You Are Mine (Mine #1)(98)

He doesn't care about her? Hope starts pounding through me. “But you freed me.”

“We're still connected by the engagement ceremony.” He reaches up and brushes his thumb across my neck, right where my brand is. “I don't know of a way to break the connection that I spelled to us, but I can try.”

I lick my lips. “Does that connection take away any of my choices? Make me have to listen to you?”

“No. It just claims you as mine. Warlocks can cast a spell to read it and know that I have a claim on you. Like a contract, but there's no paper or signature. In my country a bride wears a ring that does the same thing.”

Of course the country that was supposed to be barbaric finds a way to connect a couple without branding a woman. They're the least barbaric people I know.

His cheeks pink in the way that I've come to adore. “I don't want to own you.”

I don't want to be owned either. I've barely gained freedom and no one can ever make me give it back. But I don't want him entirely gone either. When the idea comes to me, I don't hesitate to ask. “Is there a way for you to change it so it would say I'm protected, but not owned by you?”

He's silent a moment, his lips slowly turning upward. “I think I can do that. But before I do anything, you should know, I was sort of hoping to court you.”

“You mean, get married?”

The pink of his cheeks darkens. “Not right away. More like us spending time together.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what? You want to spend time with me?”

“Yes, I want to spend time with you. Yes, you can do the spell.” I take several breaths, but it doesn't help. My heart still flutters wildly. “And yes, please kiss me.”

I reach up, stepping on my tiptoes. He leans down. My pulse speeds as he moves closer, but time seems to slow. His lips hover over mine. Waiting. Soft puffs of air caress my lips. The fluttering in my chest becomes happy anticipation. He grabs my waist and pulls me the rest of the way to him. Our lips meet.

Gently and so sweet. I relish every second of him. Of being. Joy bubbles within me. My fingers twirl in his hair. I can feel his heart beating in time with mine. Too soon, our lips part.

Slowly, he puts me to the ground, his lips hovering over mine. He sneaks another soft peck. I reach up, about to go for another.

“Are you playing with Goldie?” Sally asks from the doorway.

I scoot away from Zade, my cheeks heating.

He grins. “Your sister was just introducing us.”

“Did she tell you I named him?”

“She did. Did she tell you, she wanted me to teach her how to ride him?”

Sally's eyes grow wider. “She does?”

“Yup. I'm thinking she needs to go get some breeches on so I can teach her.”

I laugh. “Sorry, trying them on once was enough for me. I found out women in Arllos use a side saddle. That's what I have.”

“No breeches?”

“No breeches.” I open Goldie's stall and grab the side saddle on the way out. “Think you can show me how this is supposed to go on her? I've been learning how to care for her, but we haven't covered anything about riding, yet.”

“I'd be happy to.” He grabs the saddle from me and turns to Sally. “What about you little miss? You want to try breeches?”

“Can I, Serena?”

“You can do whatever you desire. You'll get no demands from me.”

“Yay!” She races back toward the house.

As I watch her go, knowing my sisters are safe, I grab hold of Zade's arm. He brushes a kiss in my hair. This feels so right. Being here with the man I love. The man who loves me, but doesn't own me. Everything is mine.





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Acknowledgments





There are many people who helped make this book what it is. Any remaining faults are only my own, and without all these amazing people know that the faults would have about a thousand times more. No lie. Hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone, but if it happens, please accept my apologies for my airheadedness is showing.

Serena may have fourteen good sisters, but I have a fantastic one that's better than fourteen combined. Karen C. Eddington, thanks for supporting, encouraging, helping, chatting, and being there. Best sister a girl could have.

Thanks Mom and Dad and the rest of my family, for asking about my books over the years and patiently listening to be babble on, asking about how my writing is going, and Mom for being willing to read. I'm the person I am today because of your love and support. I love and appreciated you guys so much!

RaeChell Garret – you know that one time that I asked you to review my novel. And then I asked again, and again and again. And every time you were like, of course! Your advice was always spot on rockin'. Plus the countless other details I'm always asking your advice on. Well, now the book is published so you can stop worrying I'll ask again...except for the tiny problem of the next book. Maybe I'll get under control sooner this time. Maybe. But truly, thank you for than many, many hours you've put into my book. Your insight is invaluable. You are next!