"Ye willnae," Leah answered for him as he stared into the barrel, his fingers brushing against hers as he reached for an apple. The old vendor, noticing their interest, looked up, his expression softening slightly. "Ye’re game, are ye?"
"I suppose it's about time someone around here shows ye how it is done," Killian said.
"Let's make it a bit interestin' what do ye say?" Leah asked as she leaned back. Intrigued, Killian tilted his head and waited for her to continue. "If I bite the apple first, ye have to buy anythin' I want from the fair."
"And if I win?" Killian asked as his eyes lingered over her body. How lovely she had looked sprawled out before him on the bed, her legs opened to him as her body craved every little nibble and caress he offered.
"What is it ye want?" she asked, the message in her eyes making it very clear what she was implying. Leah's playful smirk taunted Killian. How easy it was for him to envision Leah in his bed, eager and yearning to have him once more. He looked at the barrel and the apples floating within the waters.
"Ye."
"A kiss," Leah countered as the blush on her cheeks darkened.
"Ye asked me what it was I want," Killian said as he leaned closer and dropped his tone to no higher than a whisper. "I want ye tied to the bed. I want to do things to ye that ye'd think me a monster for wantin' to do."
Killian watched as Leah's eyes widened with shock and her chest began to rise and fall quicker than before. Watching her reaction was more than enough of a reward.
"A kiss then."
"And only a kiss," Leah said.
"Then on the count of three?" Killian asked.
"One…two… three…"
Leah and Killian exchanged glances, and then, with a shared grin, they plunged their faces into the water, the apples bobbing and splashing around them. Killian chomped into the apple and pulled it out as Leah shook her head.
"Too late," she squealed with delight as she chewed the bit she had chomped off. "I won."
"Aye, so ye have," Killian said with a hearty chuckle as he wiped the excess water from his face. Pride beamed from Leah as she stared at him.
Leah's eyes sparkled with amusement and pride, and as Killian's gaze lingered on her, his heart raced with anticipation. "What is it ye want, lass?"
"I daenae ken, yet," she answered, her voice tantalizing as she rose to her feet, taking her apple with her as she strolled to the next stall. As they walked, Killian's senses came alive. The smell of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with laughter and music. The stalls were a riot of color and sound, with merchants calling out their wares and enticing passersby with their goods.
Leah led him to a stall filled with glittering trinkets and baubles, the vendor's eyes gleaming with excitement as he greeted her. "Ah, welcome, what can I get for ye?"
Leah's eyes sparkled with mischief as she scanned the stall, her fingers trailing over the goods on display. Killian watched her like a hawk. He found it fascinating watching her browse through the goods of the vendors. It gave him insight as to what her interests were and what things she liked. But it was more than just getting to know more about her; it was as if he'd been doing this with her their whole lives. How easy it was for him to see her in his future when she fit so comfortably in his present.
"I think I'll take this," she said, her voice husky, pulling Killian from his thoughts. He watched as she picked up a small, delicate locket and let it dangle and spin in the light of the midday sun.
Killian's heart skipped a beat as he watched her, his mind racing with possibilities. What did she want with the locket? And what did it have to do with him? He leaned in, his voice low and urgent.
"Ye sure this is what ye want?" Killian asked as Leah brought the locket to the vendor.
"Aye, it's what I want. It's perfect to help me remember our day," she answered as Killian pulled a coin from his sporran. Seeing Leah light up sparked something within him. It pleased him to please her.
"Well? What do ye think? Do ye like it?" Leah asked as Killian fastened it around her neck.
"Aye, tis lovely it is," Killian answered. "Just like ye."
"Killian," Leah said as she tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
"What? It's true and ye should ken it. Ye are lovely, Leah," Killian whispered as he found himself drawn to her. Everything about her was created to ensnare him, from the color of her hair to the floral scent that followed her every step.
"Killian," Leah gasped as Killian's lips crushed against hers. His arms snaked around her waist and drew her to him. The world slipped away as he held her in his embrace.
18
