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“Lia…”
“She is determined to marry me off to some middle-aged ass with no hair.”
That is not entirely true. Lord Huntsville had hair, just about.
“It’s not going to happen.”
“All it will take is one slip up. Then I’m married to someone I can’t escape.”
I sob against him, my fear finally coming to the surface. “I can’t keep doing this. I can’t live with this constant threat hanging over me. It’s driving me crazy.”
“You’re so strong, love. We’re nearly at the final hurdle. Just keep going.”
He’s wrong though. My mother will find me. She will drag me home and she will make me marry a man I don’t love. That is her plan, and nothing will derail her.
“I hate this. I wish it was over.”
“So do I, but I love you and we can get through this.”
I blink at his words. “You love me?”
Ryan leans into me, brushing my hair off my face. “I thought that was obvious.”
My heart contracts and my stomach flips at his words. “I… no… it isn’t.”
“I’m not risking the wrath of your brothers for a quick fumble, love.” His fingers trail over my cheeks. “I know I should have been the better man and left you alone, but I’m not sorry either. What I feel for you is indescribable. I can’t put it into words. The past few weeks being here with you has been phenomenal.”
I feel the same. I’m so connected to him, and not because he was my first, but because he understands me in a way no one ever has. He gives me the room to breathe, to make my own decisions and sometimes mistakes. I love him for that.
“I love you too,” I admit.
He smiles. “You don’t have to say it back just because I said it.”
“I’m not. I do love you.”
When I say these words, I realise how true they are. I do love him.
He takes my face in his hands and pulls me closer. “We’ll get through this,” he promises.
I want to believe him, I really do, but I know how persistent my mother can be.
“I’m sorry for crying.”
“There’s no need to apologise.”
“I’m a Fraser.” I grimace. “We don’t cry.”
“You’re also human, Lia. This situation is all kinds of crazy. I’m not surprised you’re affected. Your mother is living in some kind of medieval dream if she thinks she can just force you to marry a man she chooses.”
“Kane did it. Luke too.”
“Your brothers are different. They have power in whatever relationship they’re in. You don’t. It’s fucking stupid, but that’s how this world works for women. You’re pawns to create alliances. Your brothers saw that, and they wanted better for you. We all do.”
I raise my eyes to meet his. “I have better. With you.”
“I like hearing that,” he admits.
“My brothers are going to hit the roof when they find out what we’re doing.” A trickle of anxiety works through me.
