AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, my, I think we could be best friends now.”
“Let’s not head in that direction too fast.” Erin hummed. “Though I’m beginning to see that witches aren’t so bad, after all.”
“Trust me. It’s just me. I’m marvelous.”
Emerald gazed at them in exasperation while Rick tried not to laugh amid his arousal. When he tugged her to him again, she tugged back. He sobered when he realized she was no longer teasing him, her expression solemn as she shook her head.
“What’s wrong, Em?”
“Nothing. But you have to stop kissing me in public.”
“I can’t help it. And that’s ridiculous.”
But Emerald shook her head again and became preoccupied, glancing around. Figures milled about outside the safe room, the voices calmer and no longer buzzing with chaos.
“Your folks,” she mumbled. “Your court. They will riot.”
And then it clicked: her worry, why she was avoiding another kiss, and what she was protecting him against. But Bronco’s actions and the way the rest came together made everything fall into place, and he understood that it wasn’t just he who had changed. This time, when he took her face in his hands, it wasn’t to kiss her but to meet her gaze.
“I think I might just have the solution to that,” he said. “Hold on.”
He released her, then forced himself to step back and keep going until Erin was in his line of sight. Before she could make more comments, he held out a hand.
“Rule with me.”
“What?”
“Be my co-ruler. We can take turns or just do it together.”
Pearl whistled. Erin grew dazed.
“I’m not sure I’m following,” she muttered.
“We can talk about whatever works best,” he assured her. “My point is, this kingdom would be so much better with two rulers, not one, especially if those two rulers teamed up and did their best to provide the safest place for their people. Our people.”
“Rick…”
“Erinnala, I know in my heart that it’s possible and could be the greatest thing to happen in this court. So, all I’m asking for is either a yes or a no. What’s your answer?”
The silence consumed, then enveloped like a blanket. Erin held out her hand, too, and firmly clasped his.
“Yes. Sure. If we are breaking some age-old traditions, we might as well do it together.”
“Good. I love you, sister.” He kissed her cheek and left her stupefied again. He laughed at that, then let go of her hand. “Now, if you will excuse me.”
Green eyes glittered with pride and softness as he approached Emerald again, his true destination—or maybe the start of his journey.
“There might still be a riot, but people love my sister,” he reasoned. “I think, in the long run, everything will work out just fine.”
Emerald smiled. “They love you too.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes.” Then, “Hell, yes.”
Rick grinned. This time, he kissed her even harder, rejoicing in her presence, in her love, and in the glorious future that awaited them.
