Prince of Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

enough for him to realize what kind of future they could have.   Her beauty was just one part of it.   He felt the passion within her, waiting to be released.   She was stubborn but kind, stalwart but sympathetic.  
    The fear that had taken root in him months ago when he thought to never find his mate began to loosen.   The longer he kissed her, the more he knew he couldn’t live without her.   He…needed her.
    Not just because of the stupid curse.   Because she was the other half of him, the part he hadn’t realized he was missing until he’d found her.   He couldn’t explain it, could barely comprehend it himself.   There was no denying it.
    He ended the kiss and inwardly smiled when he heard her groan in irritation.   With his hands, he smoothed back the tendrils of hair that had come loose of the braid and tilted her head up to him.
    “I know you felt what I did,” he said.
    She licked her swollen lips, nearly sending him to his knees with need.   “Oh, aye.   I felt it.”
    Lucian tried to control his ragged breathing. “Then you also feel the connection between us.”
    He held his breath as she cocked her head at his words.
    For several heartbeats, she didn't speak. He feared he had gone too far, said too much too soon and had lost her forever. But it wasn't just the fear of losing his home and sending the kingdom into nothingness, it was not being able to be with Isabelle as well. Though he was just getting to know her, already he felt as if he had known her his entire life.
    When she stepped out of his arms, he clenched his jaw to keep silent and let her think. It wasn't in his nature to have patience, but more was at stake than just what he wanted.  
    “I do feel something,” she finally said.
    He sighed in relief but saw the look of doubt on her face that told him she was far from convinced. How could he tell her that once they had found each other, they would forever yearn for the other, only to be whole together?   He’d wanted to tell her that after they reached his kingdom, but he might have to tell her sooner.
    She walked around the small kitchen, rubbing her neck. “I don't know who you are.   Your likes and dislikes.   What meal is your favorite?   What are your vices?   There are too many unknowns for me to agree to go with you tomorrow.   I need time.”
    “Time isna something I have.” After a deep breath, he sank into a chair at the table and folded his hands over his stomach as he regarded her.   It was time.   She needed to know everything. “Then I will tell you. All of it.”
    “Really?” she asked, her brows raised.   She took the chair opposite him. “Then, begin. Please.”
    “I am a prince of my kingdom, Drahcir.”
    Her lips flattened, and she shook her head. “Aye, you said that name a moment ago.   I've never heard of it. I thought you said you were from the Ben Nevis Mountains.”
    “I am. You’ve never heard of my kingdom because it’s hidden from the world.”
    “By a forest or something?”
    “Nay.   It’s a special place, Isabelle, a place that can no’ be opened for just anyone.   What makes it special is the people who reside within the gates of the kingdom. If the other kings, lords, and mercenaries find my home, the kingdom will be overrun with the worst kinds of people.”
    “And your people will be driven out, leaving Drahcir to the very people you are hiding from,” she finished.
    “Not hiding exactly,” he said. “The kingdom has been in existence for centuries. It wasn't hidden on purpose.   At one time, Drahcir was visited by people all over the world despite its location making it difficult to get to.   Now, that is what keeps it hidden.”
    “Why did people stop visiting your kingdom?   Was there a plague?”
    “Drahcir simply vanished one day.   Or that’s what everyone believed.”
    “Vanished?   There is much more to your story, aye?”
    “My family, the Sinclairs, have always led the kingdom. However, there