Page 53 of Dark Shaman: Love Found (The Children Of The Gods #99)

AREANA

A reana paused outside Navuh's office door, taking a moment to smooth her dusty gown and compose herself.

The fear that had gripped her in the basement was replaced by shakiness, not of the body, but of the soul.

She didn't feel like she was on stable ground, and she needed the love of her life to provide her with strength.

Even after all he had been through, she knew he still had an abundance to spare.

"Navuh," she breathed as she entered his office, and before she could stop herself, she was across the room and in his arms.

He caught her easily, pulling her against his chest with his familiar strength. For a moment, they simply held each other, and Areana allowed herself to tremble.

"I was scared," she admitted against his shoulder, the words muffled by his robes. "When those explosions kept getting closer, and I could hear the fighting right above us, I was terrified even though I knew in my gut that no one can best you. You always win."

His arms tightened around her. "I wanted to come to you once it was all over, but we need to maintain appearances, my love. Everyone from the generals to the lowly maids needed to see their lord victorious and unshaken, not running to comfort his wife."

She understood, of course. She'd always understood the delicate balance Navuh maintained between the man who loved her and the despot who ruled through fear and absolute control. Still, understanding didn't make spending those hours of terror without him any easier to bear.

"I know," she said, reaching up to touch his face. "So, I came to you because I needed to feel your arms around me and hear you say that we won."

A smile played at the corners of his mouth.

"I crushed them, Areana. The lesson I taught these arrogant, enhanced soldiers will not be forgotten soon, not by my generals and not by anyone who might entertain the idea of rebelling again.

I broadcasted the last few seconds of the eight trapped in the tunnel underneath this house.

That memory will remain burned into the minds of everyone who saw the broadcast."

Areana suppressed a shudder. Even after five thousand years with him, Navuh's capacity for cruelty could still unsettle her.

But then, that edge of darkness was part of what had drawn them together.

The Fates had a twisted sense of humor sometimes, but they knew what they were doing.

Despite what her sons and her sister thought, the Fates had chosen the right male as her truelove mate.

"I can't wait to return to the harem and forget this whole thing ever happened," she said.

"Soon, my love. The restoration is nearly complete, but after what happened today, I want to revisit the safety measures. We can't allow anyone to get this close again."

She nodded and then smiled. "Speaking of getting close, could Elias stay until evening? And could you send a car for Tony? Tula is frantic." That was a slight exaggeration. Tula was worried, but far from frantic.

Navuh's expression shifted to amusement. "I'm in a generous mood after my victory," he said, walking over to his desk to pick up his phone. "I'll have someone get Tony." He paused, his smile turning wicked. "Will Tamira and Tula take turns with their paramours in that bed in the basement?"

Areana couldn't help but laugh. "You know about that?"

"My darling, I know about everything that happens in my domain. I was informed of the lovers' nest that had been created there."

"Won't that be problematic for you? You were so worried about appearances."

He walked around the desk and sat down in his chair. "The head butler is under the impression that I've been using that bed with my ladies. He might even suspect that I enjoy watching them with others. "

Areana laughed. "That's so wicked."

"I know."

Areana walked over to him and deposited herself in his lap. "Speaking of wicked, I'm in the mood to play. When will you come to bed to celebrate your victory?"

His eyes darkened with desire as his hands tightened possessively on her waist. "Soon," he promised, his voice rough. "I still have a few matters to attend to."

"How long?"

"An hour. Two at most."

She pulled back to look him in the eye. "Two hours maximum. If you're not in our chambers by then, I'm coming to get you. I don't care if you're meeting with every general on the island."

He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "That's my goddess—beautiful and demanding."

"You love me like that."

"Yes," he agreed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I do." He released her reluctantly. "Go, soak in a bath until I can join you. Let the warm water absorb the tension."

"Sounds like a plan." She pulled out of his arms and walked over to the door.

She paused with her hand on the handle and turned to look at him over her shoulder. "I love you. "

His expression softened in a way it only ever did for her. "I know, though I'm still baffled why, even after five thousand years."