Page 28

TWENTY-EIGHT

T he door to Charov’s chambers closed with a soft click, and Bess barely had time to catch her breath before his hands were on her, guiding her toward his massive bed that dominated the room. The moonlight spilled through the tall windows, casting a silvery glow over the dark wood and rich fabrics. His touch was firm but not rough, his fingers tracing the curve of her waist as he backed her toward the edge of the mattress.

“You looked stunning tonight,” he murmured, his deep voice low and thick with desire. His eyes roamed over her, lingering on the way the emerald gown clung to her curves. “But I think you’ll look even better without this.”

Her heart raced as he reached behind her, his fingers deftly unfastening the intricate clasps of the gown. Cool air brushed her skin as the fabric slipped away, pooling at her feet. Charov stepped back, his gaze scorching as it traveled over her bare body. Bess crossed her arms over her chest instinctively, but he caught her wrists, gently pulling them away. “Don’t hide from me,” he said, his deep voice a command softened by something tender. “You’re perfect.”

She flushed under his praise, her pulse quickening as he guided her onto the bed. The sheets were cool against her back, but his body was warm as he leaned over her, his hands sliding up her thighs. “You’ve been on my mind all night,” he admitted, his lips brushing gently against her neck. “Every time you smiled, every time you laughed—I wanted this.”

His mouth trailed lower, nipping lightly at her collarbone before moving down to her breasts. Bess arched into his touch, her breath catching as he took one taut peak into his mouth. His tongue flicked over her sensitive skin, sending shivers through her. She tangled her fingers in his hair, urging him closer, and he chuckled, the sound vibrating against her skin. “Impatient again, aren’t we?”

“You’re teasing me,” she accused, her voice breathless.

“And you’re loving it,” he shot back, his grin wicked as he moved lower. His hands slid down her sides, his thumbs brushing the delicate skin of her inner thighs. Bess’s breath hitched as he settled between her legs, his hot breath fanning over her most intimate place.

“Charov—”

“Relax,” he murmured, his hands gently spreading her thighs wider. “Let me take care of you.”

His mouth was on her before she could protest, his tongue flicking over her sensitive folds in slow, deliberate strokes. Bess gasped, her hands clutching at the sheets as waves of pleasure rolled through her. He was relentless, his tongue working her clit with a skill that left her trembling. She bit her lip to stifle a moan, but he glanced up, his eyes dark with desire.

“Don’t hold back,” he said, his voice rough. “I want to hear you.”

As if to emphasize his point, he slid two fingers inside her, curling them just right to hit that spot that made her see stars. Bess cried out, her hips lifting off the bed as he drove her closer to the edge. His mouth returned to her clit, sucking and teasing until her entire body was taut with anticipation.

“Charov, I’m—oh, God?—”

Her climax hit her like a freight train, her body arching off the bed as she came apart. Charov didn’t let up, his fingers and mouth working her through every shuddering wave until she collapsed back onto the mattress, utterly spent. He kissed his way up her body, his lips brushing softly against her hip, her stomach, her breasts, before finally capturing her mouth in a deep, heated kiss.

“You’re magnificent,” he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with primal satisfaction. “But I’m not done with you yet.”

Charov straightened, his hands moving to the buttons of his formal black suit. His movements were deliberate and unhurried as if he were savoring the anticipation. Bess watched, her breath hitching, as he stripped off the jacket and then the crisp white shirt underneath, revealing the chiseled planes of his chest and the hard lines of his abs. Her eyes dropped lower as he undid his pants and pulled them off. Her pulse quickened when his thick, hard cock sprang free, already straining for her.

He lay back on the bed next to her. “Get on top,” he commanded, his voice low and rough.

Bess hesitated for only a second, her cheeks flushing at the raw authority in his tone, before she obeyed. She positioned herself above him, her heart pounding as she guided him to her entrance. Slowly, inch by delicious inch, she took him into her, a low moan escaping her lips as he filled her completely. Her body stretched to accommodate him, the sensation both overwhelming and exquisite.

“Show me what you want,” he said, his hands settling on her hips, his touch firm but not demanding.

