“Ronin, I have complete faith in ye, and I am here for ye through it all,” Edna assured him and he felt warmth brew in his chest at her words. Though he had no desire to continue with this topic any longer. It was burdensome for both of them.
“It’s your turn now,” he said with a raised eyebrow and Edna looked at him appearing confused.
“My turn for what exactly?”
"I told you about my arduous and long life. I hope you will do the same." Edna laughed at his pained expression and lightly slapped him on the arm. Ronin could tell she liked being with him.
"In that case, I was born intaea happy family. My parents loved each other as much as they loved me. I had nae brothers and sistersbut I was a very friendly child who made many friends. Everything was fine until..." Ronin could sense the past swirling through her head as she paused before continuing. "Everything sort of crumbled after that."
“What do you mean, crumbled?” Ronin questioned; lowering his voice to a whisper. He moved closer to her and took her hand in his, signaling to her that he was there. Her life had obviously not been ideal since then, and if he could, he would take away all the pain that had been a part of her days.
"Mother drowned in her sorrowfor several years.It was as if she did notexist. It was only her shadow that was lurking about. I tried everything I could to be there for her, but it was...challenging. She did come around after a while, but she was not the same woman she had been before. She changed completely, and she has yet to recover. She always carries a deep sadness with her. I had my friends and, of course, Bryce, but life has been at a standstill. There isnever enough peace. I could say that after all this time, I'm used taeit, but that would be a lie."
Ronin and Edna both fell silent for a few seconds after she stopped speaking. All he could see was Edna as a small girl —forced to care for her mother because she was too hurt by her husband's death.Ronin knew it wasn't his fault, but he was disgusted nonetheless. Her happy childhood had turned into a life of misery because of his father.
"Ronin?" she asked, keeping her hand on his face in an attempt to turn him around. His reverie was broken by her touch, and he smiled at her.
“Yes?”
“What are ye thinking?” he shook his head without replying. “Ronin, it is not yer fault. Ye didnae kill my father, alright? Please don’t be hard on yerself for a crime that ye didnae commit.”
“I will try,” Ronin promised.
He took a deep breath in as Edna stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips softly;before entangling both his hands in her hair and passionately kissing her. She opened her mouth for him after he bit her lower lip. His tongue quickly invaded her mouth, and as she kissed him back, her tongue explored his mouth with equal zeal.
Ronin moved in closer and took her in his arms. She let him, wrapping both her legs around his waist while heheld her close against his chest and kissed her. He sat down on the log and placed her on his lap.
“Edna, stop. We can’t,” Ronin whispered; finally pulling himself away from her.
“Why?” she questioned once she measured her breathing after the intense kisses that they had just shared.
"Because I only want to do this when I've made you mine before the eyes of God.I respect you too much to put you in a situation where your reputation could be tarnished," Ronin replied andmeant every word. Edna was more than just a beautiful face to him; she had quickly become the person he cherished the most in his life.
"You are right," she said butdidn't move an inch from his lap. Instead, she moved in closer, placing his head on her chest and softly kissing his hair. Her flowery scent enveloped him, and he felt as if he were going insane. The exposed flesh just above her dress was making his self-control increasingly difficult to maintain. “Kiss me.”
Ronin locked his gaze on her just as she made her demand and began kissing her all over her chest. Edna's breathing became raspy as she ran her fingers through his hair. Hebit her neck while trailing tiny kisses out to her shoulder. He raised his head and looked her in the eyes. He finally lost control and pushed her dress down from her chest, exposing her completely.
He inhaled deeply as he realized how breathtaking she was. He was captivated by her divine beauty. He took one swollen bud slowly into his mouth, and she let out an audible gasp. Ronin massaged her with his tongue until she was writhing in his arms. He moved his fingers slowly under her dress, touching her already damp thighs where she needed himthe most. She came undone in his arms in a matter of seconds, and hefelt as if his entire world was restored as he stared at the expression on her face.
“Darling,” he whispered softly as she put her dress in place and hugged him tightly. He had no idea how long the two of them had been in that position, but he knew he had enjoyed every minute of it. When the sky had completely darkened and Ronin realized he had no choice but to leave, he finally touched her waist to rouse her.
“Ye must have to leave,” Edna whispered; understanding dawning on her face.
“Yes. We have to go forth with the investigation,” he replied softly.
She rose from his lap. As he stood up, he planted a loving kiss on her forehead. It was extremely difficult for him to leave her.
“I will miss ye,” Edna said with a smile.
“You won’t have to because I will see you very soon,” he promised and they hugged.
Ronin walked with her as far as he could to ensure her safe return home. He couldn't risk leaving her alone in the dark after what had happened in the clan. Her life was far too valuable to him. He'd never be able to forgive himself if Edna was in any way harmed. After seeing her enter her house, he turned around and headed towardthe healer's house. He needed to find the murderer before any more untimely deaths.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Ronin rode his horse as fast as he could in the darkness of the night. He was certain that the guards were already waiting for him, but he didn't want to cut his time with Edna short, knowing full well that he might not see her again for days.His most fervent wish was to spend eternity in her arms.
Ronin had already noticed that the streets were mostly deserted as the night grew darker. He quickly turned the corner that led to Thelma'shouse. The guards were already huddled outside in one corner, just as he had predicted. They turned to face him as he dismounted his horse and walked towards them.