Page 138 of The Warrior
His face lit up and we laughed together when he visibly released a deep breath. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes. I love you, Magni,” I repeated with a rush of relief that the words were finally out.
“Even though I’m a jealous lunatic?”
I tilted my head, still grinning. “I never thought you would admit it.”
He nuzzled against my neck and buried his hands in my hair. “Shit, I missed you.”
“I missed you too, but you really shouldn’t have knocked out Solo.”
“I would knock out anyone who came between me and you.” Magni leaned down to kiss me.
I placed a hand over his mouth. “No. If we start kissing, we’ll be having sex in a second, and what we need to do is talk about our relationship.”
I expected Magni to roll his eyes, but he nodded and sat down on the bed and listened.
“Things are changing fast in the Northlands, and I want to be part of that. I’m working with Pearl on building more experimental schools, and the first couples will be matched soon. I like that Pearl involves me and listens to my ideas.”
“I understand.”
I stood for a second, waiting for him to object to what I had just said. When he didn’t, I walked over to stand between his legs, gently touching his hair. “I know it’s hard for you to not be in control all the time, but I would never do anything stupid or reckless.”
He looked up at me. “Like fighting a large Huntsman?”
“Khan told you?”
“Yes. What were you thinking, Laura?”
“Khan shouldn’t have mentioned that.”
“I’m glad he did. Khan said he was terrified that they’d shoot you.” Magni closed his eyes and looked like he was trying to keep his emotions under control. “The thought alone makes me want to scream.”
“Nothing happened.” I slid down on his lap and placed my arms around his neck.
Magni leaned his forehead against my hair and held onto me. “I could have lost you, Laura.”
“You didn’t,” I whispered. “I’m right here.”
Looking deep into my eyes he repeated my new favorite words. “I love you so much.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
“Because I’m a proud fool.”
“What happened to you in Alaska? The Magni I know would never admit that.”
“Nothing happened, and that was the problem. I had too much fucking time to think.”
“And you concluded that you’re a proud fool?”
“Yes.”
I smiled and kissed him. “I could have saved you the trip and told you that.”
He squeezed me tighter. “It was one of those things I had to discover for myself.”
I kissed him again.
