Page 29 of Unrequited
He protected me.
I battle myself inside. My feelings. My logic.
“I’ll get us some grub.”
I smile. “Seamus,” I say, trying it out.
His eyes darken, his lids heavy. He steps back toward me. His pale-blue shirt stretches tight across his chest, making his eyes glow even brighter. Low-slung jeans. Heavy boots. A casual masterpiece.
Mine.
“Say that again,” he growls. “I love my name on your lips. Say it again, lass.”
It’s both a plea and a command. I’m powerless to disobey.
He crouches down again, both knees to the floor, and takes my hand gently in his.
“Say my name again, Zoya.”
So I do. I cup his cheek, my thumb brushing under his eye.
“Seamus,” I whisper.
He closes his eyes, then brings my palm to his lips, kissing it softly before folding my fingers and pressing them against his chest.
“Thank you.” He exhales. “Nobody calls me that where I’m from.”
Huh. Really? “What do they call you?”
He shakes his head, a sadness lingering in his eyes. “Not today, Zoya. We’ve already broken too many rules.”
He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close. I rest my head on his shoulder and breathe him in. He smells so damn good. Feels even better.
I feel safe.
And yet… there’s that voice in my head again, whispering warnings.
Reminding me that nothing this perfect lasts.
“The best thing after a night like this is rest. Food. Hydration. A warm bed. Come on, sweet angel,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek. “Now, what can I get you for dinner?”
“I’m not really hungry anymore,” I admit.
He shakes his head. “Eh, no. That’s not an option, lass. I asked you what you want. I expect an answer.” He quirks a brow, all command, and heat rushes through me. “Do you understand me?”
“Yes, sir.”
It slips out before I can stop it. Something instinctual. And I love the flash of approval in his eyes.
“You can saythatagain too,” he says with a crooked smirk.
I shrug. “My brothers raised me to be polite.”
“Good girl,” he praises. “Such a good girl.”
I rest my hand on his shoulder, feeling the solid heat of him. His arms are steel, sculpted. I swallow.
“I don’t know if we’ll ever have a night like this again,” I whisper. “Seamus… what do you want most?”
