His posture changed then, tension tightening his shoulders. “Why are ye so afraid?” he demanded.
Her mouth opened. Closed.
He stepped forward, voice lowering. “Tell me.”
“Ye wouldnae understand,” she said quietly.
“Then make me understand,” he growled.
The sound of it rippled through her.
“Because if something happens to ye… young Jamie loses more than just protection and safety.”
He remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
Iona steeled herself with a deep inhale before saying what was already assumed and probably accepted, but not yet voiced tothe only other person who mattered, “Because if something happens to ye… young Jamie loses his father.”
Then, without her own permission, her gaze dropped to his mouth.
She hated that it happened. Hated how memory slid beneath her skin like warmth after cold rain. The shape of his lips had not changed. Still firm. Still infuriatingly familiar.
He stepped closer again, not touching, but near enough that she felt the warmth of him in the small room.
The air was heavy.
She realized suddenly how long it had been since anyone had stood this close without threat.
“Do ye trust me?” he asked quietly.
The question landed heavier than any command.
She opened her mouth to reply, then closed it. “I –”
His gaze flicked to her mouth now. “That wasnae an answer.”
The world narrowed.
She finally whispered, “I want to.”
That honesty hung between them, fragile and dangerous.
She could feel his breath against her cheek. The faint scent of leather and smoke clung to him. Her pulse climbed, loud enough she wondered if he heard it.
He did not move first.
She did.
It was barely a shift. A breath closer.
His restraint broke.
His hand came to her waist, firm but careful, drawing her into him as his mouth found hers.
The kiss hit like a storm long delayed.
Warm. Certain. Nothing hesitant about it.
Her hands slid up his chest, fingers curling against the fabric of his tunic as if she needed proof he was real. He angled his head, deepening the kiss slowly, deliberately, as though savoring something he had been denied too long.