MasukI looked back up at Alexander, and it was almost like he could read my mind because I could see the flicker of amusement on his expression. When I finally got close enough to him, he reached for my hand, taking it in his immediately and pulling me into his side.His hand was warm, and his presence w
Joanne’s POVThe music started, and my heart immediately forgot how to function. I stood at the entrance of the palace gardens with Kay on one side and Agatha fussing with my dress for what felt like the hundredth time.“It’s time,” Kay whispered; the words settled heavily in my chest.Time. After
“What is it?” She asked.“What if I go into labor during the wedding?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.She let out a snort, suppressing a laugh as she shook her head.“You aren’t going into labor today,” she assured me.“How can you be so sure?”‘You’re due yet,” she reminded me, raising h
Joanne’s POVSeveral weeks later. “It’s over…” I said, tears spilling down my cheeks. “I can’t believe this is happening right now. Why today out of all days?”“You’re going to be fine,” Kay said, standing behind me with a worried frown. “We will just get it resized… It’s no big deal. The seamstres
It made me nearly primal with need.He finally broke away from my lips and started to trail kisses down the side of my face; his kiss was exploratory and gentle, like he was mapping out all my features and committing them to memory.When he reached the sensitive part of the nape of my neck, I felt a
Joanne’s POVNobody dared to move; nobody dared to speak.Alexander just looked puzzled while most faces were pale and wary.“What did I just miss?” Alexander asked, turning to me. “Did he hurt you?”I shook my head, putting a hand on his arm.“No,” I tell him softly. “I’m pretty sure he just gave m
“Come,” he said, the order coming out soft, like a whisper. “You need to eat, and you need to rest.”“There’s still work to be done here,” I tell him, my voice soft as well. He reached up and brushed a strand of hair out of my face.“George can handle it from here. It’s time for you to rest,” he to
He stared at me for a moment longer; his eyes searching for something on my face. He was probably trying to figure out if he should believe me or not. I gave him my best innocent smile, and he rolled his eyes, though there was no malice on his face. “It’s only for a few days,” he told me, his ey
“There would have been,” my father cut in; his voice sharp as a blade. “If I had trusted the son who actually sees the truth. The son who never once failed his missions.”I tensed, and I could feel Joanne tense from behind me.His eyes cut to me.“Alexander warned us. Alexander uncovered the assassi
Alexander’s POVJoanne’s lips moved expertly against mine; my tongue dipped between her lips, tasting her. My hands roamed her body as I lay her on the bed; her curves were soft as I







