Chapter
Seventy
CENRIC
The gentle glowof torchlight cradles Everly’s face, lightening the curve of her cheek. Outside, the camp sleeps, unaware of the momentous event that just transpired.
We’re married now. Secretly, illegally, but bound nonetheless.
If anyone discovers our union, the consequences would be severe. Death for her, exile for me.
I trace the curve of Everly’s cheek, marveling at the softness of her skin beneath my calloused fingers. Her eyes reflect the torchlight and something more—a fierce love that matches my own.
My wife. My woman. Mine.
I bring her closer, breathing in the scent of lavender that clings to her hair. “I’ll change things for you. I swear it, Everly.”
She shifts in my arms until her gaze meets mine. “What do you mean?”
“I’ll work endlessly to change the laws about outsiders, and when I do, I’ll rip every damn red circle off your surcoats.”
She sighs. “You make it sound so simple, but it’s not.”
“It won’t be. But I’ll fight every day until it’s done.” I capture her lips, pouring my devotion into it.
Mischief glints in her eyes as she pushes me away. “Did you ask permission?”
I grin and pull her back to me. “Kiss me, and I’ll consider it forgiveness for my transgressions.”
She rolls her eyes but leans closer and kisses me.
Unable to resist teasing her, I draw back. “Was that a kiss or are you trying to put me to sleep?”
Everly gasps, feigning outrage. “How dare you? I’m an excellent kisser.”
“Prove it,” I challenge.
She grabs my hair and yanks me down for a searing kiss. When we part, I’m the one struggling to form words.
“Well?” she asks, looking entirely too smug.
I clear my throat. “Not bad. For an amateur.”
Everly’s mouth drops open. “Amateur? I’ll show you amateur, you arrogant—”
I silence her with another kiss, laughing against her lips. When we separate, she tries to glare at me, but I still see the smile she’s fighting.
“You’re impossible,” she grumbles.
“And yet, you married me anyway.”
Her curls bounce around her shoulders as she shakes her head at me. “Clearly, I’ve lost my mind.”
“Clearly. But I promise to love you, even in your madness.”
Everly snorts. “How romantic. However, will I contain myself?”
The playful banter fades as I lean down, capturing her lips again. This kiss is different from our earlier ones—slower, deeper.
