He pulled back, then murmured, "You are mine."
His jealousy still simmered through the bond, scorching hot, possessive, overwhelming.
She tried to move a step back, but Zarek only pulled her closer, caging her with one arm against him.
"No," he murmured, almost as if soothing a restless creature. "You're staying with me tonight."
Her eyes widened in fear. "What? Your Majesty."
He felt the spike of panic through the bond.
Immediately, his hold softened but did not loosen.
"Relax, little dove." His forehead dropped to hers. "I'm not taking you tonight."
His breath brushed her lips, maddeningly close. "You're not ready. If I touched you now, you would break."
Eliora shivered.
Zarek exhaled sharply, his thumb brushing her lips tenderly.
"But I need you where I can feel you. Where nothing touches you. Where no one looks at you."
His voice dropped lower.
"I need you close."
Her heart was still racing, but she swallowed, trying to calm her breath. "Close… how close?"
