I was equally tired of all the opinions, but that didn’t mean we could abandon our other responsibilities. “Not while Nora is in danger. I can’t even think of anything else until we’ve gotten her away from Deri.” Not to mention the possibility of a witch.
Henry pinched the bridge of his nose. “We can start this afternoon by visiting some of the cottages in the outlying areas to get a better sense of the land. But come dark, we will have nothing to do other than worry ourselves sick. I would like to use that time to make you my wife, and to stop those like Sean from saying otherwise.”
A smile threatened at the corners of my mouth. “So regardless of the awful circumstances, you wish to rush our vows in order to spite my brother?” The idea had merit, though it would probably lead to another sword fight.
Henry leaned back in the chair and studied me for a moment. “Sean is vehemently opposed to our union. How do I know that he won’t use the confusion of the next few days to whisk you away from me? As an unmarried woman, your brother has every right to claim guardianship.”
“He wouldn’t dare.” I would kill him first. Or knock him senseless at the very least.
“What if you’re mistaken? I would have little recourse unless we were married. Only then would my claim come first.”
I sniffed. “You make me sound like a piece of baggage.”
“It’s a matter of the law, Selah, as you well know.”
He had a point, though I despised it all the same. “And that is your argument? We must wed right away or risk Sean’s interference?”
“His interference could cost him his life.”
From what I’d felt earlier, I knew Henry was telling the truth. Still, I couldn’t let the comment go unattended. “How romantic. ‘Marry me or I may have to kill your brother.’”
“That is only part of it.”
“Pray tell, what is the other part?”
His stare seemed to grow a thousand times more intense, until the predator gleamed anew in his eyes. My heart thumped in response, a small breath that gave life to a shower of sparks.
“It took every ounce of self-control not to take you in the bathing chamber this afternoon. The next time, I will not be able to hold back.”
I swallowed hard. The next time...”Then I shall avoid baths while we are here.”
“Dammit, Selah!” He shot out of the chair and stalked toward me. “Do you not understand a word I’m saying? We are to be married tonight or so help me God, I’ll not answer for my actions.”
My eyes widened with alarm. “You would never...”
“No, I would never force you.” He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned so close our foreheads nearly touched. “But I wouldn’t have to, would I?” His green eyes burned as he tucked a thick lock of dark hair behind my ear. He then traced a slow line to my jaw where he gently cupped my chin. “I need only kiss you again, and you would come to me willingly.”
A shaky breath poured from me.
“Isn’t that true?” He moved even closer until his lips hovered just above mine.
I nodded like a shameless hussy.
“And so you will marry me.”
“Not tonight.” My voice came as a whisper.
“Tomorrow then.” The two words brokered no question.
He still held my chin, and I felt myself yielding to his touch. I nudged closer, desperate for the softness of his lips.
He pulled back a fraction of an inch. “Tomorrow,” he repeated.
“Yes,” I whimpered.
Brigid’s fire rushed forward, as though beckoned by the wildness Henry had left behind. The moment they converged, my whole body trembled as the sparks burst to flames inside me. Heat blurred my vision, muddled any chance of rational thought. I needed him. Right now. Regardless of the consequences.
I leaned forward to kiss him, prepared to finish what had been started downstairs. Our lips brushed, a mere shadow of touch, and I shivered with anticipation for the moment his mouth would claim mine.
Henry edged back again. I started to follow when he released my chin. Then he was on his feet, breath constrained as he towered over me. “Very well, Selah. I shall wait until tomorrow.” He returned to the chair to scoop up his belongings from the floor. “Be ready to ride at half past.” With coat and waistcoat tossed over one arm, he gripped his hat and stormed from the room.
The bang of the door shook in my ears, and I blinked several times at the large wooden expanse. Disappointment cooled the fire while my mind fumbled over what had just happened. Each action came back, each word we had spoken.
Tomorrow...
My mouth popped open. Had I really meant to capitulate so easily?
I must have, for despite everything else, I didn’t regret my decision. We would search for Nora and Deri while even a speck of daylight remained in the sky, but Henry was right about our needing to return each night. Why not get married and put everyone’s interference to rest? That way we could stop fighting our natural urges to be together. And neither of us would have to kill my brother. Really, I couldn’t think of a better outcome.