Shock slackened her jaw. Bane of Adwaeweth had not just uttered the most romantic thing ever. “You’ve made it clear how much you admire strength and warrior women in particular. Look at me. No!” she rushed to add when he began to spin. “Don’t actually look at me. I just meant I’m not your usual type of, uh, warrior. Yes, you and Zion have trained me well, and I’ve gotten pretty good at landing blows. Yes, I’m amazing in a thousand different ways. But I’m just...me.”

He squared his shoulders and straightened his spine. “In a multitude of ways, you’ve proven the state of someone’s body has nothing to do with their level of strength. No matter how many times you’ve been felled, you’ve climbed to your feet, ready to go again. That is the hallmark of a great warrior.”

Any leftover defenses finally crumbled, tenderness engulfing her.

I’m in love with this man.

The knowledge sang within her, accompanied by a deluge of excitement and a tsunami of dread. She did. She loved him. She’d given her heart to Bane, all of it, every piece, nothing held back. She loved him and his intensity. His wit, and his ferocity. Loved his touch, and his pretty words. His strength. His stubbornness, however...

Nah, she loved that, too. His stubborn side had brought him to Nola, giving him centuries of purpose after the murder of his wife.

How did Bane feel about her? She knew he desired her body. Protected her at all costs. Talked about keeping her forever and always. And he’d even accepted her royal status. But...

Would his emotions ever run deeper?

One day soon, she would ask.

With his praise echoing in her ears, she overcame her bladder shyness, and oh, wow, had anything ever felt so wonderful?

Once she’d finished, Bane clasped her elbow to help her stand. “Shower or straight to bed?” he asked.

“Shower, please and thank you.”

He kissed her brow and removed their clothing. In the stall, hot water rained and steam wafted through the air, creating a dreamy safe haven.

For good measure, Nola brushed her teeth twice. She didn’t speak again, but neither did he.

Nola knew why she remained quiet—she’d never felt so vulnerable or exposed. Did Bane feel the same?

After they toweled off, he carried her to the bed. Bare, she settled under the covers. He double-checked the locks on the windows and resealed the curtains so no one peeked inside. His every action highlighted his body’s muscular build and stunning grace. By the time he finished, she was panting.

He stalked back to the bed, their gazes locked. Awareness blazed between them. They were alone and naked... Light from the lamp spilled over him. He was hard as a rock.