt there wasn’t sweat but tears. A sob shook his big body and Tamsin reached up, cradling him close.

‘Sh, Alaric.’ His distress frightened her, evoking fierce protective instincts. She felt his pain as if it shafted through her body. ‘It’s all right, darling, do you hear me?’ Tamsin squeezed as tight as she could while his shoulders heaved and hot tears smeared between them.

She hated feeling so useless.

She hated that he hurt so badly.

‘It’s OK. It’ll be OK,’ she crooned, rocking him as best she could. ‘My darling. Everything’s all right.’

Gradually, as she murmured endearments, the rigidity seeped from his body and his breathing evened a little.

‘Tamsin?’

Still she rocked him, her arms clamped tight. ‘It’s all right. It was just a dream.’

For long moments he lay still in her arms, then without warning he rolled off her, leaving her bereft.

‘Alaric? Are you all right?’

He raised his forearm over his face. In the pallid light she saw his mouth crimp into a stern line as he fought whatever demons plagued him.

Instinctively she moved closer, tugging the discarded bedding to his waist and nestling her head on his chest, one arm wrapped protectively across him. He’d always seemed so strong and confident, so casually in command.

Her distress at his pain was a sharp ache. Was this what happened when you connected with another person? When you shared your true self as well as your body?

‘I’m sorry.’ His voice was slurred. ‘You shouldn’t have to witness that.’ His breath shuddered out. ‘I didn’t mean to frighten you.’

For answer she snuggled closer, lifting her leg to anchor his thighs, as if by surrounding him she could blot out his nightmare.

‘Don’t worry. Everything’s fine now.’

‘Fine?’ The word cracked like a gunshot. ‘It’ll never be fine.’ He tore his arm from his face and she saw his fist pound the other side of the bed. But behind her his arm curved tight, holding her close.

‘Did I hurt you?’ His voice was a deep rumble. He stared at the top of the four poster bed, as if unwilling to face her. ‘Tamsin, are you OK?’

‘Of course I’m OK.’

‘No questions?’ he asked after a minute. ‘Surely that enquiring mind of yours wants answers?’ His mouth was a grim line in the half-dark.

A month ago his expression would have deterred Tamsin. But now she knew the tender, caring man behind the royal title and the rogue’s reputation. She sensed his deep hurt.

She stretched up. Her breasts slid over his chest but she managed to ignore the inevitable tremor of awareness. She leaned over him till her hair curtained their faces in darkness. Holding his jaw in her hands she planted a whisper-light kiss on his lips.

He tasted of salt and heat and suffering.

His mouth was warm beneath hers as she repeated the action, allowing all she felt for him loose in that simple caress. Feelings she hadn’t censored.

When she lifted her head one large palm covered the back of her skull and urged her down for another kiss. One so piercingly sweet she ached with the beauty of it. His other arm roped around her hips, drawing her in as if to ensure she wouldn’t escape.

As if she wanted to go anywhere!

Never had they kissed like this: a sharing of the soul, not the body. Emotion escalated, filling every lonely part of her. She clung, wanting to explain how she felt but not having the words. Letting her body say what she couldn’t.

From nowhere tears welled and spilled unheeded.

‘Tamsin?’ His thumb stroked her cheek, blurring the hot trail. ‘Don’t cry. Not over me.’

Too late. She was in too deep. Asking her not to care was like asking her to set fire to a library. Impossible.

Fervently she pressed her lips to his, blotting out whatever he was going to say. He kissed her till she sank into languorous pleasure. Finally he pulled back.

In the dark she felt his gaze. With a sigh he settled her on his chest and wrapped her close. Beneath her ear his heartbeat thrummed steadily.

‘I owe you an explanation.’ His voice was husky.