Page 9 of Mine to Keep

He nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll want you in my bed the night we get married.”

The worry was back in her eyes. “Then let’s wait for a few weeks.”

He tried not to grin. “Everything’s going to be all right. I’m going to take very good care of you.”

She softened a bit.

“Is there anything I need to know about your condition?”

She looked perplexed.

“I’ve been told you had a head injury years ago, and it affected you. Can you tell me how?” he asked.

He saw indecision and something close to guilt in her eyes. His suspicion rose.

“I … I’m not as smart as I used to be.” She stopped talking.

“I think you’ll be fine here. I’ll watch over you.”

Her face flushed, and she bit her lip.

“Is there anything you want to tell me?” he asked.

She paused and shook her head.

“Okay. I don’t want to frighten you, but I’d like to kiss you. Is that okay?”

Her hands shook, and she hesitated and nodded.

Roland cupped her face and brought her closer to him. He scanned her features before pressing his lips to hers. He was slow and easy because he didn’t want to frighten her, but the kiss turned hot quickly, taking away his ability to think straight.

Before he knew it, she was on his lap with her legs on either side of his hips, facing him. His hands held her tightly against his chest. Some sound caught his attention, and he guessed it was from him. He raised his head and stared down at her. Jesus Christ. Her face was flush with desire, her eyes were closed, her lips swollen and red.

“You are the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.”

Roland smiled when she didn’t respond, and he couldn’t hold himself back from taking another kiss from her. When he felt her start to tremble, he eased her away from him and soothed her by running a hand up and down her back while holding her steady with his other hand. He thought it was charming when she blinked her eyes open and stared at him, confused.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

Laila blinked again. “I … is it … am I supposed to feel like that?”

“If you’re lucky and you’re with the right person.”

“So, we’re right for each other?” she asked.

Roland smiled. “I’d say yes. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Me, either,” she said. “But we hardly know each other.”

“I always go with my gut,” he said. “And it’s always been right.”

“So, we were meant to be together?”

He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. She was so serious.

“Yes. So, this means we should get married sooner rather than later,” he told her.

“Why?”

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