Determined to bring meaningful change to her people, Lady Eza of the Sarronti seeks out the leader of the Outcasts and proposes a daring alliance. She expects to negotiate with a barbarian. Instead, Overlord Kage Razel awakens longings that have nothing to do with the rebellion. He intrigues and attracts her, making her ache for the consuming passion she has only experienced in his arms. Yet Kage also frightens Eza. She senses secrets in him, portions of his being he will not share with anyone. There is no doubt Eza wants him, but can she trust this mysterious stranger, or will he use his unique abilities to gain control over her world?
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion of the Outcasts series!
Copyright © 2019 Cyndi Friberg
His gaze swept the length of her body, lingering in all the usual places. “You’re stunning, love. Perfect.” He dragged his index finger from the base of her throat, through the valley between her breasts and circled her navel. Then his gaze locked with hers, and he gently cupped her breast. “Bearing my children could change the shape of this firm, young body, as time will likely change the shape of mine. But nothing and no one will alter the intensity of my desire for you. You are my perfect mate. I will never want another as long as you live. Now pull down the bedding while I hang up your dress.”
She found his need for order endearing, so she did as he directed. Then crawled onto the middle of the bed and drew the sheet up to her chin. She was thrilled that he found her pleasing, but it still felt odd to be naked in front of anyone. She even made her personal assistant leave before shedding her undergarments.
Kage hung her gown in a wardrobe built into the wall but left her shoes and underwear in the center of the room. The contradiction made her smile. Was he slowing himself down for her benefit? If so, the strategy was flawed. All the anticipation was only making her more nervous.
“Lights to thirty percent,” he commanded as he reached the bedside. The room dimmed, and he slipped off his pants and socks. He didn’t wear underclothes, or they’d come off with his pants. She enjoyed a quick glimpse of his lower body as he slipped into bed beside her, but it made her want a more lingering look. “Come here,” he coaxed as he closed his arms around her. “You still look like you’re ready to bolt.”
“I’m not. I’m not afraid of you. I just feel…awkward. Until you, the only male I ever kissed was Lorton.”
He eased her down onto her back and spread out beside her. After slipping his arm under her neck, he pulled the sheet to her waist and paused to look at her again. “We’ll go nice and slowly. I promise.”