Bess bit her lip, her own desire mingling with the thrill of being in charge. She began to move slowly, her hips rolling in a rhythm that made her shudder with pleasure. The friction of his hard length sliding in and out of her was intoxicating, and she could feel the tension building within her with every thrust.

“That’s it, Bess,” Charov growled, his voice husky with approval. His hands tightened on her hips, guiding her movements as she quickened her pace.

Her breath came in short, sharp gasps as she rode him, her body moving with a growing urgency. Her pleasure spiraled higher, the room starting to blur at the edges as the intensity of the moment consumed her. She threw her head back, her wavy hair cascading past her shoulders, and let out a loud, unrestrained moan.

Charov’s hands moved to her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her hardened nipples in a way that dragged another cry from her lips. “You’re so beautiful like this,” he murmured, his voice a mix of admiration and raw hunger. “Look at you, taking me so perfectly.”

Her entire body trembled as she approached the edge, her movements becoming more frantic. She could feel the pressure building, coiling tight in her core, until it finally shattered.

“Oh my god, Charov!” she screamed, her voice breaking as waves of ecstasy rolled through her.

Charov’s control snapped, his hips thrusting up with a primal force that drove her even higher. With a deep, guttural growl, he spilled himself inside her, his powerful release sending her spiraling into another orgasm. Her body convulsed around him, and she collapsed onto his chest, her breaths ragged and her heart racing wildly.

For a long moment, they lay there, their bodies still intertwined, the only sound in the room their mingled heavy breathing. His hands stroked her back, his touch oddly soothing after the intensity of their union.

“Wow, Bess. That was so hot,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and possession.

Bess smiled against his chest. “You’re pretty hot yourself,” she murmured.

His arms tightened around her, and for the first time in weeks, Bess felt a sense of happiness settle over her. Here, in his arms, she felt wanted, needed, and cherished—something she hadn’t realized she’d been craving until now.

Charov soon pulled Bess off the top of him with a gentle yet firm motion, nestling her against his side. His skin radiated heat like a furnace as she settled her head against the solid wall of his chest. The powerful thump of his heartbeat filled her ear, steady and strong, a rhythm that matched the certainty she felt blooming inside her.

His fingers traced lazy patterns on her bare shoulder, making her shiver despite the warmth. “We’re going to visit my mother tomorrow morning,” he announced, his deep voice rumbling through his chest and into her body. “At our family’s country cottage.”

Bess lifted her head slightly, her eyes meeting his intense blue gaze. “Really? I’d love that.”

The unexpected thrill that shot through her took her by surprise. It wasn’t just about seeing Queen Zyre again—it was what this invitation meant. Taking her to visit his grieving mother felt significant like crossing a threshold into her future.

“This means something, doesn’t it?” she asked, suddenly feeling vulnerable despite the intimacy they had just shared. “Taking me to see your mother.”

Charov’s hand moved to cradle her face, his thumb brushing across her cheek with surprising tenderness for such a powerful man. “It means everything,” he confirmed, his voice lowering to a husky whisper.

Bess felt her heart swell with a mix of joy and nervous anticipation.

“I never thought my life could completely change so fast,” she admitted.

“Having second thoughts?” His question carried a hint of challenge, his arm tightening possessively around her waist.

“No,” she answered honestly, surprised at her own certainty. “I can’t imagine going back to Earth now. I can’t imagine a life without you in it.”

The admission felt weighty, significant in the moonlit darkness of his royal chambers. Bess had never pictured herself as royalty—as recently as a month ago, she couldn’t even picture herself taking a proper vacation. Yet here she was, contemplating a crown and forever with this magnificent man who looked at her now like she was his entire world.

Charov’s answering smile was possessive and tender all at once. “Good,” he rumbled, rolling suddenly to hover over her, his powerful arms caging her beneath him. “Because I won’t let you go.”

The kiss he pressed to her lips was deep and claiming, leaving no room for doubt. When he pulled away, they were both breathless.

“Get some sleep now,” he breathed, though his eyes still smoldered with barely banked desire. “We leave early.”

She nodded, settling back against him as he pulled her close, one muscular arm draped possessively across her waist.

As sleep began to claim her, wrapped in his protective embrace, she marveled at how right this felt.