Page 121 of Lawless Rivals

“Everything okay?” I ask. “Are you about to tell me I can go home?”

His chest lifts with a deep inhale as he stands there, considering me next to his sister.

“We need to talk in private,” he says.

I nod once and set the mug on the counter, the heat still sitting in my palm as I follow him out.

When we’ve cleared the barn, he holds his hand out and waits. “Take it.”

I step into him and slot my hand in his, almost grinning when he curls his fingers with mine and holds on tight.

The walk to the cabin stays silent, his confident gait unhurried, mine matching without thinking about it. Inside, he lets go and closes the door.

Turning to face me, he flips his cap off and tosses it. “Your da signed.”

I suck in a breath, the news slamming into me.

“So, it’s over. I’m free to go?”

He runs a hand through his hair. “If that’s what ya want.”

“This isn’t really you letting me go, right?” I fold my arms across my chest. “You got what you wanted, and now you don’t need me anymore. That’s all.”

My father signed.

The land belongs to Saint now.

This was always going to end here.

He shrugs out of his jacket, walks to the door, and hangs it on the hook. When he turns to face me, there’s a darkness behind his eyes that has my veins running hotter.

“Keira…” The way he says my name, in that thick, gravelly voice, makes my skin tingle. “I got the land, but you’re what I want. I know you have to leave without being held.”

I nod and press a hand to my belly. “It’s better if I go now. That way no one can accuse you of anything.”

When I take a step toward the door, he backs out of the way, and my throat tightens.

“Do you think we’ll see each other again?” I whisper.

“I’ll make sure of it.”

When I reach the door, his hand closes around my arm, and he spins me into him. The moment our chests collide, he kisses me, his mouth warm against mine.

“You don’t have to rush off just yet, do ya?” he says against my lips.

“No,” I smile. “I suppose I don’t.”

His mouth crashes onto mine again. One rough hand fists my jumper, yanking it upward.

He pulls it over my head and drops it on the floor. His palms are hot as they rake over my skin, cupping my breasts so my spine arches.

The thought of walking away without being this close to him makes my chest ache.

I need this man.

Need his touch burned onto my skin so I’ll still feel it when I’m miles across the heath.

He strips my jeans off with impatient hands and drags my panties lower in one rough pull.