My hands pressed weakly against his chest, but the solid warmth of his body beneath my palms only made my resolve crumble further.
"You—you're being ridiculous," I managed to say, though my voice wavered, betraying my lack of conviction.
"Am I?" he countered, leaning back just enough to meet my eyes. The heat in his gaze was unrelenting, dark and primal, sending my pulse skittering like prey caught in a hunter's sights.
"Yes, your majesty!" I blurted, desperation creeping into my tone. "This is... this is completely inappropriate!"
He chuckled, a low, dangerous sound that rumbled in his chest. "Inappropriate?" he murmured, tilting his head as if amused by the word. "You forget something important, darling. You are my bride."
Heat scorched my cheeks as his words wrapped around me like a chain. "I—I don't want this," I stammered, clutching at the last shred of defiance I had left.
