Page 37 of A Warrior's Heart

“You only watched over me when I was a boy because of my friendship with Lorcan. But even after he left Avalontis, you still stayed by my side. Always there when I needed you. What am I to you? I need you to be honest with me. No more lies.”

“I have never lied to you,” Malik responded, his voice gruff. He came closer, and I swallowed the sudden tightness in my throat as his other hand came around my waist.

“Then tell me the truth.” I glanced at his lips.

“You wish for the truth?” Malik leaned down and rested his cheek on the side of my head. “Then hear this. I do not want anyone’s hands on you but mine. I do not want you to crave another’s touch or desire their arms around you like mine are around you right now.”

My heart fluttered. “You don’t have to worry about that. I want only you. I crave no other.”

The confession took the breath from my lungs.

For so long, I’d kept my true feelings hidden from Malik. After being hurt so badly when I was young, my trust in people was shattered. Over time, I’d become affectionate toward Lorcan, and I’d grown close to Malik as well. He had been my protector, the one man I knew who’d never hurt me.

“You shouldn’t crave me,” he murmured against my ear. “I’m a battle-hardened warrior who hasn’t known tenderness in many years.”

“Then let me show you tenderness.” I pressed my face to his neck. The jellyfish were back in my stomach, floating in all directions. “We’ve fought these feelings for long enough.”

Was it possible to feel so close to someone you’ve never even kissed? However, I knew Malik in other ways. I knew the softness of his voice when I used to wake screaming from a bad dream. I knew the feel of his arms when I was afraid. And I knew his loyalty, how he never left my side.

“I’m old enough to be your father,” Malik said. But even as he spoke the words, he made no attempt to push me away. “In fact, I knew your father. He was a good man. I’m sure he’d wish to take my head if he knew the thoughts running through it as I hold you in my arms.”

I pulled back to meet his gaze. “Would my father not want me to be with someone who could protect me? Someone I trust? There’s no other man alive who can protect me like you can. There’s no other I desire.”

“That fire in your heart burns bright,” Malik whispered. “I find I can no longer resist its call.”

“Does this mean you want me in the same way I want you?”

Malik tucked my hair behind my ear. “What way do you want me? As your guard?”

I shook my head.

“Your friend?”

“Closer,” I said. “But not quite.”

He softly smiled down at me. “Tell me. I want to hear you say the words.”

It felt like my heart was about to grow wings and fly from my chest. Speaking my mind had never been an issue. Both he and Lorcan often said I talkedtoomuch. However, what I needed to say to him right then wasn’t nearly as easy.

“My lover,” I whispered, caressing his strong jaw. “I want to be yours and for you to be mine.”

Malik’s orange eyes seemed to catch fire as he gently tugged me closer to him. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes,” I answered, breathless.

Doubt clouded in his eyes. “I’d never forgive myself if I hurt you.”

“You won’t hurt me.” My pulse quickened as I stared into his handsome face.

“You’re trembling,” Malik said. “Are you afraid?”

“Afraid? No.” My lips parted as I stood on my tip toes, nuzzling his neck. My body came alive at his familiar scent of leather and musk. “I think aroused is the word you’re looking for.”

Malik growled and shoved away from me.

I blinked at him, stunned. “What’s wrong?”

“I have less self-control than I thought,” he rasped, taking another step back from me. A wild look blazed in his eyes, as if he were a man starved.