Her Off Limits Prince

So, after they dished up and sat down at his small, dining table…so much cozier than even the family dining table in the palace…he wanted to hear more.

"How did Janne prove she would put your first?" Because he was sure his sister-in-law had done that in some big way for Blythe to be so loyal and protective of the relationship.

"We hit it off right away." Blythe smiled with some memory that clearly made her happy. "We both loved the same kinds of movies, were quiet studiers, not interested in the college parties every weekend."

"Sounds like a good fit for roommates."

"I got the flu our first semester in the dorm together. Because of my past, the flu was never just the flu for me. I was always afraid it was me coming out of remission."

"But this time it was just the flu?"

"Yes, only I didn't know at first. I was crying and Janice found me. She got me to tell her about having leukemia all the while fussing around me, making sure I was warm enough, that I had something to drink. Not only did she take care of me, without a single care for whether or not she came down with my flu, but she made me go to the doctor to make sure it wasn't cancer again and insisted on going with me, so I wasn't alone."

"And that felt good to you." He understood, if on a very different level.

As a young boy, Tor had craved Holger's questions about how school was going, if he'd taken his vitamins…the things that let a child know someone cared about them.

Blythe had never had that, until she was technically an adult and Janne came into her life.

"She's nurturing," he said, musingly.

"She is, and Janice always took care of me when I got sick." Blythe's smile was self-deprecating. "I guess I've got a weakness for that."

"She took me home to her mom and Lady Solomia loved on me like a second daughter."

Tor understood. "In every way that matters, Janne is your family."

"Exactly."

Blythe still looked so damned vulnerable, that Tor gave into his strange nonsexual urge to hug her, pulling her to her feet and into his arms.

Even odder, she let him.

He held her for several long seconds, neither speaking. She sighed, melting into him like she needed to be right where she was.

"She's not going anywhere," Tor promised. "And now, you are a part of our family too. You understand that, right?"

She laughed. "As if."

He pulled back and stared down at her, catching her gaze with his own. "Not as if. Did you see anyone but family there Christmas morning?"

"No, but it's not like Geir has any friends, much less a best one."

"That's not true." But Tor couldn't help smiling at her certainty.

He didn't think Blythe had ever forgiven Geir for not appreciating her best friend for the amazing person Janne was when Holger had set his sights on the now Crown Princess.

"Well, maybe he has friends." Blythe sighed and moved as if to step back.

His arms tightened around her of their own volition. "Stay."

She stared up at him. "This is dangerous."

"What?" He rubbed his hand up and down her back, so damn tempted to caress her perfect bottom. "Us being close?"

"Yes."

"You say dangerous. I say good." Too damn good to give up.