Page 30 of Her Tempting Traitor
Going to need to inhale soon.
“Thank you, Gabby.”
She sucked in a gasp.
His eyes widened, and Gabby hurried to exhale again—Good work, very casual, you definitely seem as if you have been breathing on your own for years like a big girl—and inhale again.
“For what?” she whispered, when she was fairly certain she wouldn’t choke.
“For believing in me. For believing I want what’s best for Gus.”
Well…he’d told her that, had he not, yesterday in the library? Her gaze lowered, accidentally—purely accident!—landing on his lips.
“You love him,” she whispered, the certainty warming her heart.
“Aye, but I havenae been the best at showing him. He…” Cassian’s hold on her loosened, but she found her fingers wrapping around the lapel on his jacket, unwilling to let him go even when he blew out a breath and looked away. “He doesnae ken it.”
“I think, if you assured him you were not going to take him away from the only home he truly remembers, he would understand the truth.”
Cassian’s eyes closed briefly. “Aye, ye’re right. I’ve been so focused on…onpushing, I suppose. Pushing myself to heal, pushing our future, pushing forward. I thought I kenned what was best for both of us.”
Remembering Gus’s story of how this man had rescued a dog no one else had wanted, had seen the value in thecreature, Gabby tugged his lapel until he turned to stare down at her.
“You love him, so you want the best for him. But he is already halfway to adulthood, and likely has his own opinions about what is best. You could speak with him about it. Explain that you are concerned with his safety and future.”
Slowly, one side of Cassian’s tempting lips curled. “Ye’re verra smart when it comes to bairns. Ye’re certain ye have nae children of yer own?”
Flushing at the compliment, Gabby’s gaze dropped to his lips once more. “I do not, but I do have twin cousins who are fifteen years younger than me.Us.We helped raise them.” How much of her history had Cassian overheard? “And I realized that raising children is really a bit like taking care of animals—they need food and shelter, but to thrive, they require affection.”
He hadn’t moved. “Aye,” he rasped. “Gus has been lucky to have gotten it from his mother and her uncle and aunt.”
Gabby’s gaze flicked back up in surprise. “And from you.”
His head shake was almost imperceptible, as if he didn’t want to—couldn’t—drop her gaze. “I havenae been around enough to prove that. Not to him.” A deep breath, deep enough that Gabby felt her nipples pebble in response to the way his chest pressed against hers. “I want to, though.”
Unconsciously, her tongue flicked out against her lower lip. “I want that too,” she whispered.
Cassian breathed, “What do ye want, Gabby?”
What were they talking about? Her gaze dropped back to his lips. “Kiss me,” she murmured.
With a low growl, Cassian obediently complied.
His hold on her tightened and his lips lowered to hers.
Gabby's heart threatened to pound free from her chest—could he feel it?—as his mouth brushed against hers. The first touch was gentle, almost hesitant, but it sent a jolt of electricity through her. Amazing how his lips could be so soft, but still so firm. He tasted of tea and mint and…more.
Stop being so analytical and enjoy your first kiss, you ninny!
Gabby had never known kissing could be like this; such intensity and focus…but somehow not frantic.
Not hurried.
Luxuriating.
His free hand cupped the back of her head, fingers threading into her bun, holding her in place. It was a dominant gesture, yet not forceful. Instead it felt protective, as if he were cradling something precious. Gabby melted into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed as she let herself be led by his undoubted experience.
Cassian deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips, coaxing her to open for him. She complied with a soft sigh, her hands clutching at his jacket for support as her knees weakened.
