Free Far Away (Gypsy Fairy Tale Book Two) by Dana Michelle Burnett Page B

the crowd, mumbling apologies and leaving Alec behind.
    Kieran had me in his arms and everything else just faded away. He was raining kisses over my face, asking questions, but kissing me again before I could answer.
    “Harmony, I can’t believe you’re really here,” he murmured against my lips. “I’ve missed you so much. What are you doing here? How did you ever find us?”
    I knew that I should explain, that I should warn him about the Mileans, but it just felt so good to be of his arms that I didn’t want to ruin it.
    Just hold me...Never let me go...
    Kieran stroked my hair and kissed me again and again, “I never should’ve left. I’m so sorry... Say that you forgive me.”
    “So you didn’t forget about me?” I whispered, needing to hear him actually say the words.
    Kieran took my face in his hands, his long fingers tangling in my hair, “Saints preserve us, I thought about you every day.”
    “But you didn’t call or write—“
    He was kissing me again and pulling me close. I could feel him trembling under my fingers.
    “I didn’t think it was safe,” he mumbled over my lips. “The Mileans...I wanted to keep you safe.”
    The Mileans...
    “Kieran...”
    He kissed my forehead, “I’ll never let you go again, I promise.”
    “Kieran...”
    “I tried to do as you wanted," he said. "To give you time, but I can’t keep living without you. I love you...I need you.”
    His words reached inside of me and squeezed my very soul. It was everything that I wanted to hear, the exact words I dreamed he would say, but at last I found my voice.
    “Kieran,” I said and pulled away. “The Mileans... They’re coming. They know you got away before... They know where you are!”
    I heard footsteps behind me, familiar and intrusive. I buried my face into Kieran’s chest.
    Go away...Go away...
    Kieran stiffened, “Is this true?”
    “Yes,” Alec said before I could answer.
    I bit my lip, ashamed that I’d forgotten all about Alec until that moment.
    Kieran looked from Alec to me and then back to Alec. Was he sensing something?
    “Why should I believe you?” Kieran asked with a distrustful glare.
    Alec glanced at me and then met Kieran’s glare with his own icy stare. “Do you have a choice?”

 
     
     
    Chapter 17
     
    Kieran guided us through the crowds easily, covering more ground in a matter of minutes than we managed all morning. I didn’t know where we were going, but people seemed to sense Kieran’s and get out of our way.
    I clutched at his hand, afraid to let go even for a minute. I still couldn’t believe he was really here and we were finally together. I was afraid of where we were going, afraid to take my eyes off his broad back with my backpack slung over his shoulder. I was afraid if I looked away for even a minute, he would disappear.
    Alec followed behind us, struggling to keep up. I looked back again and again, asking if he was okay. He nodded, but said nothing, seeming almost angry but I pointed out his weakness.
    Slowing just a little, Kieran glanced back, “So, the Mileans wanted you to represent your family line?”
    “Yes,” Alec huffed. “But I refused.”
    Kieran nodded, “But not before they conveniently told you their plans.”
    Suddenly Alec pushed past me and shoved Kieran roughly. The two of them stood toe to toe, glaring at each other with clenched fists.
    “Listen to me gypsy,” Alec snapped. “I don’t care if you trust me or not, but I promised Harmony that I would help you and that's all that matters. Otherwise, you and your unnatural clan could be wiped off the face of the earth and I wouldn’t care.”
    Kieran flinched; I didn’t know if it was from the insult or the sound of my name on Alec’s lips. He gripped my hand tighter, “You know it won’t change anything.”
    Alec glanced back at me, “I know.”
    “All right then,” Kieran said and offered his other hand Alec. “A truce.”
    They shook hands cautiously, as if both expected an attack