***
“Kyrin?” Alric said from beside her on the floor.
She looked up at him and smiled. “You’re finally back.”
“Yes, finally. Did you have any problems while I was away?”
“No, did you?”
He shook his head. “Not really. They just made it obvious that you are a prime target.”
“They won’t learn, will they?” she asked.
He shook his head, leaned down and took her wrists in his hands, and then kissed her softly. Her body moved up against his, and the strength of her kiss increased.
Alric broke the kiss and met her eyes. “Do you trust me?”
She thought about it and then nodded.
“Fully?”
“Yes, why?”
He kissed her again and then whispered, “It’s time I show you how much I love you.”
The pit of her stomach dropped. “How?”
“Just trust me,” he whispered, and began to unbutton her nightgown.