We grinned at each other before Rowan’s smile faded. “He will hold a grudge, Evie. For all of this.”
I looked down at my clasped fingers. “I know. He hasn’t declared war yet, so that’s a plus.”
Rowan snorted. “He won’t declare war while you live on my lands. He comes here to take you home.” He eyed me. “If you still consider Joy Springs your home.”
Rowan poured us both a glass of wine, laughing when I sighed and took it. “I have some special drops in the kitchen. Remind me and I’ll give you some before you go to bed. They’ll stop a hangover in its tracks.”
I perked up. “Did Mom give them to you?”
He winked. “I’ll never reveal my sources.”
I studied him, the booze loosening my tongue. “You have a way with people, Rowan. You lead with hope, not fear. Your people look at you with kinship. It’s admirable.”
Rowan swallowed, his hazel eyes sparking a vivid green in the low candlelight. “I don’t know how to lead any other way. Instilling fear in someone is not the way to win their loyalty.”
“Caelan’s people do not fear him. Not exactly. He has never responded with violence to anyone I’ve ever seen.”
Rowan’s eyes flashed and his knuckles tightened around his glass. “Caelan is many things,” he said, which was no response at all.
I leaned forward. “What are you not saying?”
My fingers itched to reach out and trace the firm line of his jaw, brush his hair away from his face. I clenched my hand into a fist, but Rowan…he noticed.
He leaned closer and took my hand, gently opening my fist. He traced a symbol on my palm and pressed my hand to his stubbled cheek. “Touch me whenever you like, Evie.”
His eyes closed as my thumb rubbed over his cheek, tracing down to his full lips.
“What is happening between us?” I whispered.
Rowan leaned closer, brushing his lips over mine. His touch sent fire skittering down my nerves. He reached down and jerked my chair toward him, gripping me by the waist andhauling me into his lap. One hand slid through my hair, tugging my head back to grant him easier access to my lips. The kiss deepened, his tongue sliding in my mouth.
A low moan escaped me, Rowan’s grip tightening in my hair.
I pressed my palms against his muscled chest, fingers gripping his sweater. “There’s something between us,” I said against his lips. “Something different.”
He stood, gripping me around the hips. I laced my arms around his neck and wrapped my legs around his waist. Rowan kissed me senseless once more, his lips trailing down my throat, leaving a searing trail of heat down my skin.
“You’re right,” he said, holding me tight against him. His head rested against my collarbone. “I’d like to show you something.”
I ran my fingers through his hair, tracing the lines of his beautiful face. “I didn’t realize this when I first met you, but you are beautiful, Rowan. Inside and out.”
I felt him smile against my skin. “Prettier than the little wolf Lord?”
I laughed, glad we could joke about him, at least a little. “Less scary for sure.”
He still held me, his grip warm and firm. “You were surrounded by enemies on all sides. A friendly face was warranted.”
I laid my cheek against his hair. “If I haven’t said it yet, thank you for everything you’ve done.”
His arms tightened. “You never need to thank me.”
I let Rowan carry me through his lands, enjoying the feeling of safety and security. He stopped several minutes later, gently setting me down next to a large oak tree and a small pond.
He tugged me to the ground, and we sat facing each other.
I looked around, realizing I’d never been here before. I’d walked a lot of his land, but 1,500 acres was too far forone person to explore in a short period of time. Moonlight shimmered on the water, the only sound a soft breeze rustling the branches.
I broke the silence. “You’re making me nervous.”
