Ronin still didn’t know why he had barged on the scene to save her. All he knew was that watching that lad hold her hand when she was most definitely trying to get away had angered him extensively. He knew he needed to do something, and this had seemed like the most plausible option. He led her towards the other end of the pub, which was partially secluded and slightly quieter than the dance floor.
He moved quickly into the corner beside her. A strong scent of lavender with wildflowers reached his nose as he closed the distance between their bodies; feelingintoxicated. She smelled divine. He touched the back of her hand and stood there watching her. Her reaction gave him courage, and he took her hand in his. The sudden contact of her skin against his caused a tremor to run up his spine, giving the impression that his body was on fire. He took her hand in his and turned her to face him.
“What’s yer name?” Edna questioned.
“Ronin.”
“I am Edna,” she said softly, her voice making him want her even more.
“I know.”
“How do ye ken?” she asked, sounding confused.
“I heard your friend call out your name when she came outside,” Ronin explained.
“Come with me,” he whispered in her ear and felt her body shiver at his proximity. She did not say a word – simply shook her head no. Ronin knew she wanted to go with him too. He had seen the flicker of interest when their hands touched, and he knew she was just saying no for propriety’s sake and maybe to toy with him a little. He was enjoying the game and wanted to play along. He held her hand while bending down until his lips touched her palm. He placed tiny kisses on her fingers and open palm.As his lips touched her skin, he could hear her sharp intake of breath, and he could tell she was getting worked up by his touch. He relished the power he had over her with just a few small kisses.
“I want to be with you somewhere quieter, so I can listen to you without straining my ears,” he said after standing up to reach her ear once again. A small laugh escaped her lips but she remained quiet otherwise.
His breath hitched when she finally looked him straight in the eyes. She was several inches shorter than him, and he knew that all he needed to do was bend down and touch his lips with hers. But he couldn’t do that here. They needed to be somewhere more private, somewhere no one would be able to reach them. She smiled in affirmation, and Ronin clasped her hand tightly in his as he pulled her along.
He pushed his way through the crowd to clear a path for Edna as they walked quickly. He eventually found a small alleyway that was mostly dark and walked down it. He checked to make sure the place was empty, then drew Edna and pushed her against the wall as he stood in front of her, each hand on one side of her face. They were both silently staring into each other's eyes.
“Did you know that lad?” Ronin asked, suddenly feeling angry all over again as he remembered how the guy had touched her hand.
“He was a friend of my cousin, Bryce. Ye are worrying for nae reason. James was just drunk; he is mostly harmless,” Edna replied, her words soft.
“No matter who he was, he had no right to touch you without your consent. You shouldn’t let anyone do that to ye, ever.”
“I won’t,” Edna whispered. Ronin could see that her smile had softened even further and she was looking at him with a curious expression.
Ronin forgot about everything else as he bent down and pressed his lips against hers in one swift motion. She immediately parted her lips to allow his tongue access, and he plunged inside her mouth, thoroughly exploring her. Ronin became even more intoxicated because she tasted sweet. Everything about her, from her beauty to her scent to her voice and taste, made him feel elated. Ronin had never felt like this before, and he was pretty sure Edna hadn't either.
“I have ne’er felt this way before,” she whispered confirming his thoughts.
“Me neither.”
“But I ken nothing about ye. Who are ye?”
“I arrived here only today,” he whispered back.
Ronin trailedhis fingers through her silky hair and placed them at her hips, encircling her petite waist. Before he could go any further into her body, the laughter of a few people caused them to open their eyes wide and look around. They both turned at the same time and noticed a few other couples entering the alley. They exchanged suspicious looks before Ronin took her hand again and led her to another alley nearby that was empty.
Ronin kissed her again, knowing in his heart that there was no one like her. She was perfect, and he could look all over the world and still not find anyone who could stir his heart the way she did.
“Edna, where are ye?” The voice calling out to her brought them both out of the trance they were absorbed in. Edna looked at him with widened eyes.
“My friend is calling me,” she whispered with a small laugh.
“Ignore her.”
Edna shook her head before slipping free from his clutches. She kissed his cheek quickly before turning around to leave. Ronin couldn't believe what had happened and turned to run after her. His gaze was drawn to Edna as he noticed she had gone to stand with three other girls. She remained turned toward him, stealing glances at him as if afraid he would vanish. He was about to step closer when Lachlan appeared in front of him.
“Where the hell have ye been?” he asked.
“I was here,” Ronin replied absently, trying his best not to lose sight of Edna.
“What are ye lookin’ at?” Lachlan asked and turned around to follow his gaze. Ronin did not say a word because he knew that he must have noticed Edna too.