Prince of Shadows by Susan Krinard

You will not escape me again, my son.

* * *

Alexandra had no defenses against him now. Kieran listened to her deep, even breathing as she lay curled toward the wall on Mary’s bed, her arms against her chest and her knees drawn up like a child’s. Her halo of red hair spread out across the patched pillowcase. Several wavy strands clung to the corner of her mouth; without thinking he brushed his finger across her cheek to smooth the hair away.

Her skin felt like—he didn’t know the right words for the softness, the sweetness of it. Or the way her lips relaxed in sleep, the innocent sweep of her lashes.

While she slept he could dare to touch her. He traced the curve of her cheek, knowing he would never get another chance. Twice they’d shared moments of passion, and twice she’d pushed him away.

“Alexandra,” he murmured. He ran his fingertip along the contour of her ear. The ache in him went beyond the pressure in his loins. He wanted to lie beside her, feel all of her under the layers of clothing, but he wanted more than the joining of their bodies. With Alexandra the two would be one. He would never taste either.

He leaned over her, the trailing ends of his hair mingling with hers. Her scent filled his nostrils, more potent than the alcohol he’d used to escape himself.

Closing his eyes, he let his tongue touch the lobe of her ear. Her body tensed, and he stopped, but she relaxed again. The taste of her skin he remembered from their kisses, but those other times had only left his hunger more potent. He curved his tongue around the soft flesh and pulled it by tiny increments into his mouth.

Alexandra made a low sound, but still she didn’t waken. Not even when he touched his tongue to her brow, her eyelids, the corner of her mouth.

And yet she felt. He had always known when she was afraid. Now he knew some part of her enjoyed, wanted what he did. Asleep, her body lowered all the barriers her mind and heart erected against him.

Kieran closed his eyes and traced her lips, pressed his own gently against them. In his time with her he’d been only an obstacle to the life she’d chosen, a responsibility she didn’t want. Now he was a danger. He’d never be allowed to give her what he wanted to give her. Or repay her for what she’d given him.

Slowly he pulled back, memorizing her face one last time. It was dark outside at last, after the long day of silent waiting; he knew Julie would be coming for them soon.

He turned for the door before he could delay again. He gripped the knob and opened it with exquisite care.

“Going somewhere?” Julie said.

He stepped through the door and closed it behind him. Julie moved back just enough, planting herself directly in his path.

She was not a tall woman, nor was she particularly big, but she regarded him with grave disapproval and hands on hips, as if these alone could turn him from his course.

“Let me pass, Julie,” he said. She didn’t move, and he braced himself for a confrontation he’d hoped to avoid. “You’re a good friend to Alexandra. You should want what’s best for her.”

“And you, of course, know what that is.” She shifted her stance, setting her feet wide apart.

“Yes.” He met her gaze. “I won’t put her in any more danger,” he said heavily. “Or you.”

Julie smiled without a trace of humor. “Very noble. So you’re going to remove the danger by removing yourself. Well, if you wanted to keep me out of it, you saved the wrong kid. My family is pretty stubborn about repaying our debts.

“I don’t want your gratitude.”

She shrugged. “Too bad. And you’re underestimating Alex if you think you could throw her off your trail by sneaking out in the middle of the night.”

He bristled, showing his teeth. “Maybe you underestimate me.”

“You think you’re mighty dangerous, don’t you?” she asked with calm dispassion.

“You don’t know what I’m capable of,” he said harshly. “And neither do I.”

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