Page 39 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

“You … I … I don’t believe in inspiration,” she admitted. But Jarom had just saved her life, so how could she dispute his inspiration? She’d also wondered how she would face her Father above when she thought she would die. Did He not want heron the other side, or was He giving her another chance? The cold and the unanswerable questions made her head ache.

“Even if you don’t believe ...” Jarom’s gaze became apprehensive; he clearly understood she didn’t want to be preached to. But she was learning Jarom was brave in a very different way than she or most of her bodyguard buddies were. “Heavenly Father won’t stop loving you, Autumn. He’ll always be there for you, reaching out and waiting for you to turn to Him.”

Autumn’s breath shortened at the bold testimony. Usually she would put up her defenses—hit him, snap a sarcastic comment back, or tease about what he’d said. Instead, she simply laid her head against his chest and let herself savor how he protected her. Emotionally and even physically. She’d always protected herself, but she found she didn’t mind letting her guard down and leaning on Jarom.

The scarier question was, what if she needed to lean on Heavenly Father?

Jarom wrapped her up tight. They sat there on the bank, the autumn sun thawing her, but Jarom’s warmth and care for her warmed her more.

“No one has ever rescued me before,” she admitted, not looking at him, speaking into the warm skin of his throat.

“Truly? I’m a more gallant hero than your bodyguard associates? That’s hard to believe, my angelic Athena.”

She smiled, her heart and breathing settling from the scare, but it was near impossible to calm completely with Jarom’s arms around her. His very presence sent every nerve tingling. She was falling for him, the iron around her heart melting under the torch of his kindness.

“It is true,” she insisted. “I should bethe one doing the rescuing. You’re reversing our roles and I have no desire to hit you for it, or tell you I’m no angel.”

“You are absolutely an angel,” he insisted. “It is good news that you don’t long to smack me, but I’ll receive any hit, kick, or broken arm for the chance to be close to you, Autumn.”

Her pulse took off. He called her love often, but he didn’t say her name often. How could he keep insisting she was an angel? She was born and raised by a she-devil and had become one herself in different ways. She’d never hurt an innocent child, but she’d hurt and killed plenty of deceitful and evil men. Charles seeing her kill had flipped her away from him, and she was certain Jarom would be the same.

An avenging angel? Possibly.

A beautiful and sweet angel worthy of Jarom? Never.

The moment stretched between them. She realized how weak she was for him—she didn’t try disputing his words, hitting him, or at the very least straightening and standing on her own as she always did. She had no frame of reference for how to deal with his words of a Father above who loved her and was waiting for her to turn to Him.

She did have an incredible idea about how to deal with this very perfect man holding her. Even if it was the wrong response as they could never be together like she yearned to be and he kept claiming he wanted to be, she wanted to be as brave as he was. Jarom possessed a quiet and inspiring bravery she’d rarely witnessed.

“If you kissed me, do you think I’d sucker punch you?” she asked, a tremble in her voice.

His smile was warm and alluring. “It would be well worth it.”

Then he bowed his head closer to hers. Autumn arched uptoward him, fisting his wet shirt in her hands and meeting his lips. The kiss started with urgency and longing. She was united with Jarom and there was no place else she’d ever want to be.

He met her passion and her yearning, fusing their lips and souls together in an inspiring dance of their mouths.

She lost track of time as she soared above the cold, dark, mean world she’d known to one only Jarom could take her to. A world filled with light, joy, fulfillment, love … emotions and feelings she’d never reached for, never known could be available for her. Jarom freely gave her that light and joy. His kiss proclaimed his love and devotion and the future they could have as one.

After who knew how long, Jarom slowed the kisses down, tenderly kissing her cheek, her neck, and then her forehead. It felt as if he savored her and every moment and every touch.

Footsteps came above, and she yanked back. She’d lost all track of time and consciousness of her role or anything but loving Jarom.

Chad peered down at them. “Ah, shoot,” he muttered. “Sorry. You all were just quiet for a very, very long time.”

“It was a blissful long time,” Jarom murmured for only her to hear. “The best experience of my life.”

Autumn’s heart thudded happily. She knew how many fabulous experiences he’d had with his parents, his travel, dating accomplished and famous women throughout the world. Somehow, she knew he was serious and their kiss trumped everything else.

She wanted to kiss him all over again. More, she wanted to never leave him.

“No worries, Chad, my friend,” Jarom said, standing and helping her to her feet. “We werejust finishing up.”

“Didn’t look finished to me,” Chad teased with a glint in his hazel eyes. He turned and headed back toward the forest.

“Not even close to finished,” Jarom admitted, gazing at her with heat in his blue eyes. “Any desire to punch me?”

“Honestly?” She bit her lip. “None.”

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