Her father and brother headed for the door, but then her father lingered in the doorway. “I am not closing the door.”
Keira nodded, watching them leave. Then, she turned to Raphael, letting her confusion show. “Why are you here, Raphael? I thought you made everything clear the night you saved me.”
“Nae.” Raphael shook his head, approaching her. She thought he would take her by the hand, but he didn’t, almost as if he was afraid that she might wince and pull away from him. “I lied, Keira. I had to. It was the only way to keep ye safe.”
“Keep me safe? Is marrying another man safe enough for you?” she said with a pained expression.
A flash of anger and hurt flashed in Raphael’s eyes, but he recollected himself quickly. “Keira, please, listen to me. I wouldnae be able to live with meself if something happened to ye because of me. I am nae proud of me past as a pirate. I did things I dinnae like to talk about. I created enemies that I fear might be breathin’ down me neck for the rest of me days. People I’ve cared for have been hurt in the past because of me. Of who I was. I couldnae let the same happen to ye. Not ye, Keira.” He let out a sigh and stepped closer to her, slowly, carefully. As if he feared she might vanish.
Keira listened intently, incredulous at what she was hearing. Was it possible? Or was she only dreaming?
“But the truth is, I’m a selfish bastard.” He gave a bitter smile. “I ken marrying Edward might be better for ye, but… Keira, I’ve wanted ye from the moment I laid me eyes on ye. Ye need to know this before ye decide. I love ye. Every moment we’ve spent apart broke me heart, dirty as it may be. Because no matter what I did or why I did it, I’d lost ye anyway. To live without ye was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. I just… I dinnae want to be without ye anymore. I cannae.”
Keira blinked, trying to process everything that was happening. Raphael was here. He wanted her. Helovedher. The weight of his words hung in the air, a testament to the depth of his feelings. Keira’s heart soared with both relief and elation as she heard the words she had so longed to hear.
But what if he decides he doesn’t want you again?
“I love you, too, Raphael. But…” She turned his back to him. “I don’t know what you’re asking me. What if another enemy shows up in a month or a year? Would you send me away again? My heart can’t take it, Raphael.”
She felt him approach, and he gently touched her arm and turned her around. He was close now, too close, and Keira didn’t want to think anymore. She wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss him like she had always wanted to. But she needed this reassurance.
“Keira, please,” Raphael said with a pained expression. “I vow to protect ye, always. But I want ye at me side. Ineedye at me side. We would never be apart again. Unless ye get sick of me, which I really hope ye won’t.”
He held his breath as he softly stroked her cheek. Keira leaned into his touch. God she had missed his warmth.
“Be me wife, Keira. If ye can forgive me, I promise to make ye happy. At least, I’ll try.” The way he was looking at her was enough reassurance. “I cannae imagine a life without ye.” His thumb softly traced her lips. “Will ye do me the honor of becomin’ me wife? Will ye marry me and share yer life with me… there, in the middle of nowhere?”
She locked eyes with him, and they both smiled.
“I thought you would never ask,” she whispered, and then his lips pressed gently to hers. “I love you, Raphael. I always have. I can’t imagine my life without you either. Or rather I can, and it seems terrible,” she added when he pulled away.
Raphael laughed, relieved, and he pulled her close in a hug that mended all the broken pieces of her heart. But it was not hers anymore, she’d already given it to him, and he could do whatever he wanted with it.
“And I love ye.” Raphael smiled warmly and kissed her again, in a promise of a love that would last forever.
EPILOGUE
Raphael’s heart was brimming with joy as he looked out over the grand hall, which had been transformed into a spectacular celebration of his marriage to Keira. The cèilidh was in full swing, and the room was alive with the vibrant energy of the festivities. He stood with Keira, his new bride, and felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment.
The hall was adorned with opulent decorations, tapestries, and flowers that cast a tapestry of colors and fragrances. The shimmering candlelight bathed the room in a warm, romantic glow, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. Laughter and merriment were in abundance as friends and family celebrated the union of two souls. The clinking of glasses and the cheers of well-wishers filled the room, creating a symphony of happiness and love.
Raphael turned to Keira, whispering, “May I have this dance, me love?”
She turned to him, her eyes sparkling like two diamonds in the night. “This and every other for the rest of our lives,” she said lovingly.
Since they had come back a few days ago, Raphael had taken to seducing Keira all over again. But he still hadn’t made love to her. He wanted to do that as a married couple, for her to have absolutely no doubts about him.
As they took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple, Keira was all he could see. He’d finally claim her as his, and the part of him that was less than a gentleman was already conjuring up erotic images. As they swayed together, their eyes locked in a loving gaze, it felt as though the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them and the promise of a future filled with love and happiness.
They danced as if their bodies had been made just for each other, their steps synchronized, their hearts beating in unison. For that was what they were—two bodies, one soul, one heart. With the music enveloping them, they moved in a graceful, intimate embrace.
Their smiles were radiant, their eyes locked, and their voices hushed as they spoke to each other, their words a private symphony of love and devotion.
“I’d never imagined we’d be here,” he heard her whisper, her voice filled with tenderness.
The memory of everything that had happened flashed before his mind’s eye. He remembered how she had asked him for that kiss, how he had persuaded her to come to his castle. They had had one plan, but fate had had another.
“Nor did I, but I wouldnae have it any other way,” he replied, his gaze unwavering. “I love ye so much, Keira.”
