Read Online The Princes Bound [The Princes Book 1] by Robin Danner - Free Book Online Page A

she recalled the night before, and how it had felt to be in his arms.
    "Cold?” The prince's hands came up to caress her arms.
    Through the silk of the gown, she could feel the warmth that emanated from him. After a moment's hesitation, she sighed and allowed him the familiarity.
    "Look, it has begun.” He turned her in his arms and pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her waist. His breath ruffled the curls at her temple.
    Nadia sank into him, relishing the feel of his strong body behind her. She could hear the oohs and aahs from others in the garden, yet nothing could be more spectacular than the man who held her. She watched the fireworks with detached interest, choosing instead to savor her last moments with the prince. After tonight, she had to end this farce. The best she could hope for was to become his mistress, but if she did, her career would be destroyed. No man would take orders from her if he thought she was a whore. But she would allow herself this one night. One night to feel like a desirable woman.
    Then she would return to reality.
    The fireworks ended, and the voices began to fade as the crowd moved back inside, probably to continue dancing. She and Mathis were left alone in the garden. When he turned her in his arms, her breath caught. Moonlight streamed across his face, highlighting his elegant cheekbones and the regal slant of his nose. A hint of shadow had appeared on the line of his jaw. She traced it with her fingertips, smiling when it tickled her.
    "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” His soft, whispered words lingered in the night air.
    She certainly felt beautiful for the first time in her life. He was going to kiss her. She was sure of it. Should she let him? Or should she end it now? She chose to have the memory of one kiss to suffice for a lifetime.
    "Nadia.” Mathis spoke her name with reverence. He cradled her face and lowered his head, taking her lips in a gentle kiss. He wooed her and went slowly, carefully placing kisses at the corner of her lips.
    She let out a breath, and he pressed further, completely covering her lips with his own. Her entire being coalesced into the kiss.
    His tongue stroked, caressed, and then surged into her mouth to tangle with hers.
    She had no idea what she was doing, but it felt good. She mimicked his actions, delighting when he moaned deep in his throat.
    Mathis pulled away, but she grabbed his head between her hands and brought his lips back to hers. She was not ready to let him go. If this kiss was all she would ever have, she needed more.
    Something must have snapped inside him, for suddenly his hands were everywhere.
    She gasped when he cupped her buttocks, bringing her flush against his hardened length. He pressed forward, his arousal nudging the space between her thighs. Still he kissed her, his tongue caressing her mouth until they paused to catch their breath.
    "Nadia, my love, I fear we must stop."
    She knew he was right, but she ached to kiss him again. Her stomach tingled with unfamiliar sensations.
    She put a hand against her belly as if to calm the fluttering. “I should go."
    He continued to hold her. His chest heaved as if he struggled to regain a normal pattern of breathing.
    Air rattled in and out of her lungs as well. She felt as if she'd run a mile instead of merely kissing a prince.
    She backed away, but his arms tightened. “I don't want you to leave."
    The haze of desire that clouded her mind was slow to recede. It was still there but not as powerful as before. She knew she had to leave before she did something she would regret.
    But she wanted to know what it all meant. Why did the prince persist in seeking her out?
    "What is it that you want from me, Your Highness?"
    "I thought that was obvious.” Mathis pressed against her. “I want you."
    She couldn't think when he held her so closely. She needed to be clear-headed to do what she needed to do.
    Nadia shoved him away. “And what then? What is to become of