Page 5 of Montana Silence

He smiled. “Good. I’m glad.”

The air between us went tight, and it was too dark now for me to think my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. Liam’s eyes hadn’t dropped to my lips before looking back at me. I wasn’t imagining what it would feel like if he closed that distance. And certainly, the only reason we were still in each other’s arms was because he wanted to make sure I was okay.

“Do you think you’re okay to go back to the party?”

I pressed my lips together and nodded.

He smiled, and what I could see of it in the darkness made my stomach swoop. “In that case, would you dance with me?”

I nodded before he fully finished the question, though I missed the warmth and strength of his arms as he released me. But he took my hand in his, led me back into the tent, and straight to the dance floor.

Chapter2

Liam Anderson

God,I was so relieved she said yes.

I led Mara onto the dance floor, doubly relieved that the music had slowed in tempo as the evening progressed.

It wasn’tonlybecause I’d been attracted to Mara for a long time and having her in my arms was a fucking dream come true. It was because of the look on her face.

When she’d run out of the tent, she looked like she was panicking, and I knew all too well what that was like. But when I reached her? It was so much more than that. It was terror. Pure, distilled terror, and I already knew her expression was going to haunt me.

Plenty of things had happened here over the last few years, but this year had been nice and quiet so far. From what I could see, there was no external reason for Mara to be afraid. Every time I’d seen her the last few months, she’d been happy and ready with a smile. Until tonight.

Whatever spooked her came from her own mind, and god, I wished I could take it from her. I didn’t want her to be afraid.

Bringing her around to face me, I pulled her closer and wrapped an arm around her waist again. I liked her this close to me, and Ilovedbeing able to see her clearly now.

She’d woven her long hair into a crown on the top of her head, and I wanted to unpin it, solely for the purpose of running my hands through it.

Looking down at her hand in mine, I was able to see the tattoos there. They were always a curiosity to me since Mara didn’t seem like the kind of woman to get tattoos. And yet, she had several.

A bouquet of watercolor flowers on her hand, along with delicate decorations on her fingers. She also had a tattoo on her back, feathers peeking out of her dress. I’d seen it before as she worked on the ranch. I’d never asked, but my curiosity burned.

“Still doing okay?” I asked.

She nodded. Her hand held mine hard, but I didn’t care. Her breathing was easier, and she didn’t look afraid.

Daniel and Emma danced close by, Emma’s baby bump between them. He looked at me and subtly raised an eyebrow. I checked my reaction, not wanting to alert Mara to the idea that we were attracting attention.

But we were.

A quick glance around the room told me that many, many eyes were on us. Most of them were my Resting Warrior family. Only a couple of them knew what I’d been feeling for Mara, but this was the first time I’d ever shown any public interest. Of course they were going to notice.

Instead of worrying about it, I looked back at Mara. Her blue eyes were clear and fixed on mine. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking, and I wasn’t sure she would be able to tell me if I asked. However, I refused to believe it had been my imagination when we’d been outside. There was amoment, and it had taken every ounce of my willpower not to kiss her.

I still wanted to, but here and now was not the place. While she was in my arms and safe, I was happy. Because I never,neverwanted to see that look on her face again.

The song faded, and I wished I had the ability to rewind time so I didn’t have to let her go.

She still looked at me, and her voice was soft under the music. “Thank you for helping me.”

“You don’t ever have to thank me for that, Mara. I’ll help you any time you need it.”

A soft pink blush rose to her cheeks, and I drank in the color. Every detail of her was something I wanted to drink in.

“I think I’m better now, but I’m going to go home.”

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