Page 95 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
Mabel lifted her brows at her with a smirk. Finn nudged William. Even Myles gave a low whistle.
But Rhys didn’t care. He was looking at her like she was the only thing in the room worth watching.
And Amara found that she also didn’t care.
The corridor outside the great hall was quieter than it should’ve been and her mind went wild with the decision she was going to have to tell him.
I want to stay, but can I? Should I?
Their footsteps echoed against the stone, in sync and steady, but too careful.
What about me faither?
She should have said something. Should have told him what she’s wrestling with.
What about Rhys?
And the truth sat on the edge of her tongue like a stone.What about me?
Amara took a shaky breath. The realization of finally asking herself the right question made her decision all too clear.
“Rhys… I’ve made me decision.” Her voice came out firm and with a confidence that she hadn’t known was in her.
He stopped, and she turned to face him fully. She didn’t realize her back was already against her door.
“I was goin' to wait,” she added. “But it dinnae feel right.”
His throat bobbed, and his gaze flicked to her lips. “Daenae.”
She looked like sin wrapped in silk. Her day dress hugging the curve of her waist, cheeks still pink from the firelight and laughter. The afternoon sun through the windows gilded her hair in gold.
He wanted her.
But more than that, he wanted to understand her.
He watched as her fingers brushing the latch.
“Rhys…”
He looked at her, heartbeat thrumming like a drum in his throat.
Her fingers wrapping around the iron made his shoulders feel suddenly taught, and he stretched his neck from either side to release the tension in the heavy silence between them.
“I want…”
“Amara, daenae —”
“Rhys, I need to tell ye.”
“Amara,” he said, taking a warning step toward her.
He couldn’t hear it.
“I want to stay—”
He couldn’t bear to hear the inevitable rest.
His restraint snapped and he leaned in and kissed her.
