His fingers dug into her sides, keeping her in place as she straddled him. “I’m fine. You knocked the wind out of me, that’s all.” His lips hooked up in a smile. “It’s not the first time you’ve left me breathless.”
She snorted a weak laugh, though the way he was looking at her—and the feelings swirling inside him—made her blush. “Careful, General. You have a fearsome reputation to uphold.”
“Maybe I’m not worried about my reputation.” His thumbs traced against the smooth material of her dress, and her belly dipped in response.
Following her instincts—and responding to the desire she felt in him—Amryn leaned down and brushed her lips over his.
It was a tentative kiss, but it felt bold. She rarely took the initiative in this area. But even though her mouth was soft against his, the kiss felt no less powerful than any other they’d shared.
She felt his spike of elation, tinged with the barest hint of surprise. But when she drew back, he was frowning.
Her heart clenched. “What?”
Eyes serious, he said, “Promise me you won’t ever disarm anyone else like that.”
A breathless laugh escaped her, pleasure rushing through her. “I promise.”
Lying in the grass, he stared up at her. His blue eyes were alight, awe filling him. He lifted a hand, his fingertips tracing her lips. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
The depth of meaning he placed in those simple words left her speechless.
His focus lowered as he gently palmed the side of her neck. Right over the scar left by the rebel’s blade. The mark might never fade completely, but it no longer caused her pain.
Her pulse raced beneath his touch.
With gentle pressure, he coaxed her mouth back to his. The heat of his lips infused her entire body, making her blood warm. This kiss was slow and deep. Unhurried and exploratory.
It was, undeniably, a brand on her soul.
Her heart was beating faster than it ever had during their training. And when his mouth slanted over hers, changing the angle of the kiss, her toes curled. Her grip on him tightened.
Emotions flared. Breaths quickened. Touches became more frenzied.
Carver’s hands shifted. His body flexed beneath her, muscles contracting as he rolled them. Now he was above her, most of his weight braced on one arm laid beside her head to keep from crushing her. His free hand cradled her cheek, his lips devouring hers.
She gripped his waist, urging him closer. Desperate for more.
A throat cleared loudly above them.
Amryn froze.
Carver tensed and looked up, but Amryn couldn’t see anything beyond his locked jaw.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Cregon said, his tone carefully measured. “But Amryn has some visitors.”
Her head was still spinning, her senses overwhelmed. But she now realized Carver’s father wasn’t alone. Two men were with him. Men she knew so well, she recognized the feel of their emotions instantly.
Carver moved, shifting off her and drawing her to her feet in one lithe motion.
Cheeks flaming, Amryn twisted to face the three men who watched them with varying expressions.
Cregon’s was aimed at Carver and lightly censuring.
Torin’s face registered shock.
Rix looked torn between fury and disgust.
Amryn’s stomach knotted.
