Page 148 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“I did. I thought you would want to have this so when the days are hard and you can’t come and see me, you can look into my eyes on the paper,” he quietly says.

Sobbing, I press the painting against my chest and close my eyes.

“Oh, Sweets. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He pulls me into his chest.

“Happy tears,” I manage to get out.

“Happy, sad, angry. I don’t like tears either way,” he grunts out.

Chuckling, I pull away and wipe away the tears before he can. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

I look back down at the painting and let out a sigh. “I’ve been wanting to get your eyes painted for a while, but I knew no one could do it justice without seeing them in person.”

“I had a feeling, so I asked one of our artists to paint my eyes. Do you like it?” he asks.

“I love it,” I whisper. “Thank you again. I’m going to cherish this.”

I carefully place it in the pocket of my dress. Overcome with emotions, I step on my tiptoes and meet his stare. I could live forever in his eyes.

With my arms around his neck, I can feel his breath on my lips. I have dreamed about these lips against mine for so long.

This feels right. Safe.

He makes me feel safe.

Leaning in, I brush my lips over his before pushing my face closer, planting my lips on his. His grip on me tightens but Kieran’s lips don’t move, and we stare at each other awkwardly.

Am I wrong to kiss him?

As I’m about to pull away, Kieran places his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me impossibly closer to him as his lips start to move against mine. Eyes fluttering shut, we fight for dominance, but Kieran is quick to take control.

He swipes his tongue across my lips, but I pull away, taking a deep breath.

Kieran rests his forehead against mine. “Oh Sweets, there is time. No need to rush because if this continues, I don’t know if I will be able to resist claiming you fully.”

He brushes another feather light kiss on my lips, and I lower myself, landing flat on my feet.

“Wow,” I whisper and bring my fingers up to my lips.

I can still feel his lips against mine, like they never left. Giggling, I look up at Kieran with excitement.

“Absolutely amazing,” Kieran mumbles, a smile spreading across his face.

“Now you don’t have an excuse not to kiss me,” I point out smugly.

He shakes his head. “Correct. Now I don’t have to hold back,” he growls at the end.

I get all giddy again and giggle, smiling big at Kieran. Things are looking up. We are going to make it through this.

“Now you can finally tell me why you were crying the other day and absolutely terrified,” Kieran stands to his full height.

Sucking in a breath, I clasp my hands together and feel my mood drop.

“Adeline.” He cocks his head to the right. “What happened?”

“I don’t like it when you use my name. I like Sweets.” I sigh. “When you call me by my name, it makes me feel like I’m in trouble. Sweets at all times, please.”

He cracks a smile. “Good to know. I’ll try to use your name only when I am particularly cross with you. Now, tell me what happened.”