She drew in a sharp breath when he leaned closer, the space between them humming. “I daenae ken what is happenin’ to me.”
“Say the word, and I’ll stop,” he said, though his thumbs traced the line of her jaw.
Eva swallowed and whispered, “If ye stop now, I’ll curse ye for it.”
Connor groaned softly, brushing his mouth to hers, and said, “That’s a dangerous thing to tell a man like me.”
She answered him with a kiss that stole the rest of his restraint.
He pulled back just enough to look at her, eyes dark, and said, “Look at me, Eva.”
She did, breathless.
He continued, “Ye set me blood alight, do ye ken that?”
Her cheeks flushed as she replied, “Ye arenae the only one feelin’ it.”
“The way ye challenge me,” he murmured, kissing the corner of her mouth.
“Aye,” she said softly, “and ye like it more than ye’ll ever admit.”
He chuckled, lips trailing to her cheek, and said, “I’ve faced blades and battles, but ye’re the one who undoes me.”
She laughed under her breath, then stilled when he kissed her again.
“I should step back,” he whispered.
“Then do it,” Eva dared, though her hands curled in his sleeves.
He shook his head, voice rough, and answered, “I cannae, nae when ye’re lookin’ at me like that.”
Her smile was small and triumphant. “I willnae be ordered around,” she said quietly.
“And I willnae have a wife who bends till she breaks,” he replied.
She searched his face and asked, “Do ye mean that?”
“Aye,” he said, then added, “God help me, I do.”
He kissed her again, slower now, and whispered, “Ye feel right here in me arms.”
“Connor,” she breathed his name and said, “Then stop fightin’ me.”
Connor groaned, hands firm at her waist, and replied, “I’m tryin’ to be better than me temper.”
“Then let me stand with ye, nae under ye,” she said.
He drew back, forcing space between them, and said, “I will nae take ye before our weddin’ night. But there are other ways of pleasin’ me betrothed.”
Eva met his gaze and answered, “I’m nae afraid. Show me.”
Connor exhaled, voice husky, and said, “Ye should be sure, first.”
She smiled faintly and said, “I am.”
He rested his brow to hers once more and murmured, “This is only the first of what’s to come.”
“Aye,” she agreed, steady and sure, “and I am curious.”
