“In those days, I was a blasted fool, always looking for a quick path to line my pockets. I played cards with wealthy fools who got in over their heads. I was good. Too good, in the eyes of the man who wanted me dead.”
“What happened?”
“Paul and I were at a tavern by the sea, as we did in those days. Yer brother fancied one of the singers at the place, a pretty redhead, while I set out to separate some arrogant sot from his coin. Most of the gents took their losses in stride, but one fellow... well, he insisted I’d cheated. I was young and hotheaded, so I hit him. I bloodied his mouth with one punch and marched out of the place. I thought that was the end of it. Until he came at me with a knife.”
Color drained from her cheeks. “Dear God. How brutal.”
“I was on the ground, struggling to fend off the bastard. I’d taken a couple of deep strikes, and I was losing more strength by the moment. The lout wanted me dead.” The memory tightened his chest, and he pulled in an uneven breath. “By the time Paul came upon the scene, I’d nearly lost the fight. But he carried a pistol. That night, he put it to use.”
“Oh, dear,” Amelia said softly. “He had no choice. Paul would not have stood by and watched you die.”
Another stone tumbled into his gut. “If not for my blasted greed, he never would’ve been forced to make that decision.”
“It wasn’t your fault.” Gently, Amelia swept a velvet-smooth fingertip over his cheek. “You could not have known what would happen that night.”
“I was arrogant. Too bloody sure of myself. I never thought about the danger.”
“But now you do.” Warmth flickered in her gaze. “Every time you watch over me.”
“I could not forgive myself if something happened to ye.”
“Because of what Paul did?”
“No, Amelia.” He pressed kisses to her fingertips, one by one. “Because of you.”
Drinking in her gentle smile and the light in her eyes, he wrapped her in his arms and drew her near. Hunger surgedthrough him. With an effort to be gentle, he pulled her against his body. The feel of her canting her hips, bringing her feminine curves even closer to his hard, demanding body, pleased him beyond measure.
“Ye’re so bloody beautiful,” he whispered against her lips.
“Am I now?” Her eyes sparkled with decided interest.
“Ye’re temptation come to life.”
“Do you want me, Logan?”
Was the minx daring to tease him?
He spread his hands over her rounded bottom, bringing her so close, his erection nested against her softness.
“Can ye have any doubt, lass?”
“Not one whit. It might well prove rather scandalous.” Challenge flashed in her gaze. “Making love in the light of day.”
He hiked his brows. “And that concerns ye?”
Her hair shimmered as she shook her head. Her delicious smile made his cock go even harder. “As a matter of fact, I have developed a bit of a taste for scandal.”
“Have ye now?”
“Indeed.” Temptation danced in her lively blue eyes. “I believe I know just the rogue to sate that craving.”
Ah, he’d never get enough of this woman. Not if he lived a thousand lifetimes.
He couldn’t help but grin. “Amelia, ye are a siren.”
“I amyoursiren,” she whispered, coiling her arms around his neck. “Now, I do have one request.”
“And what might that be?”
