Page 43 of The Guardian's Promise

“And have you seen many men such as I?” Jesse smiled, crossed his arms over his chest and inhaled, causing his tunic to stretch tight over the steely strength.

“Ari’s arms are much bigger than yours,” Joash said with a twinkle in his eye, leaving Ari speechless. He had rarely seen the boy tease. It was good to see him do so.

“I think not,” Jesse argued lightheartedly.

“I do believe there is only one way to settle the matter,” Ari’s mother chimed in.

Ari rolled his eyes knowing exactly what would follow. “But, Mother, I did not argue the point,” he added.

“No matter, my well-muscled sons. We need some entertainment.” She laughed. “After we break bread you will wrestle. We need to show Sh’mira and Joash we do more than argue.”

“But first, with your permission, Mother, I would show Mira the view.” As much as he had missed his family and enjoyed them, he wanted to spend some time alone with her.

“Is it safe?” Ishiah asked from his corner of the cave.

“I do not know why it would not be,” Elam answered.

“It should be safe enough, Abba,” Ari added.

“Then you have my permission. She has done all I need her to.”

He handed Lydia her jar and walked toward Mira. Her eyes widened like a cornered animal and he almost retreated. But he wasn’t a warrior for nothing. He held his hand out to her. “Come, Sh’mira. I will protect you.”

Mira released a deep sigh and placed her palm in his and rose to her feet.

Chapter Eighteen

Ari took her hand and led her out into the open. The view wasn’t too unlike her home with the shadowy crags. But here, the great expanse of brine seemed to swallow them, leaving her breathless. The lapping of the waves as they crashed against the base of the mountain lulled her into a satiated peace much like when she played her music.

She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Even though it had only been a day since their flight from the spring, it had felt like an eternity. The open air, even if it was thick with heat and salt, revived her from her time inside the dank and lifeless mountain.

She jumped when Ari pulled her against him, his arms about her waist like the girdle tied around her tunic. She tensed and prepared herself for the startling contact between them.

“Relax, Sh’mira. The ledge is narrow. I do not wish you to fall.”

Glancing at her feet, she sucked in a sharp breath. The tips of her sandals were near the edge of the cliff. She scooted closer to Ari until her back met his battle-honed chest. “It is breathtaking.”

“It is unblemished perfection. And very dangerous.” He tugged her closer, encouraging her to lean against him. He buried his face into her hair and inhaled. “I wish I could stay like this for hours. I’d much prefer it over being chased by ruthless villains. I am weary of being ever watchful over my shoulder.”

Mira didn’t know what she’d expected him to say. Weary of his duty to God was not it? Perhaps, that he’d been weary of being subservient to a simple farmer. Even though she knew her father had been kind, the years as a bond servant could not have been easy, not when he loved his family as much as he did, especially since she’d been unkind to him.

If she could turn back the days...if she could stay within the strength of his arms, to feel his protective nature, to feel as if she belonged with him, but it was not meant to be. She had to consider her father and the people depending on her future husband. A man who could never be Ari, for Ari was destined to a higher calling, one that did not have room for a deformed wife.

She swiped a tear from her eye and then buried her hands into the folds of her tunic.

Ari pressed his lips to her temple. The firm pressure lingered, sending shivers over her arms. The light-headedness consuming her proved his kiss was anything but fatherly.

“Mira,” he whispered against her ear, eliciting another wave of chills. “I would like to kiss you.”

“No.” She shook her head against the longing building in her heart. “You should not.” He was not her betrothed, could never be her betrothed. It was useless to encourage. Useless to hope when there was none.

Ari turned her in his arms and gazed into her eyes. The unspoken promises written clearly on his face, promises he could never keep, shone brightly. His request for a kiss sent a hundred little butterflies fluttering along her skin. From her nape to her knees and down to her toes.

Tension built within her, thundering in her chest like a thousand horses. But his request brought sorrow to her heart. She wanted him to break their eye contact, to relent in the unspoken promise, yet she wished to believe it was possible. Possible Ari could care for her and take her as his wife.

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