Page 57 of A Warrior's Heart

“Relax, young one,” Malik said, walking from the shadows. “The captain has assured me this is a friendly town. Or as friendly as a town filled with humans can be. Thieves and pirates are uncommon here.”

“Says the pirate,” I muttered. “Forgive me if I don’t trust Kellan as far as I can throw him. Which in case you’re unsure isn’t very far at all.”

“Worry not.” Malik stepped closer and placed his hand at the small of my back. It was an action he’d done countless times in the past, yet right then, it made my blood warm in my veins. And damn those jellyfish. They floated around in my stomach faster than ever. “I won’t let any harm come to you.”

“I know.”

And I did.

With Malik by my side, my previous anxiety waned. I rested against his arm and stared at the buildings not far from the harbor. Lamps were lit as the sun finally set, taking the light of day with it. Taking the warmth too.

A chill shot down my spine, and I shivered.

“Perhaps you should adjust your wardrobe,” Malik said, picking at the material of my shirt. “The season will change soon, and we’ll say farewell to the summer heat. Fishing net doesn’t give you much coverage or protection from the cold.”

“Who needs coverage when I can be adorable instead? I’ve set many fashion trends back in Avalontis wearing this exact outfit.”

“We’re no longer in Avalontis.”

My cheerful mood faded. “I know.”

“I despise that look on your face.”

“What look?”

“Disappointment.” He traced the edge of my jaw. “It’s not too late for you to turn back. You don’t have to come on this journey with us. You can return home.”

Something in his expression told me that’s exactly what he wanted me to do. If I was being honest with myself, a part of me wanted the same. Going home was tempting. I could walk the paths around the palace and stare up at the dome around the kingdom.

“No,” I said. “This is where I belong. With you. With Lor. I refuse to abandon you, now or ever. Besides, Phantos said I played an important role in this mission. What sense is there to return to Avalontis when so much is at stake?”

Malik stared at me a moment. Silent. And then he brought our mouths together. His lips were soft, and when his hand cupped my cheek his touch was even softer.

It took my mind several seconds to process that he’d kissed me.

“You can say no,” he murmured against my frozen lips. “You can push me away.”

Instead, I pulled him closer and melded my mouth to his, learning the shape of his lips as they slid against mine. I breathed in his scent of leather and musk and familiarized myself with his taste, citrus from the orange he’d eaten before the ship made port, as well as a flavor that was his and his alone.

When Malik broke the kiss, I stared at him in a sort of daze. And then I giggled. Loudly. I felt like an absolute fool, but I couldn’t stop.

What was this feeling? My heart soared, warmth coursed through my belly, and my skin tingled from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes.

“I can’t say a man has ever laughed after kissing me,” Malik said, brow arched. “Though, it’s been many years. Maybe I’m out of practice.”

My giggles finally subsided, and I felt lighter. “I think I was shocked. In a good way. I didn’t expect it.”

“Neither did I.” A shy smile curved his lips.

It was the first time in my life I’d ever seen him that way. Bashful. Perhaps even a little embarrassed.

“Why did you kiss me?”

“Because you’re brave,” Malik whispered. “You’re extraordinary in so many ways.”

“Is this your answer?” I asked, curling my fingers around the shoulder strap of his leather armor. “Are you done fighting this connection between us, Mal?”

Please.