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“And so we should probably make the most of every moment.” He kissed the place where her neck sloped into her shoulder. “Because it will be hard to have much privacy once we return.” And then he kissed lower, upon her collarbone. “And you’ll be utterly distracted.”

“I can think of something else that is utterly distracting…”

“Can you?” He kissed the soft indent at the base of her throat.

Seph dragged her hands over his broad chest, feeling his heart beating hard and fast beneath her palms.

Just like her own.

She wondered if she would ever grow used to him. She doubted it.

Alder lifted his head and looked deep into her eyes, a look that made her feel like she was the most treasured thing in all the world—Seph forgot everything else. “Of course I’ll help you.” Mischief danced in his eyes. “For a price.”

Seph couldn’t help but smile. She slid a hand into his gorgeous raven locks and turned a clump of it between her fingers. “And what is your price, husband?”

Alder tipped his head closer, moving his hands from her face, down her back and to her waist, where he squeezed. “I will do everything in my power to help the people of Light rebuild a life, as well as send every resource I’m able to support the former depraved as they return to their respective courts, and in exchange, you promise not to say another word about it until noon tomorrow.”

Seph laughed. “I accept your terms—” She’d barely finished the word when Alder caught her mouth with his. The ocean waves crashed while the sun dipped below the horizon, and as Alder scooped her up and carried her through the open doors and into their bedchamber, as rose petals sprang forth at his feet, Seph was glad to be finishing this conversation on the morrow.

THE END