Erik gave her a long, hard look before a smile crossed his handsome features. “Aye, lass,” he said softly. “It might be just that.”
Her heart swelled at his praise. “Can ye do something like that tae her?”
Surprise filtered in his expression. “Like wot?”
She really didn’t want to have this conversation with Erik, but Finley needed to ensure that he could follow through in Isabel’s presence.
“Isabel.”
Erik blew out a breath, looking perturbed. “I told yer aunt, I am not in love with her any longer.”
Finley skirted around the table to stand before him. “But can ye do it, Erik?” she repeated. “This is yer life on the line, not hers.”
“I know that!” he exploded, raking a hand through his hair. “I know that.” His gaze softened, and he reached, the back of his hand barely brushing her cheek. “I wish I would have never met her.”
The words broke Finley’s heart. “Nay,” she said, capturing his hand and clasping it to her chest. “If ye hadnae, then ye may never have become a warrior.”
“That is true,” he admitted, his hand curling around hers.
Finley could feel the weight of it against her chest, and she wanted to feel his entire body pressed up against her instead, biting her tongue so that she wouldn’t say her wishes aloud. She had sworn off putting herself out there with Erik. He had denied her once. She wasn’t interested in that level of hurt again.
But when he stepped closer, Finley forgot to breathe.
“Why do ye care so much?” Erik asked softly, his calloused hand cupping her cheek. Finley leaned into his touch, her entire body shivering at the feel of his skin against hers. Had it really only been a few hours that they were kissing in the shadows of the keep?
“I dinnae know,” she answered, her eyes fluttering closed. When his lips touched hers, she gasped, and he pulled away.
“I’m vera sorry,” he started as Finley’s eyes popped open. “I shouldnae.”
Finley was wary of him changing his mind, so grabbing him by the tunic, she closed the distance once more and pressed her lips to his this time, feeling his start of surprise. She didn’t want to talk.
She didn’t want to argue.
She only wanted to feel.
With a growl, he coaxed her mouth open, his arms encircling her waist and tugging her closer. Finley was lost in the sensation of the kiss, the way that his body seemed to fit against hers, and she never wished for it to end. After all, this might be the only time they had together.
She pushed at his shoulders, breaking the kiss. “I want this off,” she panted, tugging on his tunic. “I want tae see ye, please.”
Erik gave her a look but did as she asked, his bronzed form coming into view in the firelight. Finley sucked in a breath sharply as she took in the small scars all over his body, knowing that they would match quite closely with some of hers.
“Well?” he asked, his fingers biting into her hips. “Wot next, lass?”
Finley flushed, not sure what to do with her hands now that he was bare-chested. “I, I dinnae know.”
He grinned. “I can think of a thing or two.”
