VALERIA

He simply carried me princess-style from the bed, and no matter how much I told him I could walk on my own, it went in one ear and out the other.

"Hold on tight," he ordered when I didn’t know how to position myself against his solid chest.

Hesitantly, I raised my hands and wrapped them behind his strong neck.

"Closer. Am I that unpleasant to you?" He shot me a cold glare that could kill, and I shook my head frantically, like a doll with a loose spring.

My fingers laced behind his neck. His powerful heartbeat echoed against my side, and I fought the urge to let my eyes wander over his masculine features.

That fiery red hair swirled and danced with his every step through the castle corridors and down the stairs, as if he carried no weight at all.

His skin felt so warm, and that intoxicating scent lingering near my nose teased my senses.

Had he already controlled his rut? Or would I soon have to drag more of his lovers out of the castle by their hair?

"Don't be afraid," he said