She tried scooting away from him, but his hands slid down her arms to her hands, holding on firmly.

“I’ve never been in love before,” he continued. “And I’ve never been intimate with Gytha.”

That admission surprised her since he’d had a relationship with the woman.

“I knew she cared for me, so I didn’t want to encourage those feelings. The women I’ve been with haven’t meant anything to me.”

Reid needed to get out of his room so she could process all he’d revealed. She didn’t know how any of it made her feel. For some reason, the most prominent feeling was utter embarrassment. It was difficult enough acting like a proper lady when she barely knew what to do. However, kissing or being intimate with a man? She knew even less about that. While her sisters had told her some of the basics, she’d never had an in-depth conversation about pleasing a man. At times like this, she wished her mother were still alive to guide her.

What she couldn’t figure out was why they were having this conversation now. They wouldn’t be married for another two weeks. And hadn’t they decided not to share a bed right away so they could get to know each other before they slept together?

Why was it so hot in Dexter’s room? “I should go back to my bedchamber,” she blurted out. She’d almost forgotten that Melenia soldiers were on their way to the palace. In the morning, there would be a lot to do to prepare for the upcoming invasion.

“I’ll walk you to your room.” He took her hand and stood, pulling her up alongside him.

They exited his suite and headed to hers, neither speaking. When they reached her door, Dexter released her.

“I’ll admit, you make me nervous,” he said. “I never know how to act around you.”

“Just be yourself.” She didn’t want him pretending to be someone he wasn’t.

He shook his head. “What if I told you that, as myself, I want to shove you against this wall and kiss you?” He took a step closer to her. “What if I told you I want to join you in your room? That I want to slowly strip your nightgown off until your bare skin is revealed to me?”

Gasping, Reid’s back hit the wall, her eyes widening in shock.