After replenishing our supplies and filling our saddlebags with food, we stepped outside, where the groomsmen held our horses.
Olivia and Emily joined us, their expressions unreadable as the winter wind curled around us.
Finally, reluctantly, Olivia moved to stand before me. The air between us felt charged, heavy with unspoken words. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, everything else faded—the cold, the journey ahead, even the people watching.
Without hesitation, I cupped her face and pressed my lips to hers.
The kiss started tender, our mouths exploring and savoring. Then, with a hunger neither of us could contain, it deepened. Our tongues met, tangling in a fiery rhythm. Her fingers threaded through my hair, tugging just enough to send a low growl rumbling from my throat.
The world around us ceased to exist. There was only her.
When we finally pulled away, breathless, I rested my forehead against hers, our gazes locked in an unbreakable promise.
“This kiss is my vow,” I whispered, my breath warm against her lips. “I will return to you.”
She swallowed hard, then gave the slightest nod. “Okay. I believe you.”
My brother interrupted our moment.
“Hello?” Marcellious called. “Is there a man named Roman about? Tell him we need to leave.”
I shot him a glare that could have leveled mountains. One day, I would strangle my brother.
But as much as I didn’t want to leave Olivia, we had no choice. We had to find the dagger.
I leaned in, my voice low. “If I could take you with me, I would. But we can’t risk anything happening to you or the baby.”
“I know,” she murmured, her expression resigned.
I exhaled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. “I know you’re strong. I know you could help us in the cavern. But this isn’t just about us anymore. We’re protecting our family.”
She gripped the lapels of my coat, holding on as if to keep me tethered just a little longer. Then, with a heavy sigh, she nodded.
“I know that too,” she admitted. “That doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck.”
A small, bittersweet smile crossed her lips.
I gave Olivia one last kiss before pulling away and mounting my horse.
Across from me, Marcellious stood with Emily, their hands clasped between them.
“You take care of my boy, you hear?” Marcellious said.
Emily arched a brow, smirking. “And how do you know it’s not a girl?”
“I just know,” he said with certainty. “I have a boy’s name all picked out.”
“Well, I have a girl’s name ready,” Emily countered, swaying playfully. “Guess we’ll just have to see who’s right.”
Marcellious chuckled. “Oh, we will. And I’ll win.”
His teasing faded into something more serious as he embraced Emily tightly.
“I’ll miss you,” she murmured, her voice catching.
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. “I’ll miss you too,” he said softly.
Their lips met in a brief yet fervent kiss. When they finally parted, they lingered as if memorizing each other’s faces one last time.
