Alexei's tone softened. "It won't be easy," he acknowledged. "But nothing worth fighting for ever is. And you, Keira, in my eyes are worth fighting for."

He leaned forward, planting a kiss on her lips as his hand moved up, spanning her neck. "I want you," he whispered against her mouth, his voice husky with need.

"Then take me," she breathed, desire flooding through her veins. "Please."

He pulled her against him and she groaned as his hard body pressed into hers. Alexei answered with a groan ...