Page 74 of The Musician (Emerson Pass Historicals 5)

“Yes, but the ones who are bad could hurt you. I can’t have that. I’d rather be dead than have anyone lay a finger on you.”

“I know you’re scared for my safety.” I put my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. He did not flinch or turn away but seemed to relax under my touch. “I’m sorry you went through that. But you can’t let it defeat you. I need you. Your family needs you. We all want you around for a long time. We all love you. You’re our family. Especially mine.”

“What if you’d been with me? It would have angered them even more to see a white girl beside me.”

“Or would it have been the opposite? Maybe they’d have stopped, thinking of their mother or sister or even wife. We can’t predict what would or would not happen. We can only put our trust in God and pray for the best.” I stroked just under his ear with my thumb. The muscles in his neck were strong under my touch. “It’s time to give up and let me in. All the way. What we have will not be ruined by anyone. I refuse to allow it. And now, you must kiss me. Finally.”

He hesitated, and for a moment, I thought he would run from me, but he didn’t. “I’ve never kissed anyone before.”

“Me either,” I said. “But it can’t be harder than playing an instrument.”

“True.” He leaned closer and dipped his head, and then his mouth was on mine, soft and warm. His arms tightened around my waist and mine around his neck. We kissed until it became obvious that this was not at all like playing an instrument. It was easy. No practice required. Just in case, however, we went in for another kiss.