Yet in those eyes she also saw a deep compelling light that looked strangely close to humor.
Surely Braden couldn’t find anything about their attack funny.
Nay, she was misreading him.
Braden cupped her cheek in his hand and lightly stroked her cheekbone with his thumb. It was all she could do not to close her eyes and sigh in pleasure. His soothing, quiet touch was pure bliss and it sent wave after wave of desire coursing through her as it melted away her fear and concerns.
Braden had protected her. Again. And she wondered if he even realized just how many times in her life he had been her champion.
“Thanks for protecting my back,” Braden said softly.
Maggie frowned. There was something hidden in his tone. And in an instant she knew what had him amused.
“You knew the man I hit was behind you the whole time, didn’t you?”
“I did.” He let out a short laugh. “But I’m glad you thought enough of me that you distracted him. And even more so that you risked your life to do so.”
Another shiver went over her, but this one had nothing to do with her panic and everything to do with the fierce warrior before her.
Glory, but the man was incredible when he smiled.
How in the world could any woman deny him anything when he looked at her like that, dimples flashing, his gaze warm, his touch hot?
He paused his tender stroking on her cheek and stared intently into her eyes. “‘Twas a very brave thing you did for a scoundrel like me.”
“And you are a scoundrel,” she said, knowing it in her heart and for some reason not caring about the fact at the moment.
“Aye.” He gave her a devilish grin before he dipped his head toward hers. “The absolute worst.”
Without conscious thought, she opened her mouth for him, aching for another kiss.
Braden closed his eyes and started to accept her invitation until Sin cleared his throat.
Sin let out a curse under his breath. “Do I have to separate the two of you again? I swear, but this is getting tedious.”
Maggie jumped in Braden’s embrace.
Braden pulled back instantly and sighed. “Remind me to thank you more properly later,” he whispered to her.
Maggie was too stunned to respond. Her senses reeling, she could do nothing more than nod.
Good heavens! What had she almost done?
You almost kissed him.
Again.
Oh, lass, where’s your head to be letting such a man have his way with you?
Biting her lip, she looked to where he and Sin were standing together.
Why, Braden, why do you have to flit from one woman to the next? And worse, why couldn’t she hate him for it?
Because it would be like hating the wind for blowing or hating the sun for shining. It was his nature. To change it would more than likely change the man, and with the exception of that one bad habit, she liked Braden a great deal.
Nay, she didn’t want him to change. It was his carefree spirit that enticed her. She would just have to guard herself more closely around him and not let herself suffer any more hurt by him.
Maggie rejoined Braden and Sin. “Do you think they’ll return?”
