Chapter 88: Diogo

I separate only a hairsbreadth from her lips and ask in a low voice, "Are you ready to go home?"

"I'm ready," she whispers back, opening her eyes and staring straight into mine. The deep velvety grey depths catch and hold me.

I release her face and slip my hand down her body, reaching for her hand. I take it into mine and give her a reassuring squeeze before turning back to her sister. Skye is watching us intently, her eyes bright. Her lips are curved in a small, defeated smile. She has seen the depth of our feelings and won't try to come between us. I wouldn't allow it, but I can't simply kill Taran's sister. At least not in front of Taran.

Taran tries to break out of my grip, presumably to say goodbye to her sister. I pull her back against me, wrapping an arm around her middle and holding her in place, her back to my chest. I bend and say in her ear, "No."