Page 38 of Saved By the Headless Horseman
“Why, Krane, are you saying you love me?”
Biting my lip for dramatic effect, Krane chuckles, pulling me closer.
“You know I do.I love you more than anything.”
“I feel the same.”
Wrapping his arms around me, sleep beckons.His familiar heartbeat pounds against my ear in the most perfect lullaby.Killing Bram had been easy.For some reason, I can’t shake the feeling that my father will put up more of a fight.We will have to be smart to subdue him—it will take both of us.
As long as we have each other, everything will work out as it’s supposed to.I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.
18
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN
The sunlight makes her naked skin glow.
In sleep, she looks more like an angel than usual.Her pale lashes fan over her pink cheeks.The meals he’s given her have restored her body’s softness.He is no longer able to count her ribs—the fullness to her breast and backside makes his mouth water.It was always his dream to see her grow even more, rounder with his child.
It had been a dangerous dream for so many years, and now it feels tangible.Even if he has no idea what a child between them would look like in this new form.
He’s getting ahead of himself.He needs to enjoy every moment, not become lost to his greedy desires.
As he looks at her, he realizes just how much he’s longed for her.In those dark moments, it was her voice, her face, that called out to him.They strengthened him enough to push through the pain—encouraged him to find her.He thought it was because she was guilty, but that had not been the truth.
He meant what he said.He should’ve sought her out the moment he was able.Explained to her what happened, and they could’ve spent the last month together, freely.Instead, he had been warped by anger and the need for revenge.There were still those who needed to pay for his death, but the idea of revenge held less appeal.
Scarlett was his.She was the only thing he ever truly needed.The need for revenge seems so childish compared to their future together.Still, he will breathe easier knowing those who wronged them both are gone from this world.
He will do anything to keep her safe.She has shouldered enough misery for both of them, and that is why he will not allow her to accompany him tonight.The death of her father will not be put upon her shoulders.She may hate the man as much as he does, but that burden may be too great for her to bear.She has suffered enough.
The Headless Horseman will keep her safe even from her own anger.Earl Richard is no fool.Word will have spread of both Bram and the duke’s murders, and he will be awaiting him.He will not bring her into that lurking danger.He’ll distract her before he slips away.
This ends tonight.
Scarlett stirs against his side.Blinking sleepy blue eyes open at him, he tucks a piece of hair behind her ear.Rose water coats his tongue, accompanying her sweetness that still lingers from the night before.Her smile is serene, making his reanimated heart pump unevenly.
“Good morning,” she yawns, stretching out atop the bed.
The sheets slip down her naked body, and she makes no move to cover herself.Her pink nipples harden under his hot stare.His release still coats her thighs.No doubt she’ll be sore today after the number of times he took her last night.He couldn’t get enough of her—his desire for Scarlett is unending.
“Breakfast?”she asks, her stomach grumbling.
With a sharp nod, he rises from the bed naked.He makes quick work of wrapping her in a blanket before taking her down the hallway.He settles in his same chair from the night before and balances a sleepy Scarlett on his lap.With a wave of his hand, a breakfast feast is revealed.Scarlett gasps, her eyes going wide in delight.
She leans against him while she eats bits of everything, even taking a few pieces from his hand.His fingers dance along her full lower lip, but he does not push until he’s certain she’s eaten enough.However, he can only help himself for so long.
The blanket slips from her shoulder and bares her breast.Without hesitation, he palms it gently, working her hard nipple—Scarlett moans before playfully smacking at his chest.
“Quit pawing at me while I’m trying to eat.”
A laugh booms from deep within him.
“You’re moody in the morning.”
“I’m ravenous,” she says.“A beast ravaged me all night long.I have to keep my strength up in the hopes that he takes me this morning.”
Her proud expression sets his blood on fire.His fingers lock around her nipple, gently tugging the stiff peak.
