Page 93 of The Last Kelpie

I looked up. “What?”

“This wee cottage. Me.”

I went still, thoughts spinning through my mind as I observed the anxiety in the tight lines of his face. It amazed me that this man would ever think he wouldn't be enough for anyone, much less me.

“Ethan?” He scowled. “If you need more, tell me now. I'll try to—”

“Don't be daft, you eejit,” I mimicked him.

Áedán froze. “What did you say?”

“You heard me.” I chuckled. “You think you're the lucky one? You're gorgeous, magical, and can fuck like the Devil himself. I don't care where we live as long as I get to have you. Put me in a cardboard box, and I'll be happy.”

“As long as it's my box?” He smirked.

“Yes, as long as it's your box.” I went serious. “Do I like my comforts? Yes, of course. If you got a fridge and a generator, I'd be thrilled. Hot water showers are important to me. But I won't leave if you don't. The truth is—” I bit my lip.

Frowning, Áedán took my hand. “What is it? You can tell me.”

I shrugged. “You'll figure it out soon enough anyway. I might as well tell you.”

“For fuck's sake, Ethan, what is it?”

“I'm not good enough for you. I'm like a six at best. You're a perfect ten. Or maybe an eleven.”

“What the fuck are you talking aboot?”

“On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.”

“I still dinnae ken what you're on aboot.”

“It means you're twice as hot as me, Áedán. Haven't you seen the way people look at us? They drool over you, and then they look at me as if they're wondering what kind of spell I used to catch you.”

He gaped at me.

I leaned back in my seat. “It's okay. I can deal with it. I'm just trying to tell you that you never have to worry about me not wanting you. It's the opposite.”

Áedán surged to his feet and came around the table to me. “Get up.”

“What?” I gaped at him.

“I said, get up. Now, Ethan.”

Oh, damn. I'd made him angry. Was it ending already? I always screwed up my relationships, but I'd thought that maybe this time would be different. I stood up, my heart falling as I did.

He grabbed me by my upper arms and shook me. “Are you fucking daft?! Dinnae ever say that shite to me again!”

I flopped about until he steadied me, and then just stared at him.

“Did you hear me, Ethan?”

“Give a guy a second to settle.” I held a hand to my head. “I think you gave me shaken baby syndrome.”

Áedán frowned, and then his eyes went wide. “Oh, fuck! Did I hurt you?” He cupped my cheek.

Laughing, I took his hand. “No, you reassured me. Thank you.”

He grimaced. “You shouldn't need reassurance. You're beautiful. All that golden hair. Your eyes, the color of ocean water. Slender, but plump where you need to be.” He waggled his brows. “And a nice cock too.”