Page 36 of The Irresistible Warrior
“We’ll see about that,” he said, his passion pulsating madly as he scooped her up in his arms and headed for the bed.
He wasn’t far from it when he felt his foot snag on something, and he lurched forward. He had just enough time to toss Aura onto the bed before he collapsed face down on the wood floor.
CHAPTER 16
Aura scrambled off the bed and dropped to her knees beside him. “Declan!”
He rolled to his back with a groan, rubbing at his brow. “I’m fine,” he said, though the words came out more defensive than reassuring.
“You are not fine,” she countered, her hands skimming over him as if to assure herself nothing was broken. “Four times since the woods, and now this? What if the curse has somehow reversed itself? Or—” her voice lowered, “—what if the witch did something to you at the ring of stones?”
He caught her wrists gently, stilling her fussing. “I feel well. No pain. No dizziness. Only an ache where my pride fell.” His lips quirked faintly, trying to coax a smile from her.
But Aura’s worry would not be charmed away. “You don’t understand. It isn’t only your pride that concerns me. It’s the fallout from a witch meddling in your life.”
He sat up, the firelight casting shadows over the strong lines of his face. “If she meant to harm me, surely she would have done so by now.”
Her chin lifted. “You have no way of knowing that. Which is why you are going to rest, and I am going to my cottage. I’ll workon a talisman for you, and I have a potion I’ve been meaning to try—something that might offer protection. Along with that hag stone, you should be well guarded.”
He reached to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his thumb brushing her cheek. “And if I say it’s unnecessary?”
“Then I’ll say I am your wife, and it is my place to guard you as fiercely as you guard me.”
His eyes softened with pride and affection. “You’d battle the devil himself for me, wouldn’t you?”
“Without hesitation,” she said like a fearless warrior.
Declan smiled, though there was a speck of unease behind it. “Very well. Make your talisman. Brew your potion. But know this—whatever comes, nothing will take me from your side.”
Aura leaned forward, pressing her forehead to his. “And nothing will take you from mine.”
Aura lefthim resting and made her way to her cottage, the narrow path familiar beneath her feet yet offering no comfort. Worry stalked her every step, clinging like a shadow she could not shake. She had only just found love—true, fierce, life-changing love—and already the threat of losing it gnawed at her.
She thought of Declan’s laughter, his touch, the way his gaze found hers across any room, and the ache in her chest tightened. She was at a loss to help him, and that helplessness cut deep.
Her hands clenched in her cloak as she stepped inside the cottage. The quiet greeted her, yet it felt heavy. She looked toward the shelf where her herbs, stones, and charms lay. A talisman might give him some protection, but she feared it would not be enough.
She hung her cloak on the peg, her mind circling back to the same truth she didn’t want to face. The witch might be their only answer.
She sat on the bed staring at nothing as worry pressed in.
The door opened without warning. Declan stepped inside, his smile warm, his eyes fixed on her. “I missed you. Couldn’t stay away.”
He crossed the room toward her, when he suddenly lurched forward.
Aura gasped, half-rising, but he caught himself just enough to land over her on the bed, his weight braced on his arms. His mouth curved in a wicked grin. “Seems I’ve fallen for you again.”
Her protest melted under the heat in his gaze, and in the next breath, his lips claimed hers?—
His kiss as usual was magical. It swept her up in, sparked her passion, and embraced her in the warmth of his love. But before she got completely swept away, she reluctantly moved her lips off his and hurried to say, “You need to rest.”
Declan lifted his head, along with his brow. “Tell me you don’t want to make love with me, and need I remind you of our promise to always be truthful with each other?”
Aura groaned softly. “That’s not fair.”
“Nothing is fair when it comes to love,” he said with a chuckle and lowered his head to nibble kisses along her neck.
That did it for her, gooseflesh ran over her and passion ignited like a flame to dry timber. This was not the time, nor place, for shedding their garments or lingering in pleasure. Besides, her husband could spark her passion with a single look or simple touch. Even a word of love ignited her desire for him.
