Page 25 of Big, Burly Bodyguard

“You’re about to marry my brother.”

“I didn’t pick him,” she says softly.

That lands harder than I expected.

I drag a hand through my hair and pace two steps away, then back. “This isn’t about want,” I tell her. “Because if it were⁠—”

I stop myself.

Her gaze doesn’t waver. “Then what is it about?”

“Right,” I say. “Doing the right thing.”

She stands slowly, giving me space, not cornering me. She never does. “Is it wrong,” she asks, “to want one thing for myself? To be able to make a single choice in a life where I’ve been given none?”

The words are quiet. Honest. They strip me bare in a way no battlefield ever managed.

“I’ve never been kissed,” she continues. “Not really. Not because I didn’t want to—but because it was never allowed. Everything was always about appearances. Expectations. Even when my betrothal to Harold was officially announced, he was only allowed to kiss my hand.” She shudders. “I suppose I should be thankful for that. I cannot imagine kissing him.”

“You’re supposed to marry a man named Harold?” is all I can manage.

She nods, then takes a step closer.

“I don’t want my first kiss to be something I endure,” she says. “I want it to be something I choose.”

My chest tightens.

“I’m sure your brother is a good man and I am incredibly grateful he’s agreed to marry me. But for tonight, for my first kiss, I want to decide. And I choose you.”

God help me.

I look at her then—really look at her—and I don’t see a princess or a complication or my brother’s future wife.

I see a woman standing in a cheap hotel room with dyed hair and damp clothes, asking for one small piece of herself back.

“One kiss,” she says. “That’s all I’m asking.”

My resolve fractures quietly.

“Unless your reluctance isn’t about your brother and you just don’t find me attractive at all.” She nearly folds over on herself. “Oh God, why hadn’t I considered that? I’m sorry if I put you in an awkward position.”

I close the distance between us and lift my hand to her cheek. My thumb brushes her jaw, just once.

“This isn’t awkward,” I say. “And trust me, I am very attracted to you. My reluctance has nothing to do with you at all.”

My eyes drop to her lips. They’re parted. I love that she has a small gap between her front teeth.

“You’re so beautiful, Evie, don’t ever question that.”

She nods.

I lean down, giving her time to change her mind right up until the last second.

Instead, she rises on her tiptoes and presses her lips to mine.

The kiss is gentle. Careful. Her lips are so soft.

Her arms come up and around my neck. My free hand curls around her waist